UChicago vs. Southwestern

[saffron]

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what does everyone think? personally, i liked uchicago a bit better: really cool/laid back students, better city, P/F and no ranking...

however, southwestern would be much, much, much cheaper (im in state), closer to home, better weather.

to complicate matters, they are both ranked 17th (not that the actual number matters much, but my point is, they are similar caliber)...BUT, i got the distinct impression that uchicago is *thought of* better on a national level....

SO, im really unsure about what to do...i think its going to come down to these two, and ive weighed the pros and cons a thousand times...i need someone else's opinion...

Thanks in advance!

 

[idiot]

If you're planning to practice in the south, go to SW - you'll be set. If you plan to practice in the midwest, go to Chi. If you're not sure, go to SW. Why? The money. Not only the tuition, but housing is higher in Chicago, plus you'll have to finance a heavy winter wardrobe. Remember, SW has 4 nobel laureates on staff, it has a name nationally - but Chicago's the better choice if you want to settle in the midwest or northeast.

 

[saffron]

hey idiot...um, i feel weird calling you that 🙂 ...thanks for the advice: i've actually lived in cold area for college, so im set with the wardrobe 😎

as far as settling, im almost positive i want to end up in either nyc or cali. why do you think chicago if i want to settle in northeast- b/c its reputation is better there?

i know that in general, uchicago is perceived better in the northeast, however, wouldn't residency directors who are obviously familiar with top programs consider them equally? does anyone know which has the better reputation from this viewpoint? (not layman's)...and also, is the slight extra boost in reputation worth thousands of dollars (you can see by the way i phrased it im leaning towards no)

also, what do people generally think about these two schools? is there a reason you fell in love with one of them?

:sigh: i REALLY like the students at chicago...

 

[Esco]

Definitely Chicago, it will get you into a better residency program because it has a well-known reputation for producing academic physicians, which a lot of top-notch programs are interested in these days---they like you to contribute to the program in more ways than one so they can get their money out of you <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[lilycat]

In all honesty I don't think there is a significant difference in perceived reputation of these two schools. My advice would be to go with the school you like best, where you feel you will be happiest. From your post, it clearly sounds like you are favoring U. Chicago -- if that's case the money difference will be worth it. It's kind of an investment in your future -- if you think you will be happier at Chicago, you will probably do better, and that can potentially save you time, money, and grief in the long run. I have several friends who let finances be the major factor in their decisions -- a couple of them regret it, and wish that instead they had just taken on the extra debt and gone with the school that fit them better.