Rush vs Wayne State vs UMass

[Logicyoung]

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Hello everyone. I’m looking for some input as I decide where to attend medical school. I’m very grateful to be in this position, but I’m feeling a bit unsure about how to choose.

A bit about me: location isn’t a major factor for me, but I have strong roots in Detroit and would qualify for in-state tuition at Wayne State. I think I'm interested in surgical specialities, but that of course can change.

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Wayne State University School of Medicine​

Pros

• In-state tuition (~$42k/year)
• Strong Midwest recognition (helpful if I want to match back in the region)
• Known for producing strong clinicians
• Solid connections for research opportunities
• Diverse, urban patient population
• Strong personal support system nearby

Cons

• H/P/F curriculum (I’d prefer true P/F if possible)
• Concern that residency programs/affiliated programs may not be as strong as UMass and Rush
• Interview day/first look events haven’t felt as engaging compared to other schools
• Limited summer break, which I worry could make research harder

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Rush Medical College​

Pros

• Interview day and virtual events have been excellent
• Strong Midwest recognition if I want to match back
• Strong surgical departments and a reputable academic medical center
• Chicago seems cool - never been
• Faculty seem accessible and invested in admitted students
• True P/F pre-clinical
• Facilities seem outstanding

Cons

• Tuition (~$57k/year) and overall cost of attendance is higher
• Flipped classroom model (would love thoughts from current students)
• More required in-person sessions — concern about flexibility/study time
• Unsure how its reputation compares nationally vs the other options

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UMass Chan Medical School​

Pros

• Very strong research environment
• Could build connections on the East Coast
• Strong primary care reputation
• Close to Boston
• True P/F pre-clinical
• Learning communities/houses
• WIN weeks (no class after exams)
• Potentially the highest-ranked of the three (not fully sure)

Cons

• Tuition (~$72k/year) and overall cost of attendance is high
• I likely won’t be able to attend second look, so I’d especially appreciate input from current students
• Worcester seems a bit quiet/isolated (would love to be corrected if I’m wrong)
• Some clinical rotations may be farther from campus compared to the other schools so I would need a care

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If anyone can speak to student happiness/support, the quality of clinical training, and how well each school supports students interested in more competitive/surgical specialties, I’d really appreciate it.

I’m also trying to figure out the cost question: Is it worth paying more for Rush or UMass over Wayne? Would Rush or UMass realistically open more doors for surgical specialties because of their reputations/resources?

Thanks so much in advance, I really appreciate any insight.

 

[Basalganglia4life]

Congrats on a successful cycle! Current Rush M1. Happy to answer any questions you have about the school. Looking over your post though and considering the current state of graduate loans I would highly recommend choosing the option that will minimize the amount of debt you will owe. I would calculate your total cost of living for all three schools. I don't see Wayne holding you back for a competitive specialty personally (especially if you already have strong research connections there) and if the COA is substantially lower I would be tempted to choose it based just on that. Rush however is starting before July 1st this year so you would at least be eligible for 3 years of grad plus. Would you have family and friends nearby at Wayne? Having local supports is highly underrated in medical school and super important for your sanity. Rush does offer some limited need based aid, so definitely wait till you get Rush's (or uMass) financial aid package before deciding.

EDIT: also I highly recommend visiting the schools before you make your decision. you can learn a lot about a school that way. Rush offers individual tours as well if you can't make sneak preview day

 

[flautas]

I vote for Rush. I'm from the area so I'm biased but its a fantastic place to spend your twenties and have known many RMC students since the start of undergrad up to my gap years. The supportive culture has always been evident to me as well working alongside all grades, and whenever I run into faculty and admin at different in-person events they've hosted throughout my premed journey.

Many often say that Rush students have a really good rep when they hit rotations which might point to how clinically prepared they are relative to other good schools in the area. I've also worked with Rush surgical Residents in research and anecdotally, it seems like Rush surgical specialties are very well respected beyond just the midwest, especially ortho and nsgy. Considering we'd get grandfathered into grad plus until m4, I also think the cost difference compared to Wayne is not the worst in the world if you do end up in a surgical specialty.

Can't really speak to UMass, but I think the cost difference would be enough for me to write them off, especially considering Rush's surgical resources imo.

Once again, I'm pretty biased but I'm seriously considering turning down scholarships and "better ranked" schools just to attend rush.