Tulane vs MCW

[Stainedkhakis]

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Tulane
Pros

• Unique City and diverse patient population
• Community focused
• More LGBTQ+ friendly
• Name recognition
• Love jazz/ live music

Cons

• TUITION, $46,500 more in debt
• No support system
• Fear of hurricanes and summer heat
• Not as familiar with hospital systems

MCW
Pros

• Close to home, familiar with the city
• Know some students and docs here
• Cheaper tuition, though still a private school
• Love winters
• Very research-focused and large hospital system

Cons

• New curriculum that seems unsteady
• In a suburb of MKE
• Less diverse patient population
• MAybe don't love winters? Idk I've never not had one

Summary: Both schools seem equally ranked to me, and struggling to pick. Students seemed happy at both and both P/F preclinical with similar class sizes. I am from the midwest and would like to try something new, but am just not sure about the price difference. Tulane seems more community-oriented and MCW more research, but I honestly like doing both so it doesn't help. Also looking into pediatrics for residency, both seem to have strong match lists. Any input is welcomed thanks!

 

[alapeds]

Check this link for info about previous ranking and their decision to not be ranked several years ago. Before Harvard etc! I think for pediatrics you would do very well to attend Tulane.

 

[chilly_md]

If the total cost difference across 4 years is 46,500, that is not too bad if you feel Tulane would be better for you. The humidity + heat might be a lot for someone who likes the cold (or at least tolerates it pretty well). It would be good to go somewhere where you know some students and doctors that you can rely on for support or mentorship.

 

[skinactive1]

I'm from the midwest and moved to NOLA, so maybe I could give some insight based on my experiences!

NOLA is very fun and there is a lot to do and Tulane students are quite happy. P/F preclinical is definitely helpful and there are a lot of parties too! I have worked at the University Medical Center which is a nice hospital that Tulane med students rotate at and definitely diverse population and interesting cases (especially trauma if you are interested in that at all). Cost of living in NOLA is not as bad as other big cities which is good. And yes, heat and hurricane can be brutal but you don't freeze during the winter which is a nice plus for a person like me haha

Something I personally experienced when I moved here is culture-shock, though. Very very different than the midwest (I'm from Missouri) and it could be frustrating at first. Like things are slow, dirty, etc. Also, like the above poster mentioned, support system is very important to have for med school. So people are very nice here (heard about southern hospitality?) but I never felt like people considered me as part of the group (subtle you don't belong here vibe, perhaps) but this could be just me. Also, Tulane medical system is merging with LCMC right now so things are a little hectic, if you didn't know that.

I don't know much about MCW so I can't really compare them but just wanted to give you some insight! Feel free to message me if you have any questions!