Michigan State CHM vs. BU vs. CWRU

[32168plusdone]

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Context: First gen college student from a rural area, graduated from large public research institution, looking for a school that will allow me to continue with research while being integrated in/working in underserved communities. Have some debt from undergrad, but I want to set myself up for success later, whether that means matching to a great residency or not being in debt for 500 years. Really struggling to make a decision, especially when no one has been able to visit schools/do a vibe check with COVID. I don't really have anyone in my family/immediate circle in the medical field to ask for guidance, so I thought I would try here.


Michigan State

Pros:
-In state tuition
-Rural medicine focused (chance to work in underserved communities)
-Close to family

Cons:
-Very limited research opportunity (kind of dismissive about research in pre-interview info session)
-Weaker match list
-Less of a chance to branch out (lived in Michigan all of my life)

BU

Pros:
-Love Boston and NE (sister went to college in Boston)
-Very strong research program, especially in infectious disease (interested in specializing)
-Insurance in MA is * chefs kiss* compared to the rest of the US
-BMC is INCREDIBLE
-Very focused on social justice, and has a long and strong history of equity
-Strong match list

Cons:
-Boston is an expensive city+ private school tuition (scares me a lot)

CWRU

Pros:

-Really like the structure of the school day (classes in morning, independent learning in afternoon/evening)
-Cleveland COL is very cheap
-2 weeks of cadaver dissection/ rest of anatomy being VR (cool concept!)
-Cleveland Clinic + great hospitals in the city/ diverse patient population
-VERY good match list
-New facilities and great admissions staff
-Really top tier research opportunities, with research project mandatory for graduation

Cons:

-COA is crazy expensive (same as BU)
-Not offering merit based aid this year/scholarships

Summary:

Michigan State is a nice option due to in-state tuition, Case and BU are both social justice oriented research institutions with a private school price tag. Want to pick the school that will help me to become a well rounded physician that has the opportunity to learn from diverse patient populations and with diverse student bodies.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

I'd go to Case. Bigger name, lots of research opportunities, top 25 in the country. CC is great. Matching is great. Live like a resident for a couple years as an attending, and pay off the loans. BU is a good choice too, little run down I understand. I'd pick Case.

 

[Nerd300]

Hello. Congratulations on your acceptances.
If you are looking for a school that would provide you the opportunity to work with underserved + diverse population, then BU is that school. its associated hospital BMC is a safety-net hospital, a homeless shelter next to it. and I believe in 1st year student began to have clinical exposure. Boston is an expensive place to live. this can be offset by having roommate. Additionally, you really don't need a car due to looking for a parking space and because of the public transportation (can get to you to any place in Boston if you plan accordingly).

Plus, Boston is a health and research hub.

Based on population and research: My vote is

1. BU (living in the city has its perks)
1. CWRU (has name, which will open doors)
3. Michigan. I don't think you should let money deter you.

 

[32168plusdone]

I'd go to Case. Bigger name, lots of research opportunities, top 25 in the country. CC is great. Matching is great. Live like a resident for a couple years as an attending, and pay off the loans. BU is a good choice too, little run down I understand. I'd pick Case.

Thank you so much for your reply! I was wondering what people thought the cost/benefit ratio for Case was since it is so expensive but also incredible. I really appreciate it!

 

[32168plusdone]

Hello. Congratulations on your acceptances.
If you are looking for a school that would provide you the opportunity to work with underserved + diverse population, then BU is that school. its associated hospital BMC is a safety-net hospital, a homeless shelter next to it. and I believe in 1st year student began to have clinical exposure. Boston is an expensive place to live. this can be offset by having roommate. Additionally, you really don't need a car due to looking for a parking space and because of the public transportation (can get to you to any place in Boston if you plan accordingly).

Plus, Boston is a health and research hub.

Based on population and research: My vote is

1. BU (living in the city has its perks)
1. CWRU (has name, which will open doors)
3. Michigan. I don't think you should let money deter you.

Thank you so much! It seems like there are a lot of perks to BU I wasn't considering already. I agree that BU and BMC are perfect for working with the patient populations I'm interested in. Definitely also in love with Boston and the science-focus of the city. I really appreciate your input!