Alright folks I was just accepted into OHSU 24 hours ago and am now mid-decision-making crisis. I know these are incredibly different schools but would love any insight! (side note - do I legitimately have to make this decision today? having 24 hours to do this feels insane)
For context - I live in Portland (but haven't lived here long) and went in to the process with OHSU high on my list. OHSU's application process has disappointed me but Mayo's has really pleasantly surprised me. I'm in my late 20s and have been working in policy for a while, want to continue doing work in the public health/health policy realm somewhere down the line. I'm fairly open specialty wise - used to love surgery, but now could see myself doing OBGYN or primary care, but honestly open to everything for now.
Alright here goes:
Mayo
pros:
pros:
For context - I live in Portland (but haven't lived here long) and went in to the process with OHSU high on my list. OHSU's application process has disappointed me but Mayo's has really pleasantly surprised me. I'm in my late 20s and have been working in policy for a while, want to continue doing work in the public health/health policy realm somewhere down the line. I'm fairly open specialty wise - used to love surgery, but now could see myself doing OBGYN or primary care, but honestly open to everything for now.
Alright here goes:
Mayo
pros:
- ~$18k cheaper a year + cost of living is cheaper
- know a few faculty who I feel like would help me navigate Mayo and get the best possible experience
- small class size + student focused culture makes it seem like they really help every individual succeed and help you find unique opportunities that are aligned with your interests
- I like the selective weeks throughout the curriculum, seems like a cool way to explore interests
- I feel like the research focus would push me outside my comfort zone in a good way
- Mayo brand is more recognizable - would likely help me match and more people outside of the medical field are familiar with Mayo (over OHSU) which could be helpful if I want to work in public health/policy later on
- location! almost didn't apply because of location. my partner also won't love Rochester (but is perfectly supportive about moving there as he can work remote). I also love bigger cities + bigger mountains + better food scenes + live music etc.
- younger students on average, and I assume there are generally fewer "like minded" people in MN versus OHSU
- doesn't feel like students are really into advocacy or policy work, but that could be true in a lot of places
pros:
- location!! love Portland, has all the above things that I love. Don't have a ton of friends here bc moved in COVID, but have at least a few and feel like I could more easily make more friend here
- closer-ish to my family in CA (although not that close)
- partner would be happier here but doesn't feel strongly
- older student average age - closer to my age
- seems like students are slightly more into advocacy work in Portland/Oregon more generally
- clinical rotations start halfway through second year which seems better?
- admissions process felt unorganized and not that respectful of students needs (e.g., so many acceptances went out yesterday...) - school didn't really sell themselves
- definitely bigger university feel - doesn't seem like you're really guided as much as you have to figure out opportunities for yourself (I can do this, but as someone that feels like a bit of an outside to the whole med school process, this feels a bit more daunting)
- might be harder to match
