Troubled Choosing Between Two Schools

[justgivememyMD]

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[TraumaLlamaMD]

The only difference is that at one school you'd need to gain a sense of independence? Sounds like a no-brainer, especially if you do end up keeping your current residency plans. Many students don't, no matter how much they "knew" what they wanted as premeds.

 

[MrLogan13]

Is there any particular reason you don't want to live on your own?

 

[TaroBubbleTea]

Is there a difference in cost between the two schools? Or are your two major considerations prestige and distance form home? Either way, you haven't provided much in terms of pro and cons for each school. Help us help you!

 

[aidyl]

"could do really well and even maybe top the class" how can you say that? I'm pretty sure most people accepted there are damn good. In addition, low ranked doesn't mean easy.

Anyway, think of scholarships, program, path to your speciality ...etc. The distance is just one of them even if I think that living alone and being independent shouldn't be a problem for a futur doctor.

 

[MerciMerci]

I could do really well and even maybe top the class.

Don't get ahead of yourself. No matter how "low" ranked you think the school is, you are going to be competing with people that study/work just as hard as you.

think of it as UVA vs. Rutgers.

Go wherever will make you happy for the next few years.

 

[massmocha]

It doesn't really matter where you go. All that matters is that you work hard and people like you. Especially in surgical subspecialties, your board scores and rotation grades matter much more than school name.

 

[justgivememyMD]

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[aidyl]

Difference in money in nada. I am not getting scholarships from either school.

I went to a top undergraduate school. I think the higher ranked school would have more well known faculty and better research opportunities if I am trying to get into the really top academic surgery residencies.

Difference in location is staying by myself at the higher ranked school vs. possibly living with my gf if we are still together by the time medical school starts.

Btw, this is personal. I really love the girl, but I am not sure we would get married.

I don't know what to say. Is it future vs. gf who you would not marry? I don't know 😀 it seems like a no-brainer to me !

 

[BillrothI]

Difference in money in nada. I am not getting scholarships from either school.

I went to a top undergraduate school. I think the higher ranked school would have more well known faculty and better research opportunities if I am trying to get into the really top academic surgery residencies.

Difference in location is staying by myself at the higher ranked school vs. possibly living with my gf if we are still together by the time medical school starts.

Btw, this is personal. I really love the girl, but I am not sure we would get married.

I may catch some flak for saying this, but I would advise you to select the school that would allow you to stay with your girlfriend. If you are intelligent and hard-working enough to land an acceptance at a top 20 school, you will likely thrive at the lower ranked institution and ultimately match in your specialty of choice. Plus, you mentioned the lower ranked school was not in the "top 50." That doesn't necessarily mean it's a "bad" school. Pedigree matters, of course, but top students at even the lowest rank schools routinely do well in the match.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with your decision.

-Bill

 

[massmocha]

Difference in money in nada. I am not getting scholarships from either school.

I went to a top undergraduate school. I think the higher ranked school would have more well known faculty and better research opportunities if I am trying to get into the really top academic surgery residencies.

Difference in location is staying by myself at the higher ranked school vs. possibly living with my gf if we are still together by the time medical school starts.

Btw, this is personal. I really love the girl, but I am not sure we would get married.

I went to a just barely "top 50" med school and did well and matched at a top surgical subspecialty academic residency. You can really match at any program from a US med school.

 

[puglet]

I know people who have gone to "barely top 50" medical schools and matched at top surgical subspecialty programs. I agree with @massmocha that it's possible for you to match at any program from a US medical school.

Difference in location is staying by myself at the higher ranked school vs. possibly living with my gf if we are still together by the time medical school starts.

Btw, this is personal. I really love the girl, but I am not sure we would get married.

Are you saying that you know wouldn't want to marry her or that you might want to marry her but aren't sure yet? If it's the former, tell her and stop wasting her time. I'm assuming you meant the latter since you're factoring her into this decision and planning on potentially living with her.

Relevant question: If you did go to the closer school and y'all broke up down the line, how would you feel about that?

 

[DokterMom]

It's May 1st. Traffic deadline was yesterday.

Is this a new opportunity and you have just a very few days to decide?
Or a hypothetical "If I get two acceptances next year"

Your relationship statement sends mixed messages: Is she "perfect for now" (but probably not forever) or "the right girl" (but you're not 100% set on marriage). If she's not your forever girl, then don't make a forever decision based on that relationship.

 

[justgivememyMD]

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[doconeday1.0]

OP, what did you decide? I might be in a similar situation if I move off the WL of a school minutes from my boyfriend... otherwise Im leaving the state...

 

[justgivememyMD]

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[doconeday1.0]

darn, i didnt see your response 🙂