Northwestern vs. CCLCM

[timetodecide2018]

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I’ve narrowed my options down to these two schools. I’m grateful that both schools have given me very generous scholarships that cover 85% and 100% of tuition (Northwestern and CCLCM respectively). However, since CCLCM is five years the total cost of attendance won’t be too different (even considering that Cleveland is cheaper than Chicago).

This decision is really hard for me because I vastly prefer Northwestern’s location (city life, lots of family in Chicago) and the four year program is more appealing than five years at the moment. However, I vastly prefer CCLCM’s low stress curriculum
with no grades, AOA, or rankings. They also seem to match better.

In the end I’m not sure whether I would regret passing up Chicago and a four year program or a low stress academic environment and intimate training environment more. I know both schools will have similar opportunities, which is what makes the decision even more difficult. I would appreciate other people’s perspective and advice.

 

[timetodecide2018]

I really don't think there's any question that they match better. I would argue they have the strongest match in the country.

This year’s match was unbelievable for sure—even more so than some ‘top 5’ medical schools. But their graduates also have a whole extra year and two dedicated summers to do substantial research, which I’m sure is the biggest reason for the crazy impressive match results.

 

[Dwan]

I’ve narrowed my options down to these two schools. I’m grateful that both schools have given me very generous scholarships that cover 85% and 100% of tuition (Northwestern and CCLCM respectively). However, since CCLCM is five years the total cost of attendance won’t be too different (even considering that Cleveland is cheaper than Chicago).

This decision is really hard for me because I vastly prefer Northwestern’s location (city life, lots of family in Chicago) and the four year program is more appealing than five years at the moment. However, I vastly prefer CCLCM’s low stress curriculum
with no grades, AOA, or rankings. They also seem to match better.

In the end I’m not sure whether I would regret passing up Chicago and a four year program or a low stress academic environment and intimate training environment more. I know both schools will have similar opportunities, which is what makes the decision even more difficult. I would appreciate other people’s perspective and advice.

Doing 5 years vs 4 will help you match top places, but the NW list won't look as impressive because they're not forced to do the extra year of research. It's definitely a big factor, as it's helped people substantially even for people from my low tier school (top programs in competitive specialties, vs mostly low-mid tier for those who didn't take a year). For what it's worth, the few people I met from CCLCM hated the location and hoped to get out. They should be able to, but those 5 years may not be the most pleasant.

 

[timetodecide2018]

Doing 5 years vs 4 will help you match top places, but the NW list won't look as impressive because they're not forced to do the extra year of research. It's definitely a big factor, as it's helped people substantially even for people from my low tier school (top programs in competitive specialties, vs mostly low-mid tier for those who didn't take a year). For what it's worth, the few people I met from CCLCM hated the location and hoped to get out. They should be able to, but those 5 years may not be the most pleasant.

Doing 5 years vs 4 will help you match top places, but the NW list won't look as impressive because they're not forced to do the extra year of research. It's definitely a big factor, as it's helped people substantially even for people from my low tier school (top programs in competitive specialties, vs mostly low-mid tier for those who didn't take a year). For what it's worth, the few people I met from CCLCM hated the location and hoped to get out. They should be able to, but those 5 years may not be the most pleasant.

Thanks for your input. This is what I figured. Unfortunately I am no closer to making a confident decision. I suppose I will need to make a judgment call about whether location/4 years is more or less important than no grades/rankings. Not sure how that’s going to happen in the next few days.

 

[swanonc]

Congrats! Amazing offers.

Unless you are really adverse to the location or extra year, the combination of career outcomes and environment at CCLCM seems great. If you do go Northwestern for either of those reasons, I'm sure a research year can still be an option and you'd still match well!

 

[carrots28]

Sometimes family support can be invaluable. If you dislike the idea of doing a fifth year then I wouldn’t do it. Not worth it, if the cost is going to be comparable.

If you are seriously considering research as part of your career, then do the fifth year.

 

[timetodecide2018]

Sometimes family support can be invaluable. If you dislike the idea of doing a fifth year then I wouldn’t do it. Not worth it, if the cost is going to be comparable.

If you are seriously considering research as part of your career, then do the fifth year.

Thank you for all the advice everyone. After a lot of soul searching, I have decided to choose CCLCM. Although the location is a sacrifice, I realized I would be a much better fit for the actual program at CCLCM: the small class size, individualized attention, mentorship, and low-stress environment. I also think having the opportunity to train at the Cleveland Clinic is a unique opportunity that shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. Although Chicago is a nicer city, I didn’t hate Cleveland during my visits either.

In terms of the research year, I think it will be a great opportunity to explore my career interests and develop a strong residency application.

I also realized all of my reasons for liking Northwestern were external to their actual program (location and time). Seeing as medical school is a marathon not a sprint, I recognize it’s important to actually enjoy the curriculum as well.

Sorry for the long explanation. I posted in case anyone in a similar situation finds this thread and wants to see how I made my decision.