UNC vs Case Western for MSTP

[smiley buckeye]

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I loved both programs equally when I interviewed, I am from Ohio so Cleveland (CWRU) would be closer to family, but Chapel Hill weather is beautiful and I don't really know how to decide. The programs do not seem different enough to me to matter and I love the leadership/ academic culture at both and feel like I would fit in pretty well. Help?

 

[eteshoe]

1. Flip a coin
2. If you hate the outcome of the coin flip, then you know your answer

 

[Electricity]

I clicked on this link intending to suggest UNC because of the weather, but being close to family for 8 years is a big deal and really helpful for mental health, so for that reason alone my vote is Case Western. Coming in on the end of the 4th year of my program and I really wish I were closer to my family. I didn't apply to UNC but interviewed at Case and it was great.

 

[smiley buckeye]

I clicked on this link intending to suggest UNC because of the weather, but being close to family for 8 years is a big deal and really helpful for mental health, so for that reason alone my vote is Case Western. Coming in on the end of the 4th year of my program and I really wish I were closer to my family. I didn't apply to UNC but interviewed at Case and it was great.

1. Flip a coin
2. If you hate the outcome of the coin flip, then you know your answer

Thank you both for your suggestions/valuable insight!! Still feeling split about the decision because my parents are considering moving to NC... which might change the family situation a little bit

 

[nonamesleft]

Thank you both for your suggestions/valuable insight!! Still feeling split about the decision because my parents are considering moving to NC... which might change the family situation a little bit

I moved ~14 hrs away from home... During med school years, I was ok since I could go home for holidays and post-exam pretty regularly. The PhD years are actually harder for me to go home because there's less "structure" to my schedule. So I've really missed my family and all the things I should've been home for.

 

[eteshoe]

I moved ~14 hrs away from home... During med school years, I was ok since I could go home for holidays and post-exam pretty regularly. The PhD years are actually harder for me to go home because there's less "structure" to my schedule. So I've really missed my family and all the things I should've been home for.

Definitely get those sentiments. I'm about ~10 hrs from my parents (even more from my siblings). It can get a bit annoying since I usually can only visit twice a year or so (especially during the PhD - the part I'm currently in). But I talk/FaceTime almost every day so it hasn't been too bad.

 

[OncPhysSci]

A different and unique point worth considering - may or may not end up mattering - but UNC's current political climate around HB2 might affect the institution's federal funding (if it complies with HB2) and state funding (if it doesn't comply with HB2), which may have trickle effects on the MD/PhD program or laboratories. Hopefully things get sorted out and UNC doesn't lose out on anything, but if you need another reason to go with CWRU, here is one!

 

[Argle Bargle]

Do you know what you're interested in for PhD?

Edit: The HB2 issue is worth thinking about. Maybe consider asking the MSTP if they have a plan for funding MSTP students in a variety of different scenarios that might result from the law.

 

[OncPhysSci]

Also - if it's still a toss-up, I think it's only fair for UNC to bring you out once again for a revisit! It's so hard to make a decision like this otherwise. I'm currently in the same position with a late accept to an MD/PhD program and I requested a second look, and they're bringing me out next week.

 

[smiley buckeye]

Also - if it's still a toss-up, I think it's only fair for UNC to bring you out once again for a revisit! It's so hard to make a decision like this otherwise. I'm currently in the same position with a late accept to an MD/PhD program and I requested a second look, and they're bringing me out next week.

I'm on my way now! 🙂

 

[mashinator]

I'm on my way now! 🙂

Bro nice. So they offered to give you a second second look?

 

[psf73]

Don't know much about Case but UNC is a wonderful place and I know many happy people there. Chapel Hill is also awesome and the triangle area is also growing. Also UNC's climate surrounding HB2 is completely different than the entire state university system. Go with your gut!

 

[smiley buckeye]

Bro nice. So they offered to give you a second second look?

it's just an impromptu day they put together for me with less than 24 hr notice!

 

[carpediem22]

I also don't know much about Case, but I absolutely loved UNC's program when I visited. The directors are great and the program had probably the most welcoming culture out of all the programs I interviewed at.

Obviously this decision comes down to a lot of factors that no-one can measure for you, such as PIs, family, location, stipend, etc. If all that fails, consider differences in the medical schools!

I will say that for me personally, proximity to family mattered a great deal in my choice. Having attended schools and year-long programs far away from home, I've come to realize that all of the missed birthdays and special events do add up, even for the most independent of people. 8 years is a long time to be very far away from your loved ones! If you think this might affect your happiness and are truly on the fence, maybe Case is the way to go.

 

[mashinator]

it's just an impromptu day they put together for me with less than 24 hr notice!

Great advice from the always excellent sdn family - I hope this visit helps you decide!

 

[smiley buckeye]

Thank you everyone for your great advice! I ended up picking UNC!

 

[eteshoe]

Thank you everyone for your great advice! I ended up picking UNC!

Had to get away from that lake effect snow lol. Congrats!

 

[smiley buckeye]

Had to get away from that lake effect snow lol. Congrats!

hahaha yes, and I used you flip a coin thing to confirm 🙂 Thanks for that