Michigan vs. Duke

[wolverine1234]

I'm a long time lurker, and have had the fortune of being accepted into these two schools. I am having an incredibly difficult time deciding between the two, and could use some input from my fellow SDNers! I apologize in advance if this thread is repetitive. I haven't seen a discussion about these two schools specifically in a few years.

Background: I have lived in Michigan for most of my life, and currently attend U of M for undergrad. So, for Michigan I would be receiving in-state tuition (~30K) and Duke I would be paying ~60K. My thoughts are:

Michigan:

+Incredibly warm community

+Flextime quizzes lead to an overall much more chill first year

+Supportive administration – seemed like Michigan takes student input really seriously and gives a ton of support to students and student groups

+Lots and lots of family in the area

+Close to SO who will be in Chicago

+Familiarity with Ann Arbor/Michigan. Ann Arbor has definitely a vibrant and fun place to be.

+New student library area for our incoming class

-2 years pre-clinical

-Lower step 1 average, changing curriculum worries me a little bit

-I want to get out of Michigan eventually (preferably west coast), and many more people seem to stay in the Midwest/at Michigan

- I didn't click as well with the M0's, but I thought the M1's were really chill and great people.

- I hear M3 year is very intense, and that the clinical grading is harsh.

Duke:

+Strong academics, incredible residency opportunities.

+ Would like to get a dual degree, so completing both the MD/MPH in 4 years sounds great!

+Getting to wards sooner (1 pre-clinical year)

+At SWL, I really liked my class

+ A new adventure in a new place

-I don’t know many people in Durham/don’t have a support system there

-More expensive, but parents have offered to offset some of this cost.

-Durham is very small, but I've heard Chapel Hill is nice

- 1 year pre-clinical could be more intense

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[pennies124]

Seems like you're leaning towards Michigan, but can't get over the fact that Duke is a name brand school. There may be an advantage for you to stay in the Michigan community as you'll spend less time figuring stuff out and can hit the ground running. Having a support system is really important too, but really it all depends on what kind of person you are and what you need to do well and be happy. I feel like people always start off their which school to pick thread with the school that they really prefer. Good luck whichever you choose.

 

[wolverine1234]

I wouldn't go as far as to say that I can't get over the name brand. I'm strongly considering an MPH and being able to complete it in 4 years instead of 5 sounds like a good opportunity. Also, I felt that the class at Duke was one I connected more with. But, I don't know if the intensity of Duke's first year is worth saving an extra year.

Overall, I'm looking for a balanced experience, and I can't really tell yet if Duke can provide that as well as Michigan, if that make's sense?

 

[pennies124]

I apologize for making that assumption... just seemed like you were leaning towards Michigan with all the pros you listed about it. You're going to be extremely busy during medical school already without an MPH curriculum added to it. I totally understand that attractiveness of finishing both degrees in four years, but I wonder if doing that will take away from your medical education opportunities at all, and if all that extra work would just cause more stress than you already have. BUT one thing that stands out from what you just said for me is that you connected more with the class at Duke. Gut feelings for me are usually what sways me most. But if you make friends easily then I'm sure you'll be fine wherever you go.

 

[wolverine1234]

That is true, I don't think I've really considered the merits of a dual degree and if I decide not to do a dual degree I don't think Duke's third year would be as attractive as an option.

In regards to friends, I would say I did connect more with my Duke classmates, but being from UMich I will already have friends on campus, and I think it won't be too hard to make new ones. I'm starting to see Michigan as the safer pick, but I'm still not sure if it's the right one.

I'm worried Ann Arbor will be boring after another four years. Also I feel that being in a new place will allow me to grow as an adult. On other hand, I know that family is important and that I'll have time in residency to move to a different place and grow as an adult as well. Really I feel like this decision to will come down to the smaller details.

 

[Australopithekus]

I'm making this exact same choice. PMing you a bit of advice I got from a physician at one of these hospital systems.

 

[wolverine1234]

Thanks for reaching out, and let me know what you decide!

 

[ChemEngMD]

Combover, you know that 78 in January happens but so does 25 haha.

OP, the real question is: do you like football or basketball?

 

[wolverine1234]

Thanks Cambover! And ChemEngMD, I'm pretty into both, but I would say Michigan basketball next year is also going to be good!