private school vs. state school

[deleted698458]

Private
Pros

Got a good vibe on interview day
Diverse student body (high priority for me)
New hospital being built, will be complete by M3
Established school
Strong emphasis on student wellness
Match Students all over the US (wanting to match in NY or CA)​

Cons

$20,000 more per yea
Traditional curriculum
Location
​

State
Pros

$20,000 cheaper
Lots of research opportunities
Newer facilities
lots of family in the area​

Cons

Lacking in Diversity (most of the students are from the state, and few URMs)
Problem Based Learning curriculum (not sure I will do well with this)
Location
Strong emphasis on family and rural medicine (I want to go into ENT)
​

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[sss1219]

If you don't think you will mesh well with PBL then don't force yourself through it. If you are going to do best academically in a traditional curriculum then SLU is the best bet, especially the case if you are gunning for ENT.

 

[catsleepingonacouch]

Diversity wise the two schools aren't actually that different, SLU is 84% white/asian and KU is 88% per MSAR.

The three things that really stand out to me are the $20k/yr difference (big plus for KU), KU being close to family (even bigger plus), and the PBL (negative for KU). If I were you I would really think about whether or not you think you could succeed, or at least make it through, PBL. Contact an M1-M2 off of the Facebook page, or your student host to learn more details about PBL. If you think you could still do well with it then choose KU.

The "vibe" of the school is not personally worth $80k (pre interest) to me.

 

[CUatthefinishline]

I had a similar dilemma and wanted to know what you ended up choosing @dtastic ? (if you don't mind sharing)