Hi everyone! I was really fortunate to be accepted this cycle! I've narrowed it down to two schools as of now, and I'm really torn between these two options. I would love some input, especially since Carle Illinois is a newer school.
MCW:
Pros:
+ 1 hour from family/fiancé
+ Established school with a strong reputation in the Midwest
+ Students seem generally happy and I've known multiple people who have gone here and have loved it
+ Good hospitals and opportunities
Cons:
- In house exams as opposed to NBME questions
- Students said the pre-clinical curriculum was "meh" and in need of updating, and it is very removed since most of the lectures are virtual
- Larger class size
- Fewer interesting research opportunities
Carle:
Pros:
+ Engineering focus - my undergrad and masters were both in engineering
+ Small class size
+ NBME questions for all exams
+ Interesting research opportunities
Cons:
- New school, no established history of previous class residency matching
- Only one major hospital in the area, as far as I can tell
- Farther away (4 hours) from fiancé and family - it would also be my first time moving away from my home state
Not pro or con:
Possibility of doing an MD/PhD - I have been interested in the past, and I really love basic science research. But I'm no longer 100% certain after hearing from people who have done it.
Any input would be great, and thank you so much in advance!
MCW:
Pros:
+ 1 hour from family/fiancé
+ Established school with a strong reputation in the Midwest
+ Students seem generally happy and I've known multiple people who have gone here and have loved it
+ Good hospitals and opportunities
Cons:
- In house exams as opposed to NBME questions
- Students said the pre-clinical curriculum was "meh" and in need of updating, and it is very removed since most of the lectures are virtual
- Larger class size
- Fewer interesting research opportunities
Carle:
Pros:
+ Engineering focus - my undergrad and masters were both in engineering
+ Small class size
+ NBME questions for all exams
+ Interesting research opportunities
Cons:
- New school, no established history of previous class residency matching
- Only one major hospital in the area, as far as I can tell
- Farther away (4 hours) from fiancé and family - it would also be my first time moving away from my home state
Not pro or con:
Possibility of doing an MD/PhD - I have been interested in the past, and I really love basic science research. But I'm no longer 100% certain after hearing from people who have done it.
Any input would be great, and thank you so much in advance!
