Northwestern vs. Dartmouth

[Toes_crossed]

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Hello all,

I have been accepted to NW and Dartmouth and both have about an equal COA. I am interested in surgical/competitive specialties like ortho and derm and would like to match at a highly-competitive academic center for residency, preferably in the northeast or maybe west coast but ideally not in the midwest. Which would you pick and why?

Thank you!

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

Northwestern. Stronger program, matches people well to both northeast and west coast (high midwest rates on the list is student preference, trust me). Northwestern derm and surgery are both excellent. Research opportunities will almost certainly be better at NW.

Chicago is a vibrant, exciting city. My friends at Northwestern absolutely love it.

 

[Toes_crossed]

My only qualm is that I had some not so great interactions with fellow admitted students at second look at NW as opposed to Geisel. When I was at NW I thought I could chalk it up to some nervousness but the difference was stark with some of the admitted students at Geisel. Do you all think that would hold up after matriculation? I'm just worried because I don't want it to be a hyper competitive 4 years where people could be toxic

 

[Toes_crossed]

Northwestern. Stronger program, matches people well to both northeast and west coast (high midwest rates on the list is student preference, trust me). Northwestern derm and surgery are both excellent. Research opportunities will almost certainly be better at NW.

Chicago is a vibrant, exciting city. My friends at Northwestern absolutely love it.

Also, why do you say it's student preference? Is it people liking the area after going for med school or just that they have family there?

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

Also, why do you say it's student preference? Is it people liking the area after going for med school or just that they have family there?

Both, but a ton of people are from the midwest for some reason so I'd say especially #2.

My strongest advice to you is do NOT make your decision AGAINST a school purely from second look weekend vibes. The students that are participating are either hand-selected by admissions or the people who have free time to show up. Also the admitted students who are around you are not all for sure going to that school - waitlist movement happens, family situations change etc. I guarantee NW's class size is big enough for you to find your people when you go.

Also, if you hypothetically don't vibe with your classmates at NW you have the entire city of Chicago to make friends through activities/other schools etc. What happens at Dartmouth?

Granted, it was COVID but the school I attend gave me one of the weakest second look impressions and it by far is the best culture fit for me in retrospect with all that I know now.