UICOM vs UChicago (Pritzker)

[exileinandersonville]

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I am so grateful to get to choose between these two amazing schools, but I am so confused now lol. I’m undecided on specialty but interested in ob-gyn, potentially a subspecialty like maternal-fetal medicine. I want to stay in Chicago long-term. I am extremely fortunate to have substantial family support, but am still thinking about cost as i decide.

UICOM (Chicago)
pros:
-cost (in-state, 333k, did not get any scholarships)
-central, transit accessible location (very easy to take commuter rail to see my family)
-urban medicine scholarly concentration

cons:
-large class size (180)
-MSPE adjectives

UChicago Pritzker
pros:
-small class size (90)
-social justice and health equity focus
-scholarship and discovery program
-prestige (t20)
-no MSPE adjectives

cons:
-cost (408k - could get a scholarship, but my household income is high so not sure)
-more sequestered location
-more required small group

I’m leaning Pritzker over UIC despite the cost difference due to the smaller class and extra support for med student research. I don’t know if a traditional or block-based system is better for my learning style, but I think I’d prefer more frequent exams because it’s smaller chunks of info.

Is it silly to go to Pritzker over UIC, which is quite reputable in Chicago and cheaper? Or is it silly to turn down Pritzker, my top choice throughout the cycle, because UIC is cheaper?

 

[newkungfukenny]

333k debt vs 408k debt is like the same thing lol. UICOM is marginally cheaper, while UChicago gives you a significant advantage in the areas you listed. Ask them for some money off and even if they say no...go to Uchicago lmao

 

[JungleTrouble]

Uchicago

 

[ThePearl]

UChicago no question

 

[Mr. Macrophage]

100% UChicago!

 

[farmeronly]

I go to UICOM, so I am telling you to go to UChicago, There is nothing wrong with UIC, but UChicago is better

 

[cauliflower_zl]

Pritzker!

 

[MozartandMed]

I agree with the previous poster that the debt difference isn’t really that significant. If you were looking at something like 100k vs 300k, yes, but ultimately your options are close enough that you’re still going to have the $300k+ debt either way. Pritzker’s actual campus is nice, I know of students there that live in South Loop and you can drive or take the red line/bus so honestly location is not so bad, definitely not perfect but could be worse. Both incredible options. Congrats!!