Super grateful for a good cycle and to be able to consider these institutions. I've narrowed it down to these two and would love some input on what people think/if they have any impressions that may help guide my decision-making. Coming into this I really wanted to live in a city (and still do) and am also considering a career in surgery.
Feinberg SOM at Northwestern
Pros:
-content/not stressed students
-loved the curriculum (minus PBL i guess), systems-based curriculum with early clinical exposure
-amazing location, right in downtown chicago
-cost of living for location is better than other cities, and apartments/facilities are AMAZING
-beautiful hospital/facilities
-so much to do/great food
-amazing match list
-students seemed happy, very large focus on mental health
-know for a fact i will be happy here
Cons:
-very, very cold
-will probably be more expensive in terms of tuition
-a lot of people tend to match in the midwest, and ultimately I'd like to leave midwest (unless I was staying in Chicago)
-Possibly less diverse class of students? Can someone comment on this?
-Less diverse patient population I've heard?
-giving me some money, but would be 65k more expensive than Duke
Duke SOM:
Pros:
-super super happy/friendly student body (loved the people)
-superb facilities
-great administration
-low cost of living
-very nice/decent housing nearby
-awesome curriculum, really nice to get in the wards second year
-weather is the best out of the two
-reputation (if significant at all)? Would this be something I should consider?
-research is amazing here
-amazing match list
-Giving me much more money
Cons:
-Durham is not the city that Chicago is, location is a huge negative
-possibly less diverse than chicago
-does clinical education/training have to be sacrificed for the research year?
-Know that I won't be as happy here
I really liked Duke, but I'm very worried about feeling like I gave something up about spending my mid-twenties in Durham. I know there's tons to do, but I feel I would get bored of the area really quick.
Once again, I'm super grateful for any input! This post was not meant to be showy/annoying and purely for informing me and others in similar situations!
Feinberg SOM at Northwestern
Pros:
-content/not stressed students
-loved the curriculum (minus PBL i guess), systems-based curriculum with early clinical exposure
-amazing location, right in downtown chicago
-cost of living for location is better than other cities, and apartments/facilities are AMAZING
-beautiful hospital/facilities
-so much to do/great food
-amazing match list
-students seemed happy, very large focus on mental health
-know for a fact i will be happy here
Cons:
-very, very cold
-will probably be more expensive in terms of tuition
-a lot of people tend to match in the midwest, and ultimately I'd like to leave midwest (unless I was staying in Chicago)
-Possibly less diverse class of students? Can someone comment on this?
-Less diverse patient population I've heard?
-giving me some money, but would be 65k more expensive than Duke
Duke SOM:
Pros:
-super super happy/friendly student body (loved the people)
-superb facilities
-great administration
-low cost of living
-very nice/decent housing nearby
-awesome curriculum, really nice to get in the wards second year
-weather is the best out of the two
-reputation (if significant at all)? Would this be something I should consider?
-research is amazing here
-amazing match list
-Giving me much more money
Cons:
-Durham is not the city that Chicago is, location is a huge negative
-possibly less diverse than chicago
-does clinical education/training have to be sacrificed for the research year?
-Know that I won't be as happy here
I really liked Duke, but I'm very worried about feeling like I gave something up about spending my mid-twenties in Durham. I know there's tons to do, but I feel I would get bored of the area really quick.
Once again, I'm super grateful for any input! This post was not meant to be showy/annoying and purely for informing me and others in similar situations!
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