lightshade
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- Jul 14, 2022
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Hi All! We had a similar thread recently but I wanted to get into the nitty gritty of the two schools I'm debating between right now. Any and all insight is welcome 
For reference, both of these schools are OOS for me (from California) and I am interested in Dermatology.
Case Western
Pros
Pitt Med
Pros
Cons
Summary: Both expensive, both far from home, similar weather - Case is "lesser" ranked with more emphasis on student wellbeing vs. Pitt is higher ranked with lesser emphasis on student wellbeing. They're so similar I'm having a really tough time deciding!!
For reference, both of these schools are OOS for me (from California) and I am interested in Dermatology. Case Western
Pros
- Clearly made intentional efforts to support student well-being (friendly "Dream Team", specialized acceptance notification, decorated portal)
- My student interviewer was extremely nice and said Case's highlight was how much they care for students/how happy students were
- Great match list (7+) for dermatology
- Low cost of living in Cleveland
- Ranked #25ish right now
- Rotations Cleveland Clinic
- P/F curriculum
- You can do whatever you want on Flex days
- Not sure how safe I would feel living in Cleveland
- Not used to cold, snow weather (same for UPitt, though)
- Not a fan of the mandatory 8am-12pm Case Based Learning
- Would need a car
- Tuition ~70k
- I don't have any friends/family that live in Ohio
Pitt Med
Pros
- Emphasis here as well on student wellness, but not nearly as much of a priority/showcasing as Case.
- Student interviewer also nice and said she enjoys living in Pittsburgh
- Safe city for the most part - no car needed per my interviewers
- Very highly ranked (~#13) and actively breaking into T10's
- Rotations at UPMC
- P/F curriculum
- #5 in nation for NIH funding! So great research that would be beneficial for Derm
Cons
- Flex days still have to be productive and fit within predesignated guidelines
- Lectures are still required from 8am-12pm, but they are given by faculty instead of student group learning for the most part (which I prefer)
- Not used to cold, snow weather (same as Case)
- I don't have any friends/family that live in Pennsylvania
- Tuition ~70k
Summary: Both expensive, both far from home, similar weather - Case is "lesser" ranked with more emphasis on student wellbeing vs. Pitt is higher ranked with lesser emphasis on student wellbeing. They're so similar I'm having a really tough time deciding!!
