MSTP: University of Chicago Illinois v University of Miami?? HALP!

[SlythenClaw]

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Background: I feel very confused and torn.

I loved miami after the interview. However, I just got accepted to Miami a few days ago and did not get to go to second look 🙁
- smaller program (6-7 students per year)
- Brickel rent is ~200-300 more per month
- one of my possible PIs seems pretty successful in getting MD PhD students out in 3 years. We both think that I am a good match for the lab
- property tax is very low, but properties are more expensive
- newly minted MSTP status
- only met a few of the students... only like 4 showed up to the dinner

I got accepted to UIC a while ago and went to the second look. Wasn't as impressed in the interview, but loved the second look. Even put down an application fee at a building I toured. (not too big a deal if I don't end up going, it was like $200)
- larger program (11 students per year)
- Very interested in working with two PIs, one has a lot of MD PhD students
- slightly better matches
- property tax is very high, but properties seem more affordable
- have been MSTP for longer
- had a chance to bond with my fellow accepted classmates and had a great time with the current students


What I like:
- Generally, I prefer cold to heat, but omg Chicago might be *too* cold??? It literally just snowed the other day.
- I like city living / big cities
- hate driving, love public transportation and walking
- I am interested in cancer biology


Both programs have comparable US News rankings
Both programs have comparable stipends.
Everyone who I have talked says that they loved living in chicago. Not everyone I talked to has loved living in Miami - not sure if that should be a factor
Before I got accepted to Miami, I really warmed up to the idea of chicago, but now that I've been accepted to Miami I feel like I am split in half.... HEEELLLPPP

 

[Lifeblood_20]

Where would you prefer to spend 8+ years of your life, the midwest or Florida? Distance to family/friends? Availability to long-term opportunities down the road?

 

[PapaGuava]

Thread moved to the Help Me Decide: X vs Y Medical School subsection.

 

[SlythenClaw]

I like both cities for what they are, however, they are obviously very different. This is why I am having a hard time comparing them. I think I like the city of chicago better because I am very into the whole big city vibe, but I mean... it's miami and who wouldn't want access to that warm water and beautiful beaches. And also Miami has brickell.

I do not have family in either, but I do have friends in both.

Flights to visit my family are cheaper from Chicago, but not by too much.

 

[psychhh]

For 8 years of your life I would REALLY focus on location here. Chicago + Miami are both great but as you said, very different. Only you can know which one you’d like better.

 

[dodolol21]

I feel like UIC is the place to go for the following things you said
- prefer cold to heat
- enjoy living in big city like Chicago
- more established MSTP
- slightly better matches
- hate driving, love public transportation and walking
- already know you like the incoming classmates/possible PIs
- rent is around $3000 cheaper, or $24,000 over 8 years