I recently got into UMASS and am 90% sure I'm going there. However, I'm having some second thoughts about whether I should wait to see if I get off the wait list at Downstate and Einstein. I went to college in New York City and feel very at home there. I know UMASS has a fantastic program and an impressive match list (not to mention the super cheap tuition!) but I'm having a tough time coping with the fact that I'll be leaving NYC, which is where I honestly feel most at home after leaving MA 5 years ago. I'm waitlisted at Downstate and Eintein, both of which are great schools, and I'm having some anxiety over whether, if I were hypothetically accepted to these schools tomorrow, I should choose one of them over UMASS. Anyone have any similar experiences?
UMASS vs. Downstate/Einstein?
- Thread starter jtp270
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By super cheap tuition, you mean SUPER cheap tuition, right? Keep in mind that if you do get off the waitlist, it is unlikely that you'll get scholarship money, you might get financial aid depending on your financial situation.
Einstein has a sketchy neighborhood the last time I visited, not sure about Downstate.
Count this as one vote for UMASS.
Edit: UMASS>Downstate>Einstein (unless if downstate is also situated in somewhat of an urban slum.)
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Yes downstate is also in a terrible neighborhood. Since all three of these schools are basically equivalent with regards to opportunities and prestige I'd say definitely go for the cheapest option which seems to be UMass by a long shot. Despite the crappy neighborhoods of the NYC school I don't doubt u will have more fun there but then again you've lived in NYC for 5 yrs. Also living costs in NYC r going to make it even more expensive!
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Einstein isn't really in a part of NYC where you're well positioned to take advantage of everything that the city has to offer; after all, it's a 45-minute public transportation ride to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Downstate is a bit more 'wired' into the city, but not in a fantastic location, either. I would think more about the educational opportunities these schools have to offer and whether they are worth the cost differential over UMass. If your main consideration for Downstate or Einstein is to be in NYC, then other than the fact that you are technically within NYC's city limits, you don't really get the benefits of the New York City experience there ...
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I'm assuming that because you were accepted at UMass, that you are an in-state resident and therefore will only pay in-state tuition. The reputation difference between these schools are pretty inconsequential considering the likely price difference.
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UMass is a wonderful school.
Einstein and Downstate are also wonderful schools, but in terms of opportunities, prestige, and academics, they are all essentially the same. The big difference is tuition. In my opinion, it would be foolish to go to any school other than UMass unless one of the other programs offered you a significant scholarship, something that is extremely unlikely if you're on their waitlists.
Einstein and Downstate are also wonderful schools, but in terms of opportunities, prestige, and academics, they are all essentially the same. The big difference is tuition. In my opinion, it would be foolish to go to any school other than UMass unless one of the other programs offered you a significant scholarship, something that is extremely unlikely if you're on their waitlists.
Well, that didn't take much convincing. I agree it would foolish to turn down UMASS just for proximity to NYC. And yes, but super cheap I mean SUPER CHEAP (23k vs >50K/year, not to mention cheaper living expenses). UMASS it is.
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Worcester sucks, but you'll survive it. :-D
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UMass actually isn't all that cheap because they charge mega fees that are multiples of the "tuition," it's all smoke and mirrors. I gotta say the Downstate guys seem like they get worked during their clinical year but they make really impressive residents. Just my personal opinion
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Please elaborate on such fees.
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google is your friend.
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Moving to school-specific discussions
That 23k figure included the fees. Technically, its ~$8,000 for tuition and ~$14,000 for fees, totaling about 23k combined. My rent in Worcester is $550/month for a huge house versus the $1,100 I currently pay in NYC to SHARE a one bedroom. In any case, it's pretty significantly cheaper which is nice, but I also think UMASS has a more learner-centered curriculum and does a nice job at creating collaborative environment through its "housing" program (essentially cohorts). Thanks everyone for the helpful advice though-- I think UMASS is the best fit.
