Pitt vs. Duke (WL)

[YerAWizardKhalifa]

Hey all, very grateful for my cycle. Full disclosure: I am on Duke's WL! However, hoping for some positive movement!

University of Pittsburgh:

Pitt pros:
- Close-ish to home and SO (3-4 hours away). Can maybe drive on weekends/vice versa? SO is also in medschool. Very close to both - been w/ SO for a long time.
- Cool city/things to do/food
- Amazing medical program/research opportunities
- Prestige - idk how different it is to Duke.

Pitt cons:
- Was not as blown away as I was at Duke interview day vibe wise.
- Weather sucks, hills everywhere.
- Facilities are old/run down/always under construction


Duke University

Duke pros:
- Vibed really hard on interview day with the people
- Top notch opportunities - medical and research
- Amazing weather, fun stuff nearby- close to beaches/etc.
- Gorgeous campus
- Prestige - idk how different it is to Pitt.

Duke cons:
- Biggest con is its distance from home. Would not be able to drive home like I would at Pitt, have to take flights. No support system nearby.

Duke neutral:
- Curriculum has accelerated 1st year, 2nd year rotations, and 3rd year dedicated to research. Very unique, not 100% sure how I feel about it

Final comments:
Is one school better than the other prestige wise? Would any school open more doors? Given the circumstances, what would you choose?

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[deleted688779]

I’d go with Pitt because of support. Though a 3-4 hour drive might be a bit of a hinderance. Prestige is about the same. Congrats on the great choices!

 

[Marr97]

I'm also trying to decide between a school close to home and one I'd have to take flights home from, so I can relate! Prestige-wise, I think Pitt and Duke are very comparable and they'll both create fantastic opportunities for you. Your cons for Pittsburgh are relatively minor and won't affect your long-term school experience. If Pitt has a Second Look, I'd recommend going to that and seeing if you come away with a different impression than your interview day. Being close(r) to your SO and family will be very valuable when that med school stress hits you. A 3-4 hour distance is enough that you won't be going home multiple times a week, so you'll be able to get out of your comfort zone and meet new folks in Pittsburgh while still being in close contact with your support system. Best of luck on your decision!

 

[Dream of the Endless]

Unless the CoA, after their financial aid packages are released, is significantly large (150k+ IMO, may be different for you) in favor of Duke, then I don't think anything you've mentioned would be in favor of going to Duke

Choose Pitt

 

[Moko]

Seems like most of your pros for Duke are skin deep. So unless you're a budding dermatologist, Pitt seems to be a better fit for you.

Also, until you get off the waitlist, your choices are Pitt and Pitt. 😉

Just my thoughts