Rush vs AMC

[Skibrew11]

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Very non-traditional student here, going to be 30 when I matriculate. Would love some advice from those of us who originally picked a different path:

School: Rush
Pros

• P/F
• Good vibes from the student body
• Been volunteering with marginalized communities in this area for many years, a lot of work left to be done

Cons

• Anyone who lives in Chicago knows it’s gotten a little sketchy lately
• More expensive
• Seems that there is a decently major focus on becoming a PCP, not interested in being a PCP

School: Albany
Pros

• Originally from this area
• Great match list
• Love being this close to the Adirondacks
• 30k cheaper (over 4 years)

Cons

• Not true P/F
• Seems minimal focus on outside of classroom
• Not a lot to do in Albany
• Less of a community here (have lived in Chicago for many years now)

Summary: I’m very lost here therefore I’m asking strangers on the internet. Hopefully there’s someone out there who faced this same decision

 

[TheDataKing]

P/F >> at Rush + 30k less for Albany isn’t much in the grand scheme of things. I’d say Rush has a better name and location and just not having to deal with a school that isn’t p/f is big.

 

[alapeds]

There are trains to NYC from Albany, 2hours 20 minutes, so a weekend visit would be simple. And upstate NY has absolutely beautiful parks, hikes, scenery, if you like that kind of thing. Either would be fine. But it sounds like you are a little sick of the big city problems of Chicago. And if you don’t want primary care then that’s another concern. Though I do note that Rush is quite a bit higher ranked by residency program directors. Hard to know how significant that is. If it’s well ranked but primary care heavy in the match, that’s more food for thought. Great choices! Good luck!

 

[mdog31415]

Good matchup- tough call. True P/F is important at Rush. Albany Med is a nice hospital, but nowhere near the experience you'd get at Stroger and RMC. More underserved patients and diverse pt population in Chicago, but better experiences with rural med if you want it in Albany. Chicago is a fun city- I'm there rn. But the Adirondacks, VT, and NYC are fun too. Research-wise: close, but I'd give the edge to Rush. I know they are primary care focused, but they have had impressive matches too in other competitive specialties. You have better housing options near Albany's campus vs Rush's; let's be honest, many students commute from across the city to go to Rush, and that can be time lost. The medical district in Chicago ain't terrible, but I get what you're saying about living concerns too. Sure ain't as cheap as Albany either. Rush and RMC has bigger name, but Albany has consistently matched people in some phenomenal residencies. My opinion: wait it out until April if you can to hear about scholarships and financial aid. I believe both schools are similar, and if one of them gave a >20% scholarship package, that would seal the deal for me personally. Btw, what specialty(s) are you looking at? If EM/trauma surgery/critical care related, or you have a significant passion for serving the underserved, Rush by a mile!