To Emory, or not to Emory?

[EmbellisMaVie]

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Alright, so I have an interview scheduled at Emory for the 12th of January (they originally scheduled it for December 15, but I had finals). I had planned on going, but now I'm having second thoughts, and here's why.

I should interview at Emory because:
1. I chose to apply to Emory because I'm interested in Public Health, and Emory has an excellent SPH. Plus, they have strong ties to CDC and I have an interest in Infectious Diseases.
2. A small potential for merit scholarships.
3. I'll never know if I'll love it or hate it unless I visit.
4. Atlanta! It may not be the country's prettiest city, but it's warm (always a plus for me), and I have family there.
5. I hear there's a new medical building ready to open soon. I'm a sucker for pretty, shiny, new things.

I shouldn't interview at Emory because:
1. I'm nearly broke. My plane ticket to Emory could go to paying for next semester's books.
2. Based on my pre-interview impressions and the assumption of no scholarship money, I would not go to Emory over most of the other schools I've been accepted to.
3. Two other schools that I've been accepted to also have excellent schools of public health.
4. I'm suffering from interview burn-out. Lame excuse, I know, but to be honest, I don't want to spend two days tiring myself out for a chance at a school that isn't a good fit for me.

So, for those of you have interviewed/want to interview at Emory and those of you who didn't, can you give me a little guidance?

 

[deleted127837]

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[bretticus]

I'm having the same thoughts about my Wake Forest interview. Leaning on not going at the moment, but I just have this nagging feeling that I'll never know if I don't...

 

[HumbleMD]

You won't know if you really like it until you get there. If you have a definite pick for your future school, then don't bother, but if you're still thinking about it, go for it.

Besides...the money hardships will just prepare you for med school life

Agreed, there are plenty of schools that my perceptions were utterly changed for better and for worse by the interview day.
Pros
1) It was even better than I thought. I'm thinking SPH too, and there are plenty of opportunities and ties to the CDC (which would be incredible).
2) There are 10 (or 15?) Woodruff scholarships - full-ride plus a stipend. You never know...
3) see earlier statement
4) Atlanta did seem pretty neat, and has nice weather, but not too hot (I'm also considering Baylor - and Houston is waaay humid).
5) Yeah, new bulding, new curriculum. The school definitely is on the up and up.
The $300 plane ticket is small potatoes compared to the mountain of debt we'll be facing soon.
Basically, my rule for turning down inteviews and acceptances is If I were given a full ride at (institution in question), would I go here over 0$ at my other schools? If the answer is yes, go. If not, then save your time and money. And anecdotally I'm considering UMich, Baylor, WashU, UPitt, Duke and UPenn (still waiting) and am keeping my hat in Emory's ring.

 

[ahhh123]

from looking at your profile.. you have some awesome acceptances congrats!! i think if you go on the interview you'll probably be accepted! are you going to make your final decision based on how much aid you can get? at emory besides the woodruff scholarship (10 people).. emory's not as good in giving partial merit aid to student...so the question comes down to would you consider emory over all the other great acceptances that you have? good luck~

 

[Darkshooter326]

at emory besides the woodruff scholarship (10 people).. emory's not as good in giving partial merit aid to student

I was wondering about this. Are you talking about specifically merit aid, or is Emory known for being stingy with the FAFSA/need-based aid? My understanding in general is that most schools don't do a lot of merit aid, anyways. I can't see them being stingy since they are spending a ton of money on buildings, etc.

 

[Max8]

So, for those of you have interviewed/want to interview at Emory and those of you who didn't, can you give me a little guidance?

I loved Emory and was extremely impressed by their MD/MPH program and the new building that's going to be finished this March (or feb?). Originally, I didn't expect to love it (bein from the North) but these days I'm truly considering attending even in the light of recent UCSF and NYU acceptances (both of which also have impressive public health programs/research).

In conclusion, I'm really happy I interviewed there and would encourage you to go.

 

[Rocket3004]

I think you answered your own question...
...I would not go to Emory over most of the other schools I've been accepted to...
...Two other schools that I've been accepted to also have excellent schools of public health....

But good luck either way & congrats!

BTW, which other schools that you have been accepted to would you choose?

 

[ahhh123]

I was wondering about this. Are you talking about specifically merit aid, or is Emory known for being stingy with the FAFSA/need-based aid? My understanding in general is that most schools don't do a lot of merit aid, anyways. I can't see them being stingy since they are spending a ton of money on buildings, etc.

yeh specifically about merit aid.. not that much with need based either especially if you're on the waitlist.. i have a friend there that received no aid there even though he was qualified..

 

[Darkshooter326]

yeh specifically about merit aid.. not that much with need based either especially if you're on the waitlist.. i have a friend there that received no aid there even though he was qualified..

That sucks, but on their acceptance it says to submit the forms by April 1 at the latest to receive aid, February 15 recommended. Anybody know about the situation if you are in by those deadlines?