Looking back, how would you current students have made the decision of where to go? Did you make the right one? There are two *very* different schools that I am considering, and each has its amazing points, and each socially could be a good fit for me... I don't know. How do I figure out where I'll fit better? How did you?
Terrified of making a decision
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Location, curriculum, fin aid, ranking, research opportunities, the list goes on. Figure out what things are most important to you and run with that.
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If you are seriously considering only these two schools, I would consider revisiting the schools. Maybe give us the names of the two schools so that people can comment specifically.
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Please, don't give us the names. This thread will quickly degenerate. People will proclaim one school superior. Students from inferior school will defend their choice. You will gain nothing.
If you feel like it, maybe give a few non-identifying characteristics. Then *maybe* we can provide some input as to how we have made a similar decision. Otherwise, I would agree that a second visit might be warranted.
p.s. You shouldn't be terrified of this decision. If you feel comfortable at both schools, and know you will fit in socially, and are confident that both will provide the education you desire, then you will be happy at either. This is only the first of several life-altering decisions you will make, which seemingly will affect every moment of your life from now until death. Don't worry. Isolated decisions such as this will not affect your life as much as your attitude will. Pick a school based on whatever criteria you feel is important. Then live by that decision. Embrace it, and don't look back. Future choices (specialty, residency program, group practice) will have a much greater impact on your happiness and success. Welcome to adulthood. Now make a choice.
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I think giving the name would be OK. You will just have to ignore any @$$hats that post here. I know I had one heck of a time last year deciding between two schools, so I made an SDN thread, and it helped me. You might find out things you don't know about the schools....
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you have time to decide, and you can weigh all the pros and cons. i would email some students at the schools and see what they like/dislike about it. i would also go for a second look if you have the financial wherewithal.
these were my major concerns:
1. location and accessibility to public transportation, things to do, places to eat, etc.
2. curriculum - is it a format in which i feel i could succeed? (i.e., block schedules, testing, grading levels, problem-based learning, case-based learning, lectures, etc.)
3. cost
4. diversity of the class - i wanted to go where i felt i fit in.
ultimately i went mainly on MY gut feelings. i surprised a lot of people by my decision, but i don't regret it. medical school is hard, and when you're in the thick of it you're no longer questioning if it was the right school for you. it just is. you WILL meet people you like. you will succeed whereever you go if you put in work. good luck in your decision.
these were my major concerns:
1. location and accessibility to public transportation, things to do, places to eat, etc.
2. curriculum - is it a format in which i feel i could succeed? (i.e., block schedules, testing, grading levels, problem-based learning, case-based learning, lectures, etc.)
3. cost
4. diversity of the class - i wanted to go where i felt i fit in.
ultimately i went mainly on MY gut feelings. i surprised a lot of people by my decision, but i don't regret it. medical school is hard, and when you're in the thick of it you're no longer questioning if it was the right school for you. it just is. you WILL meet people you like. you will succeed whereever you go if you put in work. good luck in your decision.
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There are sooooo many factors that go into finally chosing a school that, in the end, it depends on what's most important to you...
Personally, I went with the school that I felt would provide the better nurturing, supportive environment (which was, above all, the most important factor that I considered). This was the school that, during the interview, my gut instinct "knew" was the place for me to be, the place where I would be happiest. Although my school is much more expensive than another school that I was seriously considering, and not as reputable, I don't regret my decision one bit 😀 . I'm very happy with the decision that I made...
In the end, think of what factors are most important for you:
location
environment
tuition/costs
academic support
curriculum
class size
residency placement
If possible, speak to some of the students (especially 3rd or 4th year students) who attend the schools that you are contemplating...Ask them to give you an honest picture of what life is like at each particular school...
I wish you the best, with whatever decision you make 👍
Personally, I went with the school that I felt would provide the better nurturing, supportive environment (which was, above all, the most important factor that I considered). This was the school that, during the interview, my gut instinct "knew" was the place for me to be, the place where I would be happiest. Although my school is much more expensive than another school that I was seriously considering, and not as reputable, I don't regret my decision one bit 😀 . I'm very happy with the decision that I made...
In the end, think of what factors are most important for you:
location
environment
tuition/costs
academic support
curriculum
class size
residency placement
If possible, speak to some of the students (especially 3rd or 4th year students) who attend the schools that you are contemplating...Ask them to give you an honest picture of what life is like at each particular school...
I wish you the best, with whatever decision you make 👍
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Another piece of advice. Look at quality of life also. Not just whether you think you will like PBL more than lectures. These types of differences between schools probably do not matter as much as you might think. Don't get me wrong, the curriculum is important but when you are in the thick of things, it won't really matter. Where will you be HAPPPY? Location is a common theme here. When you do have free time, you want to enjoy it.
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Also look at the kind of students that the two schools attract. This is something that I undervalued when I was applying--I thought that a med student was a med student, but there are definitely different student cultures at different schools. Are the students older, younger, partiers, studiers, etc? Of course, you can find at least some of those at any school, but the concentration varies a great deal.
Good luck deciding, and congratulations on having two good options to choose from!
Good luck deciding, and congratulations on having two good options to choose from!
D
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Other posters have good suggestions. The only thing I'll add is that you shouldn't be terrified because there really isn't a right and wrong choice. Is there a school you might be happier at than the other? Sure. But is one school in the land of flowing milk and honey and will land you the perfect residency and your future is secured whereas the other is in the land of misery and nothing good will come of that path? No.
I understand the difficulty, but trying to make a decision between two good choices shouldn't terrify you.
I understand the difficulty, but trying to make a decision between two good choices shouldn't terrify you.
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This is a good point. I had to remind myself of this last year. You will be making a huge life decision, but it's a great one to have to make.
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I'll second this.
Thanks for all your help and kind words. To those who asked, I guess my main concern about making this decision comes from the *extreme* personality differences between the two schools that i love so much. one is a top 15, frat-boy filled, college town (really nice college town) and the other is top 20 in a ****ty part of a great city with a much more "intellectual" class. I came from an undergrad full of hipsters and got accustomed to the city life and going out to see rock shows, doing weird and obscure things, etc., and the idea of giving this up for beirut really scares me. and i love beirut! but towards the end of my undergrad i was getting really fed up with the emo-ness of the people at a supposedly "intellectual" institution and just wanted to be somewhere where people say what they mean..... so it comes down to less of a contest between the schools and more that I don't know with which group I'll be more comfortable.
Sorry for the length and if anyone has anything to say, I'd be happy to hear it.
Sorry for the length and if anyone has anything to say, I'd be happy to hear it.
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I'd go with the first one, the frat boy filled one. It might be a welcome change of scene and if you're going to spend four years there then it might be needed.
You'll probably be stuck in your room or the library most of the time so the frat boys won't bother you too much hehe
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pick the cooler city of the two, and stay close to friends and family (within a 2-hour drive, or <$200 plane ride) .
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Since they are ranked so closely and your post seems to emphasize location/local population issues, then just go to whichever place you feel more comfortable in. Maybe scope out potential living situations (dorms/apts) and any sort of commute to get a sense of what your life will be like.
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the oppourtunity to go to med schoolin california was too much to pass up . . . so I went west. Now I can't want to leave 🙂 Some decisions are that simple. In my opinion, med school is med school is med school. Go where you'd like to live for 4 years (maybe 8, you'll always have an advantage of residency at most schools). I swear man, folks need to lighten up. You do not need to control every variable - trying to will only make you crazy and soon you'll find that the rod up your arse has a rod up its arse. Ha! The fact that you have a choice to make is fortunate, most medical school gets thousands of apps a year and the fact that two school want you is great. Go where your gut tells you. Good luck (its still not too late to back out! mwahahahah)
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I was deciding between several schools and USF. What sealed the deal for me was second look visits.
When I went to one of the schools (which I shall not name), I got the impression that many of the students had led somewhat sheltered lives up until that point. Everyone was incredibly nice but they just seemed so young. Medical school seemed like more of a sorority. As an older student, I did not want to be surrounded with classmates who were all 22 years old and who had a much more limited life experience than myself.
When I went to one of the schools (which I shall not name), I got the impression that many of the students had led somewhat sheltered lives up until that point. Everyone was incredibly nice but they just seemed so young. Medical school seemed like more of a sorority. As an older student, I did not want to be surrounded with classmates who were all 22 years old and who had a much more limited life experience than myself.
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