KCU vs SHSU

[hopingbutnotexpecting]

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Recently was accepted to both campuses off of the waitlist, very fortunate. I sent a letter of intent to KCU awhile back, and to most people (and myself) this should be a hard-stop that I cannot go back on a letter of intent. And yet...

Sam Houston just passed a bill that will offer in-state tuition and lower the cost of attendance by 25-30k a year. This is huge. I also happen to live 20 mins already from campus and have all of my family here. I don't think I could allow myself to walk back from a letter of intent, no matter the circumstance. But I would love to hear y'alls thoughts.

KCU - Joplin
Pros
"better" school
very established, with opportunities for research and whatnot
literally sent a letter saying I would attend if given the chance, what kind of provider am I if I walk away from this?

Sam Houston
Pros
would save about 120k in debt.
brothers and parents all live in houston/ conroe area. Huge, especially since I have a dog

cons
has not graduated a single class of doctors. no idea what the match rate/ list looks like.


In my heart of hearts, I know that I would probably prefer Sam Houston had I not sent in that letter of intent. However, my mind knows that it would be a risk to attend a school that isn't fully accredited. I'd love some input.

 

[Snoozles]

First, don't commit to things that you aren't prepared to follow through on.

Based on the information you had at the time, you made a decision. Now that the information and circumstances have changed in a considerable way, I do think you're entitled to re-evaluate that decision. I know some people will beat the righteous war drum from their moral high horse about reneging on a promise, but life is complex, full of nuance, and we all make mistakes.

Go to SHSU, it's where you want to be and you have 120,000 reasons to do so. Use this as a good lesson to not make promises to your patients that you can't keep. I'm sure KCU will be fine, they will pull the next person off their wait list and probably never think about this again.

 

[hopingbutnotexpecting]

First, don't commit to things that you aren't prepared to follow through on.

Based on the information you had at the time, you made a decision. Now that the information and circumstances have changed in a considerable way, I do think you're entitled to re-evaluate that decision. I know some people will beat the righteous war drum from their moral high horse about reneging on a promise, but life is complex, full of nuance, and we all make mistakes.

Go to SHSU, it's where you want to be and you have 120,000 reasons to do so. Use this as a good lesson to not make promises to your patients that you can't keep. I'm sure KCU will be fine, they will pull the next person off their wait list and probably never think about this again.

I appreciate this response. In a way, this confirmed my feelings - I will be attending KCU.

I will not, I cannot let one of the first decisions of my career be backing down from a commitment. In this case, my desire to do what I feel is the right thing is outweighing those 120,000 reasons. I think my mind knows it is the right decision.

 

[chilly_md]

Admissions has put less weight on LOI because people have changed their mind so often after sending them. If it does help you feel better, you won't be contributing to that if you do end up going to KCU.

The bill for SHSU was a quicker turnaround than expected.

 

[hopingbutnotexpecting]

Admissions has put less weight on LOI because people have changed their mind so often after sending them. If it does help you feel better, you won't be contributing to that if you do end up going to KCU.

The bill for SHSU was a quicker turnaround than expected.

I am less concerned with the impact of it on KCU, but more the internal "what type of person/ physician do I want to be" aspect.

I also sent the letter of intent in February and the bill was introduced in March so just very poor timing

 

[DarkHorizon]

I appreciate this response. In a way, this confirmed my feelings - I will be attending KCU.

I will not, I cannot let one of the first decisions of my career be backing down from a commitment. In this case, my desire to do what I feel is the right thing is outweighing those 120,000 reasons. I think my mind knows it is the right decision.

This is nice, but attend the cheaper school. Do what’s best for you, I guarantee you that no one at KCU admin will care and someone else will take your spot and pay that tuition. Life will go on.

 

[Snoozles]

I am less concerned with the impact of it on KCU, but more the internal "what type of person/ physician do I want to be" aspect.

I also sent the letter of intent in February and the bill was introduced in March so just very poor timing

If you knew that LOI had zero impact on your acceptance and it was simply because your name was next up on the list, how would you feel? Because that is a very strong possibility given how many love letters these adcoms receive.

If you really prefer KCU, then go there.

But if you are hung up because of the LOI... you're very noble but maybe a bit naive. If you got a job offer that you really liked, and before you started got another offer for a job closer to your family that paid you $30k more per year, it would not be moral or ethical failing to back out of the first job. I'm not SHSU's biggest cheerleader or anything, I just don't want to feel like your letter carries the weight akin to a signed contract or religious oath.

 

[chilly_md]

I am less concerned with the impact of it on KCU, but more the internal "what type of person/ physician do I want to be" aspect.

I also sent the letter of intent in February and the bill was introduced in March so just very poor timing

That really is a completely separate matter than posting in School X vs Y with the different pros and cons then.

 

[hopingbutnotexpecting]

I appreciate all of the responses. I view KCU as a better choice for my medical career, whereas SHSU would be more of choosing what is comfortable/ familiar, but obviously comfort can have a hugely positive impact on one's satisfaction, performance, and well-being...

That really is a completely separate matter than posting in School X vs Y with the different pros and cons then.

Yeah, I think I expected this thread to be guided more by the pro/cons and whether there were enough reasons to override said LOI instead of this thread being dominated by the LOI itself, for which I apologize.

you're very noble but maybe a bit naive.

Hopeless, misplaced naivety and idealism is what I'm all about. It has not treated me well in life so far

 

[drthedude]

120k is a lot, I vote SHSU