New Hampshire or NYC...Opinions?

[Wombat Jones]

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So, if everything remains as it is now, and no amazing scholarships come flying my way, I will be making a tough and unexpected decision between Dartmouth, Cornell, or Columbia. I love the idea of attending Dartmouth: small class, small town, undergraduate facilities nearby. Moreover, the location fits nicely with my personal interests, which include hockey, snowboarding, and cycling. Now, for Cornell and Columbia. Both are amazing schools, but I've never spent much time living in a large city, and the thought of adapting a completely new lifestyle is intimidating. The fact that neither campus is located on their main campus is another concern. Of the New York schools, I am currently leaning toward Cornell, but Columbia's student body seems incredibly active, which is a huge plus.

Four important features:
1. A curriculum that allows for time away from the books
2. A cohesive and active student body
3. A solid match list- I want to remain in academia following residency, and I'm trying to keep the path as clear as possible.
4. Facilities-obviously I'm looking at affiliated hospitals, research facilities, and classrooms, but I'm also considering the quality of libraries, gyms, etc.

Do I follow my gut and stay in my comfort zone by choosing to live in Hanover? Or do I challenge myself and move to New York for four years?

If you have any ideas or know of anything else I should be considering, let me know...

 

[custard]

Is cost of living an issue? I'm sure there would be a crazy big difference in that between the schools.

 

[scowdeva]

If big city living has ever excited you, then I say definitely consider the NYC schools. If you don't have any real desire to EVER do the city thing, then maybe the setting just isn't right for you. Med school will be stressful enough, and you have to decide if the stress of city living would be worth the added stress load to that of just classes. However, if living in NYC is something that you've ever wanted to do, now would be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of that.

I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to stay in your comfort zone...that is one of the main factors that went into me determining my tippy top choice. However, if you have some urges to try out city life, this would be a perfect opportunity. Good luck, and congrats on earning the dilemna of choosing between those three amazing schools!