Northwestern v Cornell

[ErmaBoBurma]

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I am very sad to start this thread because I was hoping my decision would be easy. My heart has really been set on Cornell. I love New York, I loved the people, and I had mentally already decided I was going there. However, Northwestern offered me a 90,000 grant over 4 years and I just found out that Cornell is only offering me a lot of loans. SO... I realize that the decision is ultimately mine to make, but I'd appreciate getting some different perspectives. I guess it comes down to.... can I be bought for $90,000???

Thoughts?

 

[mmmcdowe]

I am very sad to start this thread because I was hoping my decision would be easy. My heart has really been set on Cornell. I love New York, I loved the people, and I had mentally already decided I was going there. However, Northwestern offered me a 90,000 grant over 4 years and I just found out that Cornell is only offering me a lot of loans. SO... I realize that the decision is ultimately mine to make, but I'd appreciate getting some different perspectives. I guess it comes down to.... can I be bought for $90,000???

Thoughts?

I say no, but a lot of financial crusaders are going to say go with the money. More than the 90k, though, how much does it cost to go to each school? Is the total difference 90k, more, or less?

 

[ErmaBoBurma]

The upfront cost is practically identical. Each at 71 something. So I'm looking at total cost of 284 vs 194. You can argue cost of living in Chicago is cheaper, but Cornell has subsidized housing, so it evens out imo.

 

[mdeast]

Hmm that's tough. If Northwestern was a significantly worse school, in a different location (urban vs. other), I'd say go to Cornell. But you're comparing a similarly ranked school, with equally great resources, that's also in a really cool urban area (in many regards, probably a more fun area of Chicago than Cornell's location is a "fun" area of Manhattan).

If you're really set on NYC, I say go with it and forget the money, enroll at Cornell. What's your reasoning behind that. Significant other? Family close by? Or just the desire to live in Manhattan? I think if you don't have super compelling reasons why Manhattan is 90,000 better than Chicago, then you should go to Northwestern. It's such a subjective question because there really isn't a huge difference between the schools themselves...it really comes down to whether or not location is worth 90k. Is it? I don't think anyone on here can answer that.

 

[ErmaBoBurma]

Part of the reason I want to be in New York is that I'm not ready to go back to the midwest yet. I lived there for 24 years, moved to Baltimore, and have a strong aversion to going back to the middle of the country. I realize Chicago is not Iowa (where I grew up) but it's close enough that it gives me the heebie jeebies even thinking about being that close to home. Plus I think the diversity in New York is unmatched, which is really important to me.

But yes, the schools are so similar that it really is only a location (and now money) issue. Both similarly ranked, urban, similar curriculum... etc etc.

 

[mdeast]

Part of the reason I want to be in New York is that I'm not ready to go back to the midwest yet. I lived there for 24 years, moved to Baltimore, and have a strong aversion to going back to the middle of the country. I realize Chicago is not Iowa (where I grew up) but it's close enough that it gives me the heebie jeebies even thinking about being that close to home. Plus I think the diversity in New York is unmatched, which is really important to me.

But yes, the schools are so similar that it really is only a location (and now money) issue. Both similarly ranked, urban, similar curriculum... etc etc.

Hmmm tough. Are you taking out all loans? Like federal + Grad Plus, etc.?

To be honest, I'm taking out all loans as well. So even marginal differences in price aren't significant to me, as either way I'm in a boatload of debt. 90k isn't marginal I guess, so that's a slightly different consideration. 90k over 10 years interest adds up.

Also, I think medical school is a really unique time in your life, and one that will define the next 4 (or possibly 5) years of your existence. Location is just such a huge, huge factor to me and it seems to be for you too. I guess I understand the difference in culture between NYC and Chicago, and the Mid-West feel is a big differentiator...I think personally I'd have no problem with Chicago because I don't have the same aversions that you do. But, given your language it seems like you really don't like the idea of living there. Is it worth it to save 90k if you end wishing you were someplace else? Also, do you think you'd really care once you moved and realized how busy and hectic medical school is anyway?

 

[ErmaBoBurma]

I guess part of what makes me want to say who cares?!? about the money is that I went with the "economic" choice in undergrad and have always regretted it, so I'm a little scared to do the same again and have double the regrets. However, Northwestern isn't quite as blah as a big state school, so it isn't exactly the same comparison. And yes, it'll be all loans. Have not met that special sugar daddy yet but I'm working on it! haha 🙂

 

[jbz24]

You want to go to Cornell so just do it. Yes you will be in more debt which will require more work to pay off down the road. But I see no compelling reason to go to Northwestern here.

 

[mdeast]

I guess part of what makes me want to say who cares?!? about the money is that I went with the "economic" choice in undergrad and have always regretted it, so I'm a little scared to do the same again and have double the regrets. However, Northwestern isn't quite as blah as a big state school, so it isn't exactly the same comparison. And yes, it'll be all loans. Have not met that special sugar daddy yet but I'm working on it! haha 🙂

I mean...haha you will care in 20 years when you're still paying back your debt. And yes, this isn't choosing between State U and Cornell. You're choosing between the "Ivy league" school of the mid-west and a similarly ranked prestigious institution in Manhattan. I feel like you should go with your gut feeling (and maybe talk this over with your parents, or some residents maybe? who are just starting to think about paying back loans....might put things in perspective). I guess I really don't understand what's to complain about Chicago (it's diverse, urban, fun, etc. and potentially cheaper than manhattan...Cornell subsidized housing is only really great the first year, second-fourth year rents go up higher). Again, this is your subjective decision, not ours. I don't think anyone here can answer certain questions for you.

I interviewed at/was WLed at Cornell. Got rejected pre-interview at Northwestern...so I'm not the best person to compare the two schools because I didn't end up getting the chance to visit NW.

 

[Steeler7588]

I didn't apply to Northwestern, but aren't NW and Cornell pretty much the exact same school, just in different cities? Lots of PBL, 2 year pre-clinicals, ritzy area of the city - do you want to get away from the Midwest so badly that you'd pay $90k + interest?

I never want to live in the Midwest (not really the West Coast, either) but I've always thought Chicago (if you can handle the weather) would be a pretty cool place to live. It's not a bunch of corn fields, as you said. You'd be close to home, but you don't have to go back, haha...

Personally, if I liked NYC, I'd imagine I would like Chicago as well. I certainly wouldn't like Manhattan $90k+ better.

 

[BlueElmo]

It's be pretty hard to turn down that amount of money. Choose NW and be happier down the road when you don't have to pay back any loans, IMO.

 

[txdoctobe]

I would definitely choose Northwestern in that case. You are choosing between two very equal school and Chicago is an amazing city. The location of the med school is downtown and you have easy access to the northern neighborhoods. $90k is not insignificant, especially after experiencing uncertain economic times these past couple of years. I know people who are at U of Chi med school and many of them matched on the east coast for residency. So, if you end up hating the midwest as much as you fear, then you can always leave again. Plus, cost of living in Chi is less than NY. Even if Cornell has subsidized housing, eating out, movies, etc = more expensive.

 

[topsurgeon2010]

congrats..this is tough

definitely go with your gut feeling..but I'll add my two cents

as people have mentioned both are basically equal in almost every aspect which makes the decision so difficult...and i dont think you would be giving up anything really by going to NW..no city is comparable to NYC but if I had to choose the cities that come closest to the vibe of NYC I would choose LA and Chicago..$90,000 is A LOT of money to give up..the difference will be compounded even more when you include interest over several years..

and i dont blame you i wouldnt want to live in the midwest either lol but actually I applied to almost all the Chicago schools just because its an amazing city..

if you have the money to spend and money is not an issue then definitely go to NYC!

good luck its a good position to be in but definitely a difficult decision to make in the next few days!

 

[mdeast]

congrats..this is tough

definitely go with your gut feeling..but I'll add my two cents

as people have mentioned both are basically equal in almost every aspect which makes the decision so difficult...and i dont think you would be giving up anything really by going to NW..no city is comparable to NYC but if I had to choose the cities that come closest to the vibe of NYC I would choose LA and Chicago..$90,000 is A LOT of money to give up..the difference will be compounded even more when you include interest over several years..

and i dont blame you i wouldnt want to live in the midwest either lol but actually I applied to almost all the Chicago schools just because its an amazing city..

if you have the money to spend and money is not an issue then definitely go to NYC!

good luck its a good position to be in but definitely a difficult decision to make in the next few days!

LA? Really? LA life reminds me very little of Manhattan life. Save the diversity/things to do. The cities are just such polar opposite approaches to urban living. Chicago and NYC are really close to me in general lifestyle. Yes, I think NYC is probably "cooler". But, Chicago people are definitely a lot friendlier/nicer than NYC people.

 

[phoenixsuns]

LA? Really? LA life reminds me very little of Manhattan life. Save the diversity/things to do. The cities are just such polar opposite approaches to urban living. Chicago and NYC are really close to me in general lifestyle. Yes, I think NYC is probably "cooler". But, Chicago people are definitely a lot friendlier/nicer than NYC people.

totally agree. LA is really a bunch of suburbs, santa monica, Hollywood, LA Live, and Westwood spread out and connected by a bunch of highways.

 

[justinbaily]

I didn't apply to Northwestern, but aren't NW and Cornell pretty much the exact same school, just in different cities? Lots of PBL, 2 year pre-clinicals, ritzy area of the city - do you want to get away from the Midwest so badly that you'd pay $90k + interest?

I never want to live in the Midwest (not really the West Coast, either) but I've always thought Chicago (if you can handle the weather) would be a pretty cool place to live. It's not a bunch of corn fields, as you said. You'd be close to home, but you don't have to go back, haha...

Personally, if I liked NYC, I'd imagine I would like Chicago as well. I certainly wouldn't like Manhattan $90k+ better.

See bold.

 

[topsurgeon2010]

LA? Really? LA life reminds me very little of Manhattan life. Save the diversity/things to do. The cities are just such polar opposite approaches to urban living. Chicago and NYC are really close to me in general lifestyle. Yes, I think NYC is probably "cooler". But, Chicago people are definitely a lot friendlier/nicer than NYC people.

yeah i completely agree with you..i used the incorrect word..didn't mean to say LA and NYC had similar vibes..complete opposite vibes actually..i meant in terms of night-life, diversity, and things to do..both are amazing cities in that regard...and Chicago ranks right up there...nothing compares to the uber-urban experience of Manhattan

 

[ErmaBoBurma]

They are pretty much the same school, however I did find the student body to be a bit different, at least at second look. NW is a has a larger class size (170?) than Cornell (~100). I def like the smaller size better. Plus, I felt like the students at Cornell were slightly older, which is appealing to me as I have taken 5 years off. But those are the only concrete differences I have noticed.

 

[Kb041]

You can always do your residency in NYC, should you chose economics. Thats the great thing about medicine. The jobs are everywhere and anywhere you want to be lol.

 

[mdeast]

They are pretty much the same school, however I did find the student body to be a bit different, at least at second look. NW is a has a larger class size (170?) than Cornell (~100). I def like the smaller size better. Plus, I felt like the students at Cornell were slightly older, which is appealing to me as I have taken 5 years off. But those are the only concrete differences I have noticed.

Easy question: Is your gut telling you that 90k is worth it for NYC?

The schools are about equal. Any differences between them aren't going to matter much once you're there. There's no lower prestige in residency director viewpoints. There's class size difference I guess...which does create a different dynamic. But...again, you probably will care less about this after you enroll. You'll just adapt to a new medical school environment (that, is by far way smaller than your undergrad environment). It's not as if Northwestern is a "large" school. To be honest...it's not as if any medical school is a "large school".

It really comes down to. NYC vs. Chicago..this is the largest difference and I think it's personal. Is NYC 90k better than Chicago? That's your decision.

 

[ErmaBoBurma]

So I reviewed my aid info for Cornell because I was a bit shocked that I received nothing in need based aid (all 90k of NW was need based). Turns out there is a large error on my parents' section of the form. It has now been corrected and I'm waiting for the updated financials. Realllllly crossing my fingers that this works out. After thinking it through, I'm still leaning toward Cornell, 90 grand or not.

Nothing like last minute decisions! Sheesh.

 

[mdeast]

So I reviewed my aid info for Cornell because I was a bit shocked that I received nothing in need based aid (all 90k of NW was need based). Turns out there is a large error on my parents' section of the form. It has now been corrected and I'm waiting for the updated financials. Realllllly crossing my fingers that this works out. After thinking it through, I'm still leaning toward Cornell, 90 grand or not.

Nothing like last minute decisions! Sheesh.

Oooohhh! Good luck! for you.

 

[dmblue]

So I reviewed my aid info for Cornell because I was a bit shocked that I received nothing in need based aid (all 90k of NW was need based). Turns out there is a large error on my parents' section of the form. It has now been corrected and I'm waiting for the updated financials. Realllllly crossing my fingers that this works out. After thinking it through, I'm still leaning toward Cornell, 90 grand or not.

Nothing like last minute decisions! Sheesh.

If you are still leaning towards cornell, then commit. There is then absolutely no reason to hold on to your NU acceptance.

 

[ErmaBoBurma]

Well, in the end I decided you can't place a price on your gut feeling. I withdrew from Northwestern last night. Cornell it is!

Thanks for your input guys. Much appreciated 🙂

 

[naijaboi]

Well, in the end I decided you can't place a price on your gut feeling. I withdrew from Northwestern last night. Cornell it is!

Thanks for your input guys. Much appreciated 🙂

Good choice. Enjoy Cornell. Hopefully the finaid when it comes thru' will put an even bigger smile on your face.

 

[mdeast]

Well, in the end I decided you can't place a price on your gut feeling. I withdrew from Northwestern last night. Cornell it is!

Thanks for your input guys. Much appreciated 🙂

Congrats!