UNC vs. UMN Duluth

[locklearjojo]

UNC Chapel Hill
Pros

• My #1 choice
• Very strong in primary care (#1)
• Also research opportunities if I really want them
• Close to family (NC resident)
• Amazing hospital system
• Cheap-ish tuition
• Chapel Hill is a nice town to live

Cons

• larger school, like 180 students per class
• spent my entire life in NC, and also went to UNC for undergrad.

UMN Duluth (tuition aid)
Pros

• #2 choice
• Top ten in primary care/rural medicine
• Strong history of training American Indian doctors
• Focus on healthcare of Native communities (a passion of mine)
• Smaller school, like 80 students
• New environment, new experiences, outdoor fun
• Last two years in Minneapolis, MN
• Full tuition

Cons

• Harsh weather (makes me sad thinking about this)
• Far from family & partner's family
• Smaller area, less robust medical centers in Duluth than at UNC.

Summary: I could honestly see myself being happy in both places because my interviews were both nice. Duluth, tho, has a much smaller "family" feel, which I like. But it's literally so far from my actual family. I'm not totally concerned about reputation here, since both schools have decent match results especially for primary care. The idea of graduating with a debt of 6 figures brings a lot of stress to me, so please help me process all of this!!

P.S. I haven't heard anything about aid from UNC, so I'm still waiting on that. I'm running every scenario thru my mind though because time is of the essence here, since I could be moving across the US potentially!!! Thanks y'all.

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[catnip12]

Hmm tough! I live in Minnesota and I am somewhat familiar with the Duluth area since I have family there. Personally, I would not want to live there because there just isn't much to do. But that said, full tuition is nothing to sneer at.

UNC is technically a stronger program, and is closer to your support group, and is somewhat familiar, and is your number one choice. For these reasons, I would choose UNC.

 

[locklearjojo]

Hmm tough! I live in Minnesota and I am somewhat familiar with the Duluth area since I have family there. Personally, I would not want to live there because there just isn't much to do. But that said, full tuition is nothing to sneer at.

UNC is technically a stronger program, and is closer to your support group, and is somewhat familiar, and is your number one choice. For these reasons, I would choose UNC.

thanks! Do you have a lot of experience in the Minneapolis area? I'd only be in Duluth for 2 years, and then I'd be in the Twin Cities starting 3rd year, so that opens more things up to do.

 

[catnip12]

Yeah I live right by Minneapolis and most of my social circle is here too. For a young person The Twin Cities present opportunity to have a lot of fun.. that said, I’m not exactly sure how the set up would be for your 3rd year rotations so I’m not sure if you would stick around these parts.

(I’ve also never been to NC so I don’t know how the two would compare)

 

[DOhopeful58]

I am from Minnesota and absolutely love Duluth and the Twin Cities but if the idea of the winter weather gives you pause, I wouldn't ignore that. Honestly this last winter in the Twin Cities really wore me down and I've been dealing with this my whole life (Duluth is even colder and snowier of course). Like you said, Duluth is great for rural primary care, especially for Native populations, but it sounds like UNC is strong for primary care as well. Both would be great options education-wise but I wouldn't underestimate the weather/climate as well as support from family and friends. Good luck with your decision!