Tufts vs. Tulane - help!

[mooreni94]

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Hi! Both of these schools fit me so well, but for very different reasons. I'm primarily interested in either EM or family medicine, with attention to minority health. I have little interest in medical research, more interest in population/public health research. Both schools are same COA. I'm also planning on doing MD/MPH for both schools. TIA for any advice!!

Tulane
Pros

• Really enjoyed the company of the students I met while interviewing
• Community service and social justice orientation - student run clinics
• Recorded lectures - P/F
• More interesting cases and opportunities - more diverse, urban setting
• Better, more focused, higher recognition MPH program
• NOLA setting fits interests like live music, coffee shops, etc.
• Warm weather! (but also, miserable summers)

Cons

• Closest support system is in Atlanta
• Probably won't stay in NOLA after graduation
• Don't know the city well, may get overwhelmed with nightlife/tourist scene
• Larger student body ~200 (but smaller in MPH program)
• Less chances for rural care experience
• Not outdoorsy

Tufts - Maine Track
Pros

• Huge support system in Boston and Maine (where I'm from) - already have places to live
• Know New England culture VERY well, easy to adjust, fits my personality
• Huge opportunity for connections, networking
• More rural, primary care experience via LIC - also chances at urban experience in Boston
• Students seem to love the program
• Outdoorsy - plus great nightlife, concerts, etc.
• Smaller class size
• Newer facilities
• CAP program in 2nd year - shadowing with family med docs

Cons

• New England winters! (but also, love snowboarding and summers in Maine are amazing)
• Much less diversity and urban experience, especially while in Maine
• More general, less recognized MPH degree (both this and lack of diversity have heavy weight)
• This is the first year they'll have Maine Track students in Maine for 3 years (instead of 2) - so adjustments might be difficult?

Summary: I'm leaning very much towards Tufts, but I guess I feel like I'll be "missing out" on some opportunities to work with a more ethically/racially/culturally diverse population in NOLA. Just need some more objective opinions! Thanks 🙂

 

[Wolvvs]

Does the school where you get your MPH matter that much? I could see it if you were just going for the MPH, but you'll have an MD too. And while Tulane is a top program, Tufts definitely isn't bad!

I think one thing you might be overlooking a bit is the importance of location. If you want to match in the northeast, Tufts is going to be so much more helpful to you than Tulane. I think the diversity argument is a strong one, but if you don't want to stay in NOLA long-term, I'm not sure Tulane is the best fit for you.

 

[openstage]

Are you from Maine?

 

[walterwhite3556]

Based on your pros/cons it seems like Tufts is the better option and better fit. I wouldn’t worry at all about the prestige of the MPH. If anything, while in Boston you could do an MPH at Harvard or BU if they have a more specific concentration you’re interested in.

 

[Therealestdoc]

Based on your pros/cons it seems like Tufts is the better option and better fit. I wouldn’t worry at all about the prestige of the MPH. If anything, while in Boston you could do an MPH at Harvard or BU if they have a more specific concentration you’re interested in.

+1 I'd say go with Tufts

 

[cfogarty]

Just want to preface this by saying I'm in a very similar situation to you and am currently deciding between Tulane and another school close to home (link here if you want to help me decide lol Tulane vs. University of Missouri-Columbia). But I wanted to comment on one of the cons you have for Tulane regarding chances of rural experiences. I've actually spoken with admissions and a couple of the students semi extensively on this topic and there is a TON of opportunity for rural experiences. All of your third year clerkships can be completed in rural locations throughout Louisiana and Tulane provides housing for students who opt to do this. The two students that I talked to that did it said they loved the experiences and they felt like Tulane made it super easy for them to get involved in the program. So not saying you should choose one school over the other here but if that is a sticking point for you against Tulane it's something to keep in mind!