U Maryland vs. NU?

[starfruit]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Any thoughts as to whether the $80K difference in tuition over four years is worth paying to go to NU (for an under-30 non-trad)? NU appears to have a better reputation among residency directors, Chicago is preferable to Baltimore IMO, and I love NU's curriculum. Extracting financial considerations, NU would be my first choice. But UMD has fantastic facilities, is very technologically inclined (laptops to M1s, etc), and is still a well regarded school, which has a similar 8-12 schedule to NU for M1/M2.

I'm contemplating writing a letter of intent to NU, to offset a not-so-hot panel interview, but I want to feel confident that the increased tuition is worth it, assuming I am lucky enough to be accepted next month. At first I considered just writing a letter of interest, but, as an earlier poster noted, letters of interest seem so watered down in comparison to letters of intent.

Any thoughts? I'm in-state for UMD. Thanks.

 

[Electrophys]

Any thoughts as to whether the $80K difference in tuition over four years is worth paying to go to NU (for an under-30 non-trad)? NU appears to have a better reputation among residency directors, Chicago is preferable to Baltimore IMO, and I love NU's curriculum. Extracting financial considerations, NU would be my first choice. But UMD has fantastic facilities, is very technologically inclined (laptops to M1s, etc), and is still a well regarded school, which has a similar 8-12 schedule to NU for M1/M2.

I'm contemplating writing a letter of intent to NU, to offset a not-so-hot panel interview, but I want to feel confident that the increased tuition is worth it, assuming I am lucky enough to be accepted next month. At first I considered just writing a letter of interest, but, as an earlier poster noted, letters of interest seem so watered down in comparison to letters of intent.

Any thoughts? I'm in-state for UMD. Thanks.

Hey Starfruit,

I also interviewed at Northwestern and from one fellow instate-Marylander to another, let me tell that I'd definately pick UMD over NU for a variety of reasons.

The strongest is, of course, tuition. NU is easily one of the most expensive places if you take into account the cost of living. Chicago is a very exciting place, but it's also a very expensive place.

When I interviewed at UMD, we had 2 4th years take us on tours...here's where they were interviewing for residencies in pediatrics and for internal medicine: MSSM, MGH, Brigham Women's, Emory, Duke...etc..etc...while UMD is definately not ranked as high as NU in US News, I think its definately a better deal for your $$$. Also, graduates are doing well and are in fact scoring the lucrative residencies.

This is not to say that NU graduates don't do well...of course they do, and its safe to say that more NU graduates probably do get one of their top 3 residency choices than UMD graduates. But I still think you can get a great residency going to UMD and that there isn't a huge advantage in this regard going to NU.

In the end, I've definately interviewed at a few places (top 10) that I would would choose over UMD. NU isn't one of them even though its a great program, I just don't feel that the prestiege of NU is enough to outweigh the great financial deal you get out of Maryland. Plus, we're talking about a program that is expanding very well and also has the best shock trauma center in the US.

Anyway, just my 2 cents.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll make the decision that is right for you.

 

[tinkerbelle]

Both are awesome schools. But I would go with UMD over Northwestern... just because of the huge cost difference. The only school I would turn UMD down for (and pay a lot more for) is Duke, or another top ranked school.

Good luck with your decision

 

[starfruit]

Thanks, Electrophys. It's especially helpful to have the perspective of another in-stater. You echo what I have been feeling, which is that NU is sort of in that grey area between tippy-top schools for which it might be worth the extra money, and most state schools. Also, I think UMD probably has one of the better reputations for a state school, and I did really like it when I visited. Ah, well, perhaps I'll just let the chips fall as they may, and hold off sending the LOI.
Good luck to you, too! 🙂

 

[starfruit]

Thanks to you, too, tinkerbelle! Good luck with Duke! 👍

 

[adog]

Thanks, Electrophys. It's especially helpful to have the perspective of another in-stater. You echo what I have been feeling, which is that NU is sort of in that grey area between tippy-top schools for which it might be worth the extra money, and most state schools. Also, I think UMD probably has one of the better reputations for a state school, and I did really like it when I visited. Ah, well, perhaps I'll just let the chips fall as they may, and hold off sending the LOI.
Good luck to you, too! 🙂

Hi starfruit,
I'm having the same dilemma of choosing where to go. I got into UMD, which is a great program and is closer to home. But I've also gotten into U Mich and some NYC schools. Its hard for me to weigh factors such as reputation (U Mich) or location (NYC) when I can save so much more money by going to UMD.

 

[DrRads101]

I go to NU and it is incredible. But I have always encouraged people to choose their state school over prestige so I'm torn with this one. It really helps to have your family nearby, and one thing you need to consider is that you want to settle down and start having a life somewhere. Hopping all over the country to get to prestige is not worth it, especially if you think you want to be BACK in Maryland eventually.

With that said, you WILL love NU. We probably have the happiest student body of all the school's I've interviewed at, and our curriculum is so progressive that you can have a great and exciting life. Some students even have jobs and there is definetly time to date other people and explore and have fun in Chicago. It truly is the best of everything IMO. Yes it is expensive, but you are only young, single, and in your 20's ONCE, and I can't think of a better place to be all three than right off the mag mile in downtown Chicago. And I don't know much about UMD, but I went to a state school, and now going to a private school for medical school, I can tell you that a private school like NU will definetly work with you more toward your education. They coddle you here. For instance, you can fail out a year and retake it at no charge. Sick of medical school? Take a leave of absence for a year and just do something else. They'll take you back and you can start right where you left off. Plus the facilities are amazing here. I can't think of a better place to do rotations than Northwestern Memorial, and if you come here you will get all new lecture halls and facilities. You don't need a car here so you can factor that into cost too--not sure about UMD. And if UMD is like other state schools you may end up being sent all over the state for rotations which kind of sucks. At NU you stick around in Chicago.

The ONLY drawback to NU for you, is the cost. But you're going to be a doctor so long term cost is a non-issue. My sis makes $190 as an ER doc--at that rate, she could pay for my entire medical education at NU in about 4 months. 🙂

Any other q's let me know...

 

[starfruit]

adog -

I definitely hear you. I, too, am in at UMD, have interviewed at NU, and have one more interview coming up at DMS -- when comparing the other two schools to UMD, I keep thinking to myself that with the $80K (plus interest) I'd save by going to UMD, I could buy a condo or something for residency. The decisions we make now with regard to taking out loans will effect us for at least 10 years after residency.

But I suppose we also must consider that, when we join a medical practice, many will give some sort of bonus which could reduce the loan debt. Also, NU has that debt-capping program, which will lessen the burden somewhat. I'm sure other schools are similar.

 

[starfruit]

I go to NU and it is incredible. But I have always encouraged people to choose their state school over prestige so I'm torn with this one. It really helps to have your family nearby, and one thing you need to consider is that you want to settle down and start having a life somewhere. Hopping all over the country to get to prestige is not worth it, especially if you think you want to be BACK in Maryland eventually.

With that said, you WILL love NU. We probably have the happiest student body of all the school's I've interviewed at, and our curriculum is so progressive that you can have a great and exciting life. Some students even have jobs and there is definetly time to date other people and explore and have fun in Chicago. It truly is the best of everything IMO. Yes it is expensive, but you are only young, single, and in your 20's ONCE, and I can't think of a better place to be all three than right off the mag mile in downtown Chicago. And I don't know much about UMD, but I went to a state school, and now going to a private school for medical school, I can tell you that a private school like NU will definetly work with you more toward your education. They coddle you here. For instance, you can fail out a year and retake it at no charge. Sick of medical school? Take a leave of absence for a year and just do something else. They'll take you back and you can start right where you left off. Plus the facilities are amazing here. I can't think of a better place to do rotations than Northwestern Memorial, and if you come here you will get all new lecture halls and facilities. You don't need a car here so you can factor that into cost too--not sure about UMD. And if UMD is like other state schools you may end up being sent all over the state for rotations which kind of sucks. At NU you stick around in Chicago.

The ONLY drawback to NU for you, is the cost. But you're going to be a doctor so long term cost is a non-issue. My sis makes $190 as an ER doc--at that rate, she could pay for my entire medical education at NU in about 4 months. 🙂

Any other q's let me know...

Thanks, ctwickman.

Chicago is definitely the place to be. When I visited, I walked to the Art Institute, and went to a play at the Goodman Theatre. The accessibility that the school's location provides is unreal. Chicago has all the cultural aspects and diversity of NYC, but Chicagoans are much more friendly and laid-back. And, as you say, NU was awesome on so many different levels. The students were so outgoing and friendly, and the curriculum really emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of medicine, which I love. The tough thing for me is that, because my panel interview was not stellar, I risk being placed on the waitlist (pretty much a rejection), if I don't do something drastic like write a letter of intent. Also, I don't really see myself staying in Maryland for the long haul. The Midwest and West Coast are MUCH better fits for me. I guess I'll just have to think it over for a few more days. Thanks for the insight.

 

[DrRads101]

How do you know you are going to get rejected?

Anyways, a letter of intent is not binding, so if you really think you'll go to NU if you get in, definetly write one. It definetly helps, I can speak from experience.

Only you know what is best for you. All I know is the ONLY drawback I can think of for NU is the short term cost of it all, which isn't a bad deal IMO. The experience might well be worth it, and I can't speak for UMD since I know literally nothing about the school, but I know Feinberg is definetly a school on the up-and-up.

 

[moo]

I'm a third year at NU, and I just wanted to say that I've had a blast so far. First two years were really very very lax and laid back, and I don't know how, but I learned everything I needed for the boards. Compare this to one of my friends who goes to an 8-5 curric the first two years and he was miserable. Third year so far has been great too. I'll just add a bit about our M3/M4 years. One drawback that ctwickman did not mention is that NU is affiliated with a few other hospitals, St. Joseph's, VA-Westside (where you might rotate with UIC students and residents) and Evanston Hospital, which is an hour EL ride away, or 45 minutes shuttle. If you get sent to St. Joe's for Medicine, it can be a real drag (but it's only for six weeks, the other six weeks you'll be at NMH where you will learn a lot). They've since eliminated St. Joe's as a site for ob/gyn, which is good, since people didn't learn anything there (most of the residents are IMGs, and not to say that IMGs aren't good, I just feel like you're not getting what you're paying for, which is to be taught by NU residents). There will be a new Prentice Women's Hosp to be completed in 2007 and the new research building is just about done. The new McGaw pavilion in the old Dental school is now where 1st, 2nd years do their clinical skills at and it's a lot better/nicer/technologically advanced than the crappy place at Abott hall where our class had to do it. Another potential downside is the introduction of High Pass into the M3 and M4 years starting with the Class of 2007 (our class escaped that), but honestly, I say "potential" here because after having gone more than half of third year I can say that the High Pass is actually a good thing. I feel that I can get HPs in a lot of my clerkships, but just not good enough for Honors. The fourth year used to be flexible, but it's not any longer with the introduction of a mandatory ICU elective. They're thinking of shrinking down the sub-I to 4 weeks instead of 6, but I doubt this will be done. You still can take 16 weeks of electives and most people get at least 2, probably 3 months off during M4, which you can use for interviews and travel.

In summary, I've enjoyed my time at NU. The weather sucks, the tuition is expensive, and I have some gripes about our curriculum (but who doesn't? No med school is perfect...) but if I had to do it all over again, I'd definitely come here again.

 

[starfruit]

ctwickman - there seems to be a lack of consensus (at least on this messageboard) about whether a letter of intent is binding, as opposed to a letter of interest. When did you end up sending your LOI (b/f decision, after WL, etc), and (if you mind sharing) how did you come to the decision to submit one. Did you say that you'd withdraw all other apps if you got in?
Also, to answer your question, I don't know that I'll be rejected/waitlisted; but, with a gpa much below their average (though with a unique background), I felt I needed to rock the interview to get in, which didn't happen, at least not with the panel.

moo - thanks for the insight regarding M3/M4 specifically.

Do either of you know when the Adcom meets to make decisions on people? Is it a long-term process, even though the letters all go out around Feb 24th? (i.e., when would a potential LOI need to be in?)

BTW, you guys are awesome. 👍

 

[DrRads101]

It depends on the school. Most schools, the letter of intent is not binding. You need to call NU and see if it is. Don't take my word for it over their's.

As per the panel interview, you'll never know how you did. I don't think you can "rock" the panel interview since you don't really talk much.

If you want to go to NU, I would write a letter as soon as possible, since one month from now they are sending out final rejections and acceptances. But I would definetly call first because for all I know NU has a binding policy with the letter of intent--with some schools it is a legal document that means you have to go there if accepted. Then I would only write it if you are SURE that you will go there if accepted.

 

[cytoskelement]

Make sure you compare match lists. Most (if not all) of the 4th year students that give tours at UMD are AOA... slightly skews reality. But that said, MANY of our students get interviews/matched at competitive spots --> just check the match lists for hard evidence (prestige does get you a lot).