UMass vs Drexel (Have 2 days to decide!)

[Mr. Org & Elles]

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First, I have to say this is a good dilemma to be in. However, it's still a dilemma, and I have to choose by Friday (5/5) so I need some help please!

University of Massachusetts

Pros

• In Massachusetts (I'm from New England)
• I used to work there and know many people in the department of plastic surgery
• Good clinical rotation options
• Matches well in New England
• Good research opportunities

Cons

• Cost of attendance is about $90,000 a year for an out-of-state student
• Worcester (not the most vibrant city in my opinion)

Drexel

Pros

• Closer to a main city (Philly)
• My best friend is going there
• Less expensive ($82,000 per year)
• Good clinical rotation options
• Matches well in Philly

Cons

• Located in the suburbs of Philly
• Brand new curriculum starting in 2017
• Larger class size (>250)
• Slightly lower rank (although this is not a big factor)

Overall -- I personally like UMass slightly better, but it's about $8,000 more expensive per year, which could end up being $40,000 after all is said and done. My best friend is going to Drexel, so it would be awesome to be together. However, I'm somewhat interested in plastic surgery, and I know a decent number of plastic attendings/residents at UMass, so that could help with getting integrated early. What does everyone else think? Is the cost difference too great? Should I go to Drexel with my best friend or stay close to home at UMass?

Thank you!

 

[watermelon master]

In your 30+ year long career will you regret spending 40k+ interest to attend the school you liked more, or will you be glad you saved 40k+ interest?

 

[tessellations]

As a MA resident I might be biased, but it sounds like UMass is the better choice for you. It has the connections you want, plus it's got a pretty good reputation. If you're interested in staying in MA for residency, it might also give you a leg up as well. I actually know someone who would be in your class and they're great. I've met lots of great people who ended up at UMass.

 

[gb.1793]

What I personally didn't like about Drexel was that the medical school facilities seemed outdated. The school isn't connected to a medical campus. The large class size. The new curriculum will be exclusively online, I personally would like to have the option of going to live in-person lecture if I would like. In your case, the 8k per year difference really is not all that significant in the grand scheme of things (especially if you were to do plastics down the road 😉). Choosing a school because your best friend is going there shouldn't matter all that much. I am sure you would be able to make many new friends. If your ultimate goal is to match into plastics, your already established network at UMASS will be great in helping you to be involved early and often.

 

[Mr. Org & Elles]

Thank you all for the replies! Really good input that I'll take into consideration.

Does anyone else want to weigh in?

 

[watermelon master]

Thank you all for the replies! Really good input that I'll take into consideration.

Does anyone else want to weigh in?

I think 19 votes to 0 speaks for itself.

 

[Mr. Org & Elles]

I think 19 votes to 0 speaks for itself.

Haha yes I did see that 🙂