I've been accepted into Howard and Meharry so far, but I feel like I would choose Howard over Meharry. I have been interested in SLU for sometime now (only interview/waitlist last cycle), and am currently waiting for a post interview decision.
Howard
Pros
Cons
SLU
Pros
Cons
Summary: Overall my gut feeling during both interview days was similar, I felt like these were the institutions for me. What would you all go with?
Howard
Pros
- Great reputation for educating black doctors
- Nation's capitol, very attractive location
- Sister will be going to undergrad there and premed (not so much a pro for me i guess, but can definitely help her out)
- HBCU (been going to primarily black schools for past 8 years and enjoy tight knit, nurturing atmosphere)
- more diverse
- Good clinical experience?
- research institutions close by (plan on doing at least some)
- focus on underserved
- smaller class
Cons
- might be about 5k-10k more expensive (rough estimate)
- Recent ex goes to the dental school (baggage)
- being an HBCU, administration might not be on top of things
- older facilities
- H/P/F
- they said classes weren't mandatory but some teachers will fool with your grade if they never see you.
SLU
Pros
- very familiar with St. Louis (went to high school down the street from SLU)
- curriculum seems to focus on student wellness/health
- cheaper cost of living
- "fresh start"
- good reputation
- know more current students and am more familiar with the program
- possibly 5-10k cheaper (estimate)
- nicer facilities
- P/F, no rank
- not many mandatory classes
- prematriculation program
- good clinical experiences
Cons
- Probation. Still don't know what to think about this. Supposedly it's from reporting issues related to the new curriculum instead of the curriculum itself, but who knows.
- less diverse
- not as attractive location
- fewer research opportunities
- larger class
Summary: Overall my gut feeling during both interview days was similar, I felt like these were the institutions for me. What would you all go with?
