Pitt vs Seton Hall (with merit scholarship)

[IM-8778]

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Hey guys, thanks so much for the help. I'm holding acceptances to Pitt and Seton Hall, with $30,000/year in merit aid. This brings the cost of attendance of Seton Hall to $20,000 cheaper than Pitt. I went to Pitt for undergrad, so the distance from home isn't a HUGE deal for me (I am from NJ).

Pitt
Pros

• Very well established medical school
• Top 20
• Amazing research opportunities
• Competitive specialties definitely within reach
• Amazing hospital system (UPMC)

Cons

• $20,000 per year more expensive
• farther from home

Seton Hall
Pros

• $20,000 cheaper
• Has an accelerated program, could finish in 3 years if I don't decide to pursue super competitive specialty. But limited spots for this.
• Great hospital system (Hackensack-Meridian)
• closer to home.

Cons

• Very new school
• No match list yet, so I have no idea how good they are at getting students into good/competitive programs
• Rotations spread all over the state

Summary: All in all, Seton Hall would mean $80,000 less debt, possibly even less if I go accelerated program, at the cost of going from one of the best medical schools in the country to a completely unknown one. What do you all think that is worth?

Thank you in advance!

 

[iluvmedicine528]

Which specialty are you interested in pursuing? If you plan on doing residency within the Hackensack Meridian healthcare system, then definitely Seton Hall. However, if you do not plan on doing that, then it might be difficult to tell because there is no match list yet and it is better for you to go to Pitt despite the additional 80k.

 

[IM-8778]

Which specialty are you interested in pursuing? If you plan on doing residency within the Hackensack Meridian healthcare system, then definitely Seton Hall. However, if you do not plan on doing that, then it might be difficult to tell because there is no match list yet and it is better for you to go to Pitt despite the additional 80k.

I'm definitely interested in a surgical specialty, not sure what. Ortho, ENT, and general are all in definite consideration.

 

[iluvmedicine528]

Well if you don't mind matching in the Hackensack medical system or don't mind taking the risk if you change your mind, then I say Seton Hall!

 

[Grapesurgery]

I’m usually a stickler for the money, but in this case I’d say go with with seton hall only if you plan on pursuing a non-competitive specialty. If you have any inkling in pursuing a competitive specialty, this seems like a case where the extra money is worth it for the very substantial boost in reputation, resources, faculty etc.
edit: not that seton hall grads can’t make it, just that it will be a more uphill battle!
Also, make your decision ASAP!

 

[Skittsie13]

Pitt 100%. Seton Hall isn't an established school and Pitt is a top school. You may not decide to do a competitive specialty but if you fall in love with ortho, that will be way easier coming from Pitt than Seton Hall. 80k is not really that significant.

 

[nymedschoolfan]

Pitt, especially if you want to do a surgical subspeciality. Look @ the match list