Saint Louis vs. SIU

[smylee05]

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I'm currently trying to decide between attending SLU and SIU in the fall. Both of them have benefits and drawbacks and I just can't decide which factors I should weigh the most heavily. Here is my pro/con list so far:

SLU:
Pros - St. Louis seems to be a fun place to live compared to the small/mid sized towns I've lived in thus far. I think the curriculum will work very well for me. The facilities are pretty nice and as far as I know it has good rotations. It is ranked higher than SIU and would have a better reputation. Cardinals! The patient population will be more interesting than that seen in Springfield. I liked the school a lot on my interview day, if money weren't a consideration this would more than likely be my choice.

Cons - Very, very expensive (haven't received fin aid package but my parents make decent money so I doubt I'll receive any scholarship/grants). Distance from significant other and family. Large class size.

SIU:
Pros - Last three years I'd only be an hour away from SO and family. Cost is approximately $70K cheaper than SLU. I plan to practice in central Illinois and I believe this school will prepare me well for that. Everyone seemed so friendly and helpful during my tour. I'm very shy so being in a small class makes it easier for me to connect with people/make friends. I am familiar with one of the hospitals affiliated with the school and wouldn't mind returning there for clinicals. Very familiar with Springfield, boring but not a terrible place to live.

Cons - Not sure that the PBL curriculum and I will mesh very well, I'm not the most self motivated person. I guess having other students rely on me would help increase my motivation. The one year in Carbondale will be difficult due to distance from SO and family, considering the money I think this is my main reason for not wanting to go here.

Could any one provide me with any other factors to consider? How much emphasis should I put on the money? Any insights at all would be appreciated!

 

[MatthewDamon]

I don't think rank really matters after a certain point, i.e. after the Top 20 the prestige stops weighing as much (from what I've read on here). The fact that SIU is cheaper, closer to family and your SO, and the small class size are all solid reasons to attend SIU. I've been to St. Louis before and although it is interesting, I wouldn't say the fact that it's more urban necessarily means it'll be more fun. With that said, assuming you're in your 20's, (for most people) this time period is probably the only time you'll have the opportunity to jump around and live somewhere new. Remember you can always return back to central Illinois for your residency.

Overall I think the sentiment on here is that you should go where you think you'll be able to do the best. If being close to your SO and family are important factors in you doing well during your Step and rotations, then you should go to SIU. If you're itching to be somewhere new and believe SLU has more to offer so that you can do well, then you should go there.