Rush vs Davis vs (potentially) Pitt

[antiperiplanar]

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I am in the privileged position to have choices following some waitlist movement, and would really appreciate some third party perspectives.

Current options are Davis and Rush, and I'm on the waitlist at Pitt. My gut tells me that Rush is the best fit, but I am wary of opportunity costs as I consider turning down more competitive places. I want to make sure I consider the right things.

*Rush*
+ Hometown advantage. I grew up in Chicago: I'm familiar with the city, have immediate family (mixed bag, stress-wise) and lots of friends in the city. Big urban environments make me happy. Also very bike friendly.
+ Diverse, urban patient population and lots of opportunities to work with them in the context of Stroger and through student clinics.
+ "Fit" felt the best of anywhere I've been. I jived really well with students and faculty during my interview and second look, and I share the overt values of the place more than anywhere else
+ I'm interested in neurology which is a strength at Rush
+ Nice balance of clinical experiences between fancy Rush Medical Center and the county hospital
+ A PI I worked with is based at Rush, which may partially offset...
- Low emphasis on research and less funding than at other places
- Have heard tales of administrative disorganization from students
- Most expensive COA
? I know that rankings don't matter but Rush is not even ranked right now? What is up with that?

*Davis*
+ Gateway to stay in California. I've lived here for a few years and love it. I know if I leave now I might not ever come back. I don't have a specific idea of where I want to ultimately settle yet but have loved west coast life.
+ Several friends are there/will be part of the incoming class
+ Super supportive atmosphere. Administration seems genuinely invested in the success of every student
+ Least expensive COA by 50~60k
+ Close to Tahoe, Yosemite, SF
- Sac isn't quite like my speed as a town.
- Didn't jive as naturally with students and faculty during SL, although everyone was super nice and welcoming--I am one of the only people not originally from CA and felt a little out of place for that reason
- Big emphasis on primary care which is not necessarily the specialty I am interested in.

*Pitt*
+ Highest regarded institution where I hold prospects. I know rankings and prestige aren't supposed to matter much but I have a hard time ignoring it completely. Networking with faculty and future colleagues in a more competitive place may be fruitful. I want to keep all my options open specialty-wise as well and though I know brandname is not to be overestimated, I imagine it carries a small amount of weight all other things being equal.
+ $$$$ NIH funding for research
+ Baked in scholarly projectwith mentoring. Research is not my jam per se but seems like great application fodder for residency.
+ UPMC is a huge university medical center with tons of unique clinical stuff going down.
+ High tech training equipment and resources for students. There's a freakin' sim ER.
+ I like the city of Pittsburgh. Less than Chicago but more than Sacramento.
+ Close to skiing/snowboarding
+ Big university system--can take classes in other fields, awesome fitness facility, library, etc.
- Disproportionate emphasis on research/basic science compared with patient care. Not super interested in academic medicine right now, but I might get more into it with exposure in an environment like Pitt?
- Left a very lukewarm impression during interview day but it's a really small snippet of experience to go on. Couldn't attend second look bc waitlist.

So I'm leaning Rush>Pitt>Davis but it feels... weird. I'm especially conflicted about how to place Pitt. I'm sure you're sick of people seeking validation for a decision already made but I'm genuinely not sure I'm thinking clearly, or if there's more stuff that I would be foolish to overlook. Any input is welcome. I'd also be very keen to connect with current students at any of these places

 

[Okazaki Frag Grenade]

Is that 60k the total difference over the four years? If so, you sound like you'd be happiest at Rush and the 60k won't be a huge difference when all is said and done. But if you are really thinking you want to end up in California long-term, then I would vote UC-Davis, as it will be easier to get a residency (I would think) in CA if you've been studying there for 4 years.

 

[KanyeWesternBacon]

I'd say Pitt if you're not necessarily inclined to stay in CA. Kind of in another league from Rush and will give you all the tools you need to end up wherever you decide to be in 4 years. Also it sounds like you'd be happy there, and a lot of the students seem to like it from what I've (read).