Stanford vs. Columbia

[k1808h]

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[KendallJennerSniperLady69]

Hi everyone!! Very grateful to be deciding between 2 wonderful schools, and just wanted to see if y'all had any thoughts.

For context, I'm very interested in medical innovation and medical device development, particularly for pediatrics and patients in global health settings (specialty of interest would be some type of surgery, probably pediatrics, plastics, or global surgery). Also hoping to pursue an MD/MBA and get involved in the medical entrepreneurship space while still being a practicing academic physician. From this, it seems like Stanford would be the best fit, but at the same time, I have always LOVED the vibrant and bustling nature of NYC (have imagined myself in a big city during this part of my life) and really value the diverse patient population there - especially because I would like to care for and create innovations for underserved populations. I'm originally from CA, and would like the option to match back in CA or also on the East Coast. Both were fairly generous with financial aid, so cost is not really a factor here.

Stanford
Pros:

• close to home
• weather and BEAUTIFUL campus
• flexible program
• can take classes at engineering and business school, one campus
• strong MD/MBA program
• Silicon Valley and the entrepeneurship scene
• outdoorsy stuff nearby

Cons:

• patient population is not that diverse
• wealthy, suburban environment
• students seem less engaging/active post-acceptance
• pressure to do 5 years
• need a car

Columbia
Pros:

• in NYC!!! (big draw)
• diverse patient population
• there is still a entrepreneurial environment in NYC (maybe this is skewed more towards finance though?)
• 1.5 yr preclin
• very close/engaged student body, especially post-A
• not necessarily close to home, but close to relatives in NY so would also have a support system here

Cons:

• MD/MBA program and innovation atmosphere not as strong
• split campuses for engineering/business school
• heard the NYC med training scene could be a little intense?

My vote is for Stanford here:

-innovation+entrepreneurship+
-you'll be doing 5 years anyways with the MD/MBA, and the MBA year will actually give you a lot of time for research to beef up your application I've heard


The only reason I would tell you to pick Columbia here is if you really, really wanted to live in NYC (which is fair).

 

[Banco]

If you’ve always wanted to live in NYC, then go to Columbia. You will have no problem matching back to California and if you plan on settling down on the west coast, this might be your only real chance to experience NY in your youth. Columbia also historically matches a **** ton in surgical specialties and their general surgery department is probably a bit better regarded (though both are top tier). Lastly the washington heights patient population is very diverse and relatively underserved.

Stanford has the edge on entrepreneurship related activities, MD/MBA, and being close to home.

You can’t go wrong really.

 

[deleted1100653]

Congratulations on your amazing choices! For context I was accepted to Columbia and didn't get an interview at Stanford. I do have a friend at medical school there, though and he loves it.

I would vote for Stanford given your interests in medical innovation and medical devices. Stanford seems like the place to be for this, from what I can tell. And they have a stronger MBA, I believe. I also think that the less-diverse patient population is a concern, but perhaps that would be a more important concern for choosing a residency? As a medical student you'll of course be on the wards but the level of engagement won't be that strong and I've heard that residency is really where you become a doctor and learn those clinical skills. I would make sure to ask current students about opportunities for working with underserved populations at Stanford and see their responses--I imagine there are a lot of students there who are really passionate about it. I also wouldn't worry too much about the current students being less engaged, I've heard the student community is great at Stanford and maybe their second look marketing just isn't as strong lol.

If you just cannot imagine yourself anywhere but NYC for the next 4 years, then pick Columbia and don't look back! I personally loved it and am strongly considering it as well. 🙂 No matter where you pick, you'll have an amazing experience and get an amazing education.

 

[RNARNARNA]

SMS looks like a better fit for professional interests (which can change!), but you seem very excited about NYC life. It definitely seems to be the "adventure" pick. "You can't go wrong with either"

 

[k1808h]

Thanks everyone! I wholeheartedly agree, and I think Stanford is ultimately the right choice for me. I still love NYC but I don't think the location itself outweighs everything Stanford has to offer. However definitely hope to visit the city more in the future!

 

[DermResidentYear3]

Sounds like you'd be happier at Columbia! Did you already withdraw from Columbia?
I would say Colmubia tbh