UNC Chapel Hill vs Columbia

[deleted1203012]

UNC Chapel Hill vs Columbia

Hi everyone, I am struggling a bit with weighing the pros and cons of UNC Chapel Hill and Columbia. For a bit of background, I am from the south (not NC though). I went to school in the mid-atlantic and always had in mind to either stay in the mid-atlantic or return to the south for medical school for lifestyle reasons (to be closer to family and because I see myself living somewhere warm-ish long term), but I was not expecting to get into Columbia and I feel like I need to seriously consider it. I am not sure about specialties, but I am leaning primary care/pediatrics and I really want to do research in med school and potentially after (academic medicine). Specialty preference could definitely change-- that is just where I am right now.

UNC Chapel Hill
Pros:

• location, closer to family and I love the area
• chapel hill is very adorable and a comfortable place to live (good vibes, nice weather, lots of outdoor trails for running, biking, etc)
• brand new medical school building built in 2023
• lots of research opportunities
• very collaborative class and good community, everyone seems friendly
• great primary care training and pediatrics opportunities
• cost

Cons:

• potentially not as competitive for residency if I decided against primary care
• big class size (~200)
• OOS student at a very heavy IS school, I don't know anyone who goes there
• not as big of a name? I don't know if this matters or if I actually care though

Columbia
Pros:

• incredible research and clinical opportunities, especially if I do want to pursue academic medicine
• great match list, competitive for just about everywhere
• the name, ranking, and connections
• NYC is fun, lots to do, my sister and some friends live in the city
• people seem interesting and cool
• faculty seems great

Cons:

• I'm a little scared of New York, I'm not really a city person
• cost
• I have heard a lot of negative things about the culture (super cutthroat, not supportive admin, etc)
• further from home
• northeast winters are not fun
• I know I don't want to be in the northeast long term

I am honestly trying to debate whether the name of Columbia is worth giving up some of the other lifestyle factors that are important to me... I know this is hard to judge if you don't really know me, but if anyone has insight into these two programs I would be very appreciative. Thank you!

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[jvquarterback]

UNC. What's the cost difference? Unless going to broadway shows is worth 200k.

 

[LunaOri]

For primary care, you can’t beat UNC. And as far as other specialties go, it has a good reputation.

 

[JungleTrouble]

UNC is the best for primary care. Plus COA is great and you're used to the weather. Columbia name is heavy, but UNC is gonna get you what you want and then some

 

[lesbianherbs]

First off, congrats!!! Both are wonderful schools.

I’m currently an M1 at Columbia and wanted to offer some perspective! In terms of culture here, at least in preclinical years, I wouldn’t describe it as cutthroat at all. I’ve heard mixed things about clinicals. People also have mixed experiences with admin. Depends on the situation and who you’re going to, I think. I experienced a tragedy in my family a few months ago and student affairs was very supportive and accommodating around that. Columbia definitely does not have a strong focus on primary care, though. I’m happy to elaborate on any of this if you have any specific questions! Feel free to DM me.

From what you wrote, UNC seems like a great option for you. I imagine financial aid will also play a big role when you get that information. Columbia does give very good aid.

 

[king10000]

Hey! It sounds like you're already leaning toward UNC, and honestly, that seems like a great choice for you given the cost, location, and your interest in primary care. If that’s where you feel happiest, then it’s probably the right move!

That said, I just want to clear up a common misconception—US News rankings can be misleading when it comes to “best for primary care.” They rank schools based mostly on how many students go into primary care fields, not necessarily how well the school actually trains you for primary care. So UNC ranks high because a lot of students choose primary care, not because it gives better training than Columbia (or any other top school).

At the end of the day, you can go into primary care from anywhere, including Columbia. But it sounds like UNC fits your vibe way better, and if that’s where you’d be happiest, I say go for it! You’re gonna get a great education either way. 😊

 

[deleted1203012]

Thank you everyone!! I really really appreciate the insight/advice and opinions-- it has been super helpful in my decision making process! 🙂