Texas Tech vs. Penn State

[gottabeMD17]

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I committed to Penn State's University Park Program turning down now 8 other programs for it. I was really drawn in by the following Pros:
- $25,000/year scholarship
- Individualized attention/great faculty
- Work/life balance
- Innovative curriculum
- P/F; few tests
- Close to family (in NY)

but was concerned by the following Cons:
- Very small class size (12)
- Distance from significant other (who lives in central Texas)
- Newness of program

Today I was accepted to Texas Tech:

Pros:
- Scholarship that would bring it down to the price of IS tuition ($40,000 cheaper than PSU)
- Larger class size (more social opportunities)
- Nicer facilities
- Closer to significant other but still a plane ride away

Cons:
- Lubbock
- Far away from family (in NY)
- Graded
- More traditional curriculum/more exams

Overall, I'm leaning toward sticking with Penn State but the money is drawing me in at Tech as well. Any and all thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[brachialplexus]

I committed to Penn State's University Park Program turning down now 8 other programs for it. I was really drawn in by the following Pros:
- $25,000/year scholarship
- Individualized attention/great faculty
- Work/life balance
- Innovative curriculum
- P/F; few tests
- Close to family (in NY)

but was concerned by the following Cons:
- Very small class size (12)
- Distance from significant other (who lives in central Texas)
- Newness of program

Today I was accepted to Texas Tech:

Pros:
- Scholarship that would bring it down to the price of IS tuition ($40,000 cheaper than PSU)
- Larger class size (more social opportunities)
- Nicer facilities
- Closer to significant other but still a plane ride away

Cons:
- Lubbock
- Far away from family (in NY)
- Graded
- More traditional curriculum/more exams

Overall, I'm leaning toward sticking with Penn State but the money is drawing me in at Tech as well. Any and all thoughts would be appreciated!

Full disclosure: I'm biased towards TX med schools. With that being said, I think the 40k/yr difference is big enough to overlook nuanced differences. That's 160k over 4 years, yikes! Residency matches are usually skewed regionally so if you plan on practicing in TX, I think Tech gives you a huge advantage at attaining top tier programs in Texas. Penn State would be better if your goal is to practice in the NE. Might want to compare their match lists from last year. I have several friends at Tech/graduated to Tech - its a very solid mid-tier MD school. Biggest downside is location for most people - its not the most "fun" city.

 

[gottabeMD17]

Full disclosure: I'm biased towards TX med schools. With that being said, I think the 40k/yr difference is big enough to overlook nuanced differences. That's 160k over 4 years, yikes! Residency matches are usually skewed regionally so if you plan on practicing in TX, I think Tech gives you a huge advantage at attaining top tier programs in Texas. Penn State would be better if your goal is to practice in the NE. Might want to compare their match lists from last year. I have several friends at Tech/graduated to Tech - its a very solid mid-tier MD school. Biggest downside is location for most people - its not the most "fun" city.

Sorry I should have been more clear - it's $40,000 different total. PSU tuition would be $27,000 year and Tech would be about $17,000/year. Does that change your opinion?

 

[Doc in the house]

I would say close to family is worth it, plus P/F is very attractive

 

[brachialplexus]

Sorry I should have been more clear - it's $40,000 different total. PSU tuition would be $27,000 year and Tech would be about $17,000/year. Does that change your opinion?

Oh yeah, that makes costs negligible. Go where your heart takes you. Both schools have good reputations.