Pritzker vs. Perelman vs. JMP(+Vandy/Mayo)

[Tots]

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Ok so I need advice. I can obviously make a decision for myself but just looking for any perspectives anyone can provide. I have to make a decision regarding the JMP program before April 15th(since classes begin in June), so basically before second looks.

A little bit about myself: Most of undergrad experience was in public health, underserved medicine, and social science research. Interested in population health, social medicine, and epidemiology in the future. Most likely want to work in academics in the future. Likely want to take a year off for MPH or research in medical school. Lived in suburban California my entire life and honestly want to be somewhere else.

UChicago Pritzker
+Cheapest Option(~$160,000/4 yrs)
+Like the commitment to interdisciplinary work and opportunity for social science/medicine research
+New Hospital
+Chicago
+Seems like a very supportive environment
-Traditional curriculum with lots of class(or so it seems)
-Smaller clinical enterprise?

Penn Perelman
+Loved the place on interview day
+1.5 year curriculum
+Seemed very supportive of students doing research/pursuing opportunities outside traditional clinical/bench research
+Some family in Philly, Close-ish to east coast friends
+Awesome Hospitals
+Wins the prestige game?
-Grades
-Expensive(~$300,000, assuming I get no money)

Vanderbilt
+Most comfortable feeling on interview day
+1 yr preclinical and Step 1 after clinical year
+Nashville
+Students seem well supported/happy
-Expensive Option(~280,000k/4 yrs)
-Not as many resources in my areas of interest?

Mayo
+Middle of the road costs (~200,000k/4 yrs)
+Impressive facilities, resources and name
+Curriculum with selectives
-Rochester(As a gay male, moving to middle of nowhere Minnesota scares me)
-Rochester
-Rochester
-42 students seems a little small
-Less resources for my interests

UC Berkeley/UCSF Joint Medical Program (first choice pre-interview)
+Matches interests well
+Two impressive institutions at my disposal
+UCSF Clinical Training
+San Francisco
?Curriculum(First 3 years at Berkeley, All PBL+masters classes, including summers)
?Berkeley
?16 Students
-Honestly don't think I fit in with their typical student
-Most Expensive Option (~>$300,000/5 yrs)
-Large majority of matches in primary care and community programs(maybe self selection?)
-Questionable USMLE preparation


Right now I leaning away from the JMP program(planning to go to second looks for the rest).

 

[Nymphicus]

sorry, never heard of any of these schools

better luck next time

 

[Tots]

sorry, never heard of any of these schools

better luck next time

😛

 

[La Presse]

Why didn't Mount Sinai make the cut? They, too, have an impressive program.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

If I were you I would probably take Pritzker up on the scholarship offer. It is true that U of Chicago does not have their own school of public health, but they made it pretty clear that they support students in going elsewhere to do that work. Chicago seemed like a great city also, though everyone tells me the weather is hell in winter.

UCSF is a pretty amazing opportunity, but that's a lot of money. Your cost of living will also be higher than anywhere else, I would imagine. I looked at JMP when I started applying and I was skeptical of doing my preclinical years sequestered away from the main med student body. I got rejected early by UCSF so I don't have an in-depth opinion though.

Mayo is a nice financial option, and they have great facilities and opportunities. I feel similarly about Rochester. On another note, as an LGBT person on their alternate list, I think my acceptance is potentially tied to your withdrawal, so I have a conflict of interest in this thread The location is almost enough to get me to withdraw my spot, though. But then again, you're super busy and Minneapolis is not too far north. Everyone there seemed happy.

I don't know enough about Penn or Vanderbilt to know if they are worth the extra money. Good luck with your choice!

 

[red doctober]

It seems that Rochester is the bane of every pre-med's interest in Mayo. Unless you either (a) cannot live without the amenities of a large city or (b) grew up in a tropical climate, I really don't think Rochester quite deserves the bad rap it gets. Keep in mind, you aren't committing your entire life to the city and also you will be pretty busy as a medical student. In my opinion, the Twin Cities are close enough to Rochester to get a big-city fix every once in a while.

 

[canibeadrplease]

Voted for Penn before I read the thread because I like Penn best of those. But with the price difference between Penn and Chicago, I think it would be crazy not to go to Chicago. Wish I could re-vote.

 

[Tots]

Why didn't Mount Sinai make the cut? They, too, have an impressive program.

I loved Mount Sinai, but if I was going to pay full price for my medical education, Penn and Vanderbilt beat it out imho. The reasons being: I like the idea of having a larger university around, Sinai's curriculum seemed a little eh(though I understand preclinical curriculum is not the most important thing), and I think I would go stir crazy with the medical school in a high rise while living across the street, even with central park close.

For anyone keeping track Michigan is also right below these schools with Sinai.

If I were you I would probably take Pritzker up on the scholarship offer. It is true that U of Chicago does not have their own school of public health, but they made it pretty clear that they support students in going elsewhere to do that work. Chicago seemed like a great city also, though everyone tells me the weather is hell in winter. I am a little unsure about their commitment to the underserved - I got they idea that they try to TURF their poorest patients to the county hospitals. I can't remember where I got that impression though. I feel like I heard it on the tour but I can't be sure. I may be totally off base with that one.

Maybe you got that idea from the fact they don't have a level 1 trauma center? Though the whole issues surrounding that seem a little at odds with their strong commitment to community health(Urban Health Initiative and such). Interesting non the less though.

If I do happen to withdraw from Mayo, I hope you get my spot!

It seems that Rochester is the bane of every pre-med's interest in Mayo. Unless you either (a) cannot live without the amenities of a large city or (b) grew up in a tropical climate, I really don't think Rochester quite deserves the bad rap it gets. Keep in mind, you aren't committing your entire life to the city and also you will be pretty busy as a medical student. In my opinion, the Twin Cities are close enough to Rochester to get a big-city fix every once in a while.

California...close enough? I got the impression that they aim to train the future physicians of the Mayo clinic and so the thought of committing to living in Rochester for the rest of my life definitely crossed my mind. If I think I am going to be unhappy in Rochester I will not go to Mayo, it may only be 4 years but I don't get these 4 years back.

 

[wangers5270]

.

 

[Didierdrogba]

$$$$$$$$ take the cheapest!!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[red doctober]

You're not going to get better winter weather at Chicago compared to MN, Philly will be slightly better. You were probably exaggerating for effect, but I find it kind of off-putting that you said "Middle of No-where, MN." If that's really your perception of a city of 100,000 people, maybe you should stick to your big cities.

 

[2010CalBear]

Michigan Scholarships are coming out this Friday... that may complicate things further.

 

[Tots]

You're not going to get better winter weather at Chicago compared to MN, Philly will be slightly better. You were probably exaggerating for effect, but I find it kind of off-putting that you said "Middle of No-where, MN." If that's really your perception of a city of 100,000 people, maybe you should stick to your big cities.

To an extent that is kind of how I view a city of 100,000 people, having spent my whole life in the greater Los Angeles area with a population of 16 million. The weather is honestly not a big concern for me though.

 

[lollerskater]

-Rochester(As a gay male, moving to middle of nowhere Minnesota scares me)

Hey now. Minnesota's about to legalize gay marriage (before California 😛)


In any case. Rochester although not a homophobic place, gay life is pretty non-existent, and it's not really somewhere I want to live in again

I echo the above sentiments about the twin cities though (pretty amazing place to live!), but I don't know how irregular visits to Minneapolis/St. Paul could really appease the urge to live in a city

My choice would be UChicago. I didn't interview at Vandy, UCSF (sadly) or Mt. Sinai, but I would take Chicago over Penn or Mayo even if the prices were all equal.

 

[The Beyonder]

I vote for U Chicago. My main reason for U Chicago is the money (take the money and run). I understand your desire to stay in a bigger city and I think you should stick to your guns. I would stay on UCSF’s waitlist (maybe send a LOI). It would be awesome if you were a classmate.

 

[Frazier]

Drop JMP and check out those second looks...

If I had to pick for you between those schools today, I would choose U Chicago. 100k discount over penn/vandy is great for a program of that caliber.

Mayo is in last place. Mandatory classes, 50 person class, and Rochester. That place sucks. I will say though that their little underground city is cool. 😛

 

[sdfoijffdso]

Congrats on your choices listed above! Those schools are very impressive. U Chicago is definitely a solid option, especially if your gut tells you so. Also Chicago is a big, interesting, and diverse city.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Another vote for Pritzker as written above, but I also think you should withdraw from JMP and check out second looks if you have the $$ ( I am not under consideration for any of these programs = no conflict of interest).

 

[anguisette]

That cost difference between Pritzker and everywhere else would sway me. Are your numbers for the other schools based on actual financial aid packages or just the full COA estimates? If all the schools cost the same, it sounds like Penn might fit you better just based on your list.

Also, it doesn't sound like JMP is right for you anymore. I would withdraw from that and give yourself a little bit more time to decide on the others.

 

[cest la vie]

From the looks of it, Pritzker hands down unless other schools offer you a nice aid package/scholarship. It seems like you'll be happy at Pritzker and it isn't worth extra $$$ to attend any of the other schools on your list, IMO. If you think you'll be happy there then it's a no brainer, IMO.

 

[yellowfish]

I vote UChi!

 

[Juan Solo]

Tots,

I will only comment on a few of these schools, since I didn't interview at a couple of them.

First, UChicago Pritzker SOM; I agree with most of what you have said. It too will likely be my cheapest option and I too love the schools emphasis on health disparities and interdisciplinary work. This was actually a big selling point for me due to my personal interests and current endeavors. The new hospital, well I can't wait to see it at second look and I can't even begin to imagine how nice it is going to be! Chicago, is probably the most awesome city that I have been to in the U.S. (it is probably tied with San Francisco). I had never been to Chicago prior to the interview and have since been back twice. I love it. Also, my personal interests mesh with Chicago very much (vegan, farmers market junky, food junky, cyclist, sports fan etc) I just felt immediately at home with the culture of that city. I too thought that the students seemed very supported and very satisfied. In fact, I think that they were the most happy compared to all of the students that I meet at the other schools (Vandy comes in second IMO in regards to student satisfaction). The curriculum, I agree it is traditional, I personally think that I like that more, but also if I recall correctly, lectures are all optional and everything is telecasted (pretty standard) and they seemed to have a lot of flexibility with their schedules. But I guess I will find out more during second look. Lastly, smaller clinical experience, honestly I don't feel like I have knowledge to differentiate between what is a good clinical setting and what is not as good. I wish know more.

Second, Vanderbilt; I too had one of the most relaxing days at this interview, which really has kept Vandy in the cards for me. I am not sure what to make of their curriculum just yet, in some ways I feel like it might still be a work in progress but in some other ways I feel like it's trying to progressive, which is a plus. They city of Nashville, I loved. I didn't think that I would like Nashville and the people there as much as I did. It seemed really fun, lots of music, good food and drinks. However, I am still a little bit on the fence of how much I really feel at home with this town just yet. Student satisfaction, as I said about Pritzker, these two schools seemed to really make it a point about taking care of their students! (Big plus). Finances, I actually have not received any financial info about this school but from what I can tell it will not be the cheapest. Your areas of interest, I agree I don't think Vandy has as large of a focus on pop health and social medicine as compared to UChicago or JMP. But it could be something that you can make more prevalent to future students by trying to make it more emphasized. Or it could be something that you would have a lot of first hand experience if only few of these students are into that.

Third, JMP; I did not interview here so take this response for what you like. However, I did my undergrad at Berkeley and have been affiliated with UCSF for almost 5 years, so I do know a bit about the JMP program. If your interest is pop. health, social medicine etc. then I couldn't think of a better place than to do it here, especially if you are planning to take a year off at the other schools to do an MPH. Both of these institutions are incredible and can offer a lot of opportunities. UCSF clinical training is awesome, enough said. San Francisco is amazing, enough said (again this is based on my own personal life style). The curriculum, this is the reason that I did not apply to this program. Spending three years at Berkeley, away from fellow students at UCSF made me feel a little disconnected with the rest of the class. I also did not want a curriculum that relied heavily on PBL. However, the city of Berkeley is amazing and living there is much fun and an incredible experience next to none. The class size of 16 students, a bit small for me. Finances, well as you said it is pretty expensive and the UC system has their issues so I don't see it getting any better any time soon. Lastly, from what I have heard USMLE preparation time/schedule seems weird. Apparently their time off is not exclusively dedicated to studying for step 1, which scares me.

Sorry for rant... and if this doesn't make any sense 🙂

 

[October88]

I think in addition to the money, UChicago best matches your interests in social medicine, serving underserved populations and academics... They emphasized this more than any other school I researched/interviewed at.

On another note, I think Rochester is an amazing place to live. I think the town is great and thinking about possibly moving there next year it would be nice to pay about $400 compared to over $1000 in rent and live in a nicer place as well🙂

 

[Propylene]

Congrats on having such great choices for med school!

Out of these I only interviewed at UChicago but I really got a nice vibe from the staff / students. With working for the underserved, maybe it was just the students I talked with but most of them seemed uninterested, even if the opportunities are there. For your interest in academics I think it would be a great fit, especially with the emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. It certainly doesn't hurt that it's the best financial offer, either.

With the JMP, even if the program does seem to match your interests, I would go with your gut if you feel like somewhere else would be a better fit.

I'm sure any one of these choices can send you well on your way to a great career, but good luck regardless!

 

[deleted127837]

Primary/rural care (actually interested, not loving the idea of working with them, like most people) - Take the money.

Academics - UCSF = Penn >= Pritzker. Take the money.

Clinical specialist - Mayo. UCSF/UCB is a waste of time if you're not going to be heavily academic.

Academic/research (Super)specialist - UCSF/UCB. Advantages in research training outweigh the costs, which will be alleviated by choosing the lucrative nature of many specialties. Should only do this if you plan to stay on the west coast for your residency.

The interview day is designed to get you to like it, except for the highest ranking places, which tend to let their clout and opportunity speak for them, often leaving people with a relatively negative opinion. Basing a school by whether they coddled you on the interview day is questionable at best.

Based on your stated preferences, you'll be going to Pritzker, unless Penn offers you more money, and assuming neither Harvard nor Yale accept you.

 

[mystifire]

Congrats Tots!! Choose pritzker and be happy! On a different note I'm disappointed none of the schools I'm considering are on your list because I wanted to meet you; kinda creepy I know but I admire your humility for having achieved these options.

 

[ciphressinchief]

If you aren't in love with the JMP, don't do it. It is such a small/unique program that it only works if everyone is all in. If you are wondering about it already, don't do it.

 

[leon sandcastle]

pritzker also very small class size, which is good

 

[wangers5270]

.

 

[ilikevegetables]

If it were me, I would choose Pritzker hands down, but since it's not, I'll tell you that you should probably withdraw so I can maybe nab your spot 😉. In all seriousness, congratulations on your incredible options, and you have some exciting choices to make!

 

[solitarius]

Did you get a scholarship from Pritzker? Why is UCSF so expensive for you as an in-state California resident (even with that extra JMP year)?

 

[MilkIsGood]

Hotel, I mean hospital, sky lobby at uchicago.
http://imgur.com/m6u7JX2

If the finaid at penn is good, I would go there. If not, then Pritzker for the cheapest option

 

[Tots]

That cost difference between Pritzker and everywhere else would sway me. Are your numbers for the other schools based on actual financial aid packages or just the full COA estimates? If all the schools cost the same, it sounds like Penn might fit you better just based on your list.

Also, it doesn't sound like JMP is right for you anymore. I would withdraw from that and give yourself a little bit more time to decide on the others.

Actual financial aid for UChicago and estimates for the rest. As a couple people have pointed out to me via PM, Mayo financial aid might change when I get the actual financial aid report. UPenn/Vandy/UMich could surprise me but I think these estimates are good.

Tots,

Sorry for rant... and if this doesn't make any sense 🙂

👍 Thanks for the advice, it was great, see you at Chicago's second look!

Congrats Tots!! Choose pritzker and be happy! On a different note I'm disappointed none of the schools I'm considering are on your list because I wanted to meet you; kinda creepy I know but I admire your humility for having achieved these options.

🙁 Maybe we will run into each other on the residency interview trail!

If you aren't in love with the JMP, don't do it. It is such a small/unique program that it only works if everyone is all in. If you are wondering about it already, don't do it.

Yeah this is kind of the feeling I got after talking to students. It is exactly what some people are looking for, I just don't think I am one of them. I was actually surprised to get accepted because I was pretty sure one of my interviews and I came to the mutual conclusion that the program was not for me.

(but seriously, go to UCSF if you get off the waitlist!) 😛

After you get into Yale and give me your spot 😛

If it were me, I would choose Pritzker hands down, but since it's not, I'll tell you that you should probably withdraw so I can maybe nab your spot 😉. In all seriousness, congratulations on your incredible options, and you have some exciting choices to make!

Hopefully you will get in and the other Dr. Who fan in the Prtizker thread too!! Then we can have massive Dr. Who watching parties??? 😛

Did you get a scholarship from Pritzker? Why is UCSF so expensive for you as an in-state California resident (even with that extra JMP year)?

Yes I got a significant(but not full tuition) scholarship from Pritzker. UCSF is not cheap, even in state and the JMP program is 5 years.

Years 2-5 the tuition is the same as UCSF(35k, 35k, 40k, 40k) and the first year at Berkeley is a little cheaper, about 13k but you have to take summer classes both this summer and next summer(sort of optional) which adds about 10-15k on the tuition the first year. Then living in Berkeley and SF is not cheap. It would probably be around the same price as UPenn.

 

[BigBear123]

Not exactly sure about SF, but Berkeley housing isn't THAT expensive. If you are willing to share an apartment, you can pay $600-700 for your own room.

 

[An MD Hopeful]

Tots, I saw you also got into Cornell. Congrats! I'm guessing from this thread that you have ruled them out already?

 

[487806]

Take the money and run!!!! 😍😍 $$$$$$$$
Pritzker 😍

(Mayo is amazing but location was meh. Penn is expensive and has grades. You seem like you won't enjoy JMP anymore, but if you get into regular UCSF MD you should totally come with meeeee!!!! And Vandy is awesome but you would probably take Pritzker with a scholarship over Vandy). Yeah, try to get off UCSF's waitlist for regular MD, but I would say Pritzker with cash moneyyy next best bet. 😍

For that very reason, I wouldn't recommend Penn. Choose Chicago. Scholarship dictates choice here.

 

[Tots]

Tots, I saw you also got into Cornell. Congrats! I'm guessing from this thread that you have ruled them out already?

Thanks! Yeah, at this point I think Cornell is at the bottom of the pile. If I was set on going to NYC I would probably go to Sinai.

 

[An MD Hopeful]

Thanks! Yeah, at this point I think Cornell is at the bottom of the pile. If I was set on going to NYC I would probably go to Sinai.

If you don't mind my asking, what made you decide to rule Cornell out? I'm just curious since that was originally one of my dream schools.

 

[Shockwave456]

Take the money and run!!!! 😍😍 $$$$$$$$
Pritzker 😍

(Mayo is amazing but location was meh. Penn is expensive and has grades. You seem like you won't enjoy JMP anymore, but if you get into regular UCSF MD you should totally come with meeeee!!!! And Vandy is awesome but you would probably take Pritzker with a scholarship over Vandy). Yeah, try to get off UCSF's waitlist for regular MD, but I would say Pritzker with cash moneyyy next best bet. 😍

Is this actually true? I had heard that Penn gives pretty generous financial aid.

 

[Tots]

Is this actually true? I had heard that Penn gives pretty generous financial aid.

They do have a decent number of merit based scholarships unlike a lot of similar schools and I am sure they are generous with need based aid like other schools. It is unlikely I will get aid either way though I obviously won't make a decision until I know the details.

 

[thelight02]

Hey now. Minnesota's about to legalize gay marriage (before California 😛)


In any case. I grew up in Rochester (also a gay male) and although it's not a homophobic place, gay life is pretty non-existent, and it's not really somewhere I want to live in again

I echo the above sentiments about the twin cities though (pretty amazing place to live!), but I don't know how irregular visits to Minneapolis/St. Paul could really appease the urge to live in a city

My choice would be UChicago. I didn't interview at Vandy, UCSF (sadly) or Mt. Sinai, but I would take Chicago over Penn or Mayo even if the prices were all equal.

I would argue the twin cities actually has a pretty vibrant LGBT scene! I vote Mayo Tots!

 

[johnster3]

Choose Penn so we can hang out in the gayborhood together in Philly!

 

[deleted127837]

As a heads up, many deans usually aren't happy to see someone sit on that many acceptances - and they can see where you're accepted right now. The dean-recommended amount is to sit on your 4 favorite schools. Sitting on more seems like obvious scholarship farming, and can work against you at the places not willing to give you a full ride (you have 10+ choices which shows a lack of solid preference, and so they'll assume you'll go to the place that offers the most money. May be less willing to offer partials, and will probably take letters of interest/competing scholarship offers less seriously.) I've also met some who like to put it into numbers: if you have 10 acceptances, for example, that's 9 other people who are waiting on you.

Good luck with Pritzker.

 

[Tots]

As a heads up, many deans usually aren't happy to see someone sit on that many acceptances - and they can see where you're accepted right now. The dean-recommended amount is to sit on your 4 favorite schools. Sitting on more seems like obvious scholarship farming, and can work against you at the places not willing to give you a full ride (you have 10+ choices which shows a lack of solid preference, and so they'll assume you'll go to the place that offers the most money. May be less willing to offer partials, and will probably take letters of interest/competing scholarship offers less seriously.) I've also met some who like to put it into numbers: if you have 10 acceptances, for example, that's 9 other people who are waiting on you.

Good luck with Pritzker.

Says who? I met at least one Dean who have said to keep all my acceptances until I know everything and can make an informed decision. Most schools over accept and don't accept people off the waitlist until after May 15th, so me withdrawing an acceptance I am still considering is not affecting anyone. That being said I have withdrawn from a few schools I know I won't be attending, it just isn't indicated on my MDapps.

Also "Scholarship farming"? At the end of the day, if it comes down to the money I hope and suspect a school would not be offended that I liked other schools too, and may choose them if the financial situation is better. 🙄 Money is important to people and schools I interviewed at seemed to understand this.

 

[TR6]

Wholeheartedly agree with Tots. We all deserve the right to select our schools through a fully informed process. Part of that process is the financial package. The random nature of medical school acceptances (including even interview offers) forces applicants to apply widely and to attend as many interviews as possible. Finally, in April, the fortunate among us have a choice.

 

[zags]

Deans' advice aside, it still seems like a bad idea to withdraw from schools you are still considering because you felt pressured to help out folks on the WL. One dean told my interview group that we should only hold 2 acceptances at any time in the application cycle, which I thought was terrible advice that completely ignored the applicant's best interests. You earned those acceptances and should take your time and receive financial aid information to make an informed decision. Of course, don't be the applicant that holds acceptances to schools s/he is definitely not going to attend, but I don't think that's the case here.

 

[impermanence]

Buena suerte Tots!!

Congrats on having such awesome options! I'd say wait to see the finaid packages to make your final choice. Right now I think I'd lean towards Chicago as well (that is if UCSF does not correct their mistake and offers you a regular acceptance). The JMP program sounds awesome but you should scratch it if you do not feel like you'd be happy there. If I was to have bad winters I'd choose Chicago out of the other schools (plus $).

Good luck!!

 

[NewYorker9]

You've earned those acceptances and the ability to hold onto them.

 

[sinombre]

Drop JMP and check out those second looks...

If I had to pick for you between those schools today, I would choose U Chicago. 100k discount over penn/vandy is great for a program of that caliber.

Mayo is in last place. Mandatory classes, 50 person class, and Rochester. That place sucks. I will say though that their little underground city is cool. 😛

You have committed SDN blasphemy. I think trash-talking Mayo is actually a TOS violation.

I agree with you though, but only in white text for fear of being banned.

Edit: Tots, you should withdraw your UCI acceptance and give one of us alternate listers a shot

 

[thelight02]

You have committed SDN blasphemy. I think trash-talking Mayo is actually a TOS violation.

I agree with you though, but only in white text for fear of being banned.

Edit: Tots, you should withdraw your UCI acceptance and give one of us alternate listers a shot

+1