UCSF vs Cornell

[Applicant23]

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This may have been discussed before, but as I'm torn, here goes...

UCSF -- I've lived in the bay area for the past 6ish years; have been ready to move on. In-state, and will be cheaper by about 15k. Far from family. Great teaching/public hospital system.

Cornell -- I've never lived in NYC. My parents/family live on the east coast (about an hour from New York), so would be nice to be nearby from that perspective. Private hospitals, but options to rotate at other hospitals in the city. More expensive.

I'm out of the country and so missed the second looks. Know UCSF fairly well from my time in SF, but not as familiar with Cornell and NYC. (I'm also waitlisted at Columbia, so that could be an option down the road as well.)

I know it's largely a personal choice, but if folks have thoughts about the schools/atmospheres, I'd love to hear them! I'm very aware of the difference in cost (and its implications), so most interested in input about the schools themselves, student life, culture, etc. Thanks!

 

[Fortress]

A foreign applicant got accepted into UCSF and Cornell? WOW! 😱
I am from San Francisco, however, I am not really familiar with either school.I would pick UCSF over Cornell hands down. In fact I would pick UCSF over Hopkins, Columbia, Mayo and probably Harward.

 

[frutiaspice]

If family is important, then pick Cornell. Otherwise, pick the school that you'll be happiest at.

 

[penguinism]

This may have been discussed before, but as I'm torn, here goes...

UCSF -- I've lived in the bay area for the past 6ish years; have been ready to move on. In-state, and will be cheaper by about 15k. Far from family. Great teaching/public hospital system.

Cornell -- I've never lived in NYC. My parents/family live on the east coast (about an hour from New York), so would be nice to be nearby from that perspective. Private hospitals, but options to rotate at other hospitals in the city. More expensive.

I'm out of the country and so missed the second looks. Know UCSF fairly well from my time in SF, but not as familiar with Cornell and NYC. (I'm also waitlisted at Columbia, so that could be an option down the road as well.)

I know it's largely a personal choice, but if folks have thoughts about the schools/atmospheres, I'd love to hear them! I'm very aware of the difference in cost (and its implications), so most interested in input about the schools themselves, student life, culture, etc. Thanks!

What does Cornell get you for an extra 60-70k that UCSF doesn't have?
I had the same dilemma about a school that would cost that much more than the other, and I went with my cheaper option. UCSF is ranked higher than Cornell, is in beautiful California, and you're familiar with the area. For the extra 15k, you could fly back more frequently to see your family.

I liked Cornell when I interviewed, but I didn't love it. The one student tour guide seemed very lackluster, and the other was clearly pissed that he was a fourth year and didn't get the new iPad or pass/fail curriculum lol. Cornell has a great music and medicine initiative if you're interested in that, but otherwise I'd say take the money and run back to SF!

 

[flodhi1]

A foreign applicant got accepted into UCSF and Cornell? WOW! 😱
I am from San Francisco, however, I am not really familiar with either school.I would pick UCSF over Cornell hands down. In fact I would pick UCSF over Hopkins, Columbia, Mayo and probably Harward.

He said he is out of the country that does not neccessarily mean he is a foreign applicant. OP, I've lived in the Bay area too and honestly I wasn't really happy there so I moved back to the East coast. If you want to just get out and be close to the family then NYC Is the way to go. Either way good luck!

 

[Applicant23]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. I'm not a foreign applicant, just traveling out of the country for the summer.

If anyone else wants to weigh in, feel free! Particularly any current students, if any of you happen to be lurking around these threads, or folks facing similar decisions....

 

[medapplicant01]

If family is important, then pick Cornell. Otherwise, pick the school that you'll be happiest at.

+1 to this reasoning.

 

[drizzt3117]

Go where you'd be happiest; you won't be at a disadvantage in choosing Cornell although I'd pick UCSF in your situation.