University of Iowa vs. Case Western Reserve

[Lefty Doodle]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm deciding between Case and Iowa. Please help.

Case: Independent learning, time off to do research during third year, seems to have more non-traditional students (I am a non-trad), everything seemed kind of quirky and nice. Also, I like the fact that Cleveland is an actual city and it is near friends, for me.

Iowa: $100,000 cheaper over the four years (eek!), a doctor there who does research on something I am absolutely passionate about and was going to really have to do some tough logistical maneuvering to be able to participate if I chose to go to Case, really nice med school building, near my family (not that important), people were really nice, summer research fellowship sounds cool.

Probably Iowa right? $100,000 is a lot. I just found out about that. When they were going to cost the same, I was going to choose Case but was still slightly hesitant because of the guy who works in the field I am interested in at Iowa.

 

[drizzt3117]

Midwestern schools with similar reputations, I'd choose iowa here but both are nice.

I'm deciding between Case and Iowa. Please help.

Case: Independent learning, time off to do research during third year, seems to have more non-traditional students (I am a non-trad), everything seemed kind of quirky and nice. Also, I like the fact that Cleveland is an actual city and it is near friends, for me.

Iowa: $100,000 cheaper over the four years (eek!), a doctor there who does research on something I am absolutely passionate about and was going to really have to do some tough logistical maneuvering to be able to participate if I chose to go to Case, really nice med school building, near my family (not that important), people were really nice, summer research fellowship sounds cool.

Probably Iowa right? $100,000 is a lot. I just found out about that. When they were going to cost the same, I was going to choose Case but was still slightly hesitant because of the guy who works in the field I am interested in at Iowa.

 

[nadaba]

I'm deciding between Case and Iowa. Please help.

Case: Independent learning, time off to do research during third year, seems to have more non-traditional students (I am a non-trad), everything seemed kind of quirky and nice. Also, I like the fact that Cleveland is an actual city and it is near friends, for me.

Iowa: $100,000 cheaper over the four years (eek!), a doctor there who does research on something I am absolutely passionate about and was going to really have to do some tough logistical maneuvering to be able to participate if I chose to go to Case, really nice med school building, near my family (not that important), people were really nice, summer research fellowship sounds cool.

Probably Iowa right? $100,000 is a lot. I just found out about that. When they were going to cost the same, I was going to choose Case but was still slightly hesitant because of the guy who works in the field I am interested in at Iowa.

😱 Iowa and never look back!

 

[otggwmfs]

.

 

[drizzt3117]

Iowa.

It's cheaper. I understand your hesitation about moving to a smaller city, but Iowa City does have a lot to offer in terms of culture, nightlife, etc, that I think could probably rival Clevelnad.

Also, I'm a non-trad as well. If I'm fortunate enough to get into Iowa, you won't be the only one 🙂

that's a bit of a stretch... Corn /= nightlife. Iowa is a great school but no one is going there for the nightlife.

 

[Matteo]

All things equal, I would probably choose Case over Iowa (I have an incredible amount of respect for both institutions.) If you feel you could be happy at both institutions, then I'd go to Iowa - but if you feel you'd be 'giving up' something by going there, I would take a closer look at the situation.

 

[drizzt3117]

All things equal, I would probably choose Case over Iowa (I have an incredible amount of respect for both institutions.) If you feel you could be happy at both institutions, then I'd go to Iowa - but if you feel you'd be 'giving up' something by going there, I would take a closer look at the situation.

What precisely are you giving up by going to Iowa? One could argue that you are exposed to a broader range of pathology at Case, but I'm not sure that's really an advantage as a med student; the bread/butter is far more important. You're clearly giving up $100k to go to Case, so all else is clearly not equal.

 

[Myuu]

I'd go to Case, but then, I'm at Case...


Are there no other things pulling you toward Case? If not, then by all means go to Iowa.

 

[CCLCMer]

Lefty Doodle, don't make ANY decisions until you get your financial aid packages in March. This goes for all of you who have multiple acceptances: unless you have decided for sure that you don't want to attend a school, don't let anyone on this site guilt you into withdrawing somewhere until you have all the info you need to make an informed decision. There's a reason why you don't have to make a decision until May.

Now that we have that out of the way, how to decide. First, if there's a big difference in cost of attendance (not just tuition, but entire COA) after you get your financial aid packages, go to the cheaper school. I'm six months into residency, and I am watching my co-residents who paid huge amounts for their med school educations start to sweat now that loans are coming due. It sucks for them. You don't want that to be you five years from now if you can avoid it.

But if the cost of the schools is pretty much comparable, then just go wherever you think you'd be happier, based on whatever arbitrary reason you want. And don't agonize so much over the decision, because you really can't make a bad decision. It's not like you're comparing Bob's Online Caribbean School to Case and Iowa here. They're both good schools, and you'll get a good education at either one. I also think it's a good idea to attend second looks if you can, especially if you're really struggling to decide between two or three schools that you really like and that are all comparable in price.

Congrats on your acceptances, and good luck!

 

[pdxjazz]

Lefty Doodle, don't make ANY decisions until you get your financial aid packages in March. This goes for all of you who have multiple acceptances: unless you have decided for sure that you don't want to attend a school, don't let anyone on this site guilt you into withdrawing somewhere until you have all the info you need to make an informed decision. There's a reason why you don't have to make a decision until May.

Now that we have that out of the way, how to decide. First, if there's a big difference in cost of attendance (not just tuition, but entire COA) after you get your financial aid packages, go to the cheaper school. I'm six months into residency, and I am watching my co-residents who paid huge amounts for their med school educations start to sweat now that loans are coming due. It sucks for them. You don't want that to be you five years from now if you can avoid it.

But if the cost of the schools is pretty much comparable, then just go wherever you think you'd be happier, based on whatever arbitrary reason you want. And don't agonize so much over the decision, because you really can't make a bad decision. It's not like you're comparing Bob's Online Caribbean School to Case and Iowa here. They're both good schools, and you'll get a good education at either one. I also think it's a good idea to attend second looks if you can, especially if you're really struggling to decide between two or three schools that you really like and that are all comparable in price.

Congrats on your acceptances, and good luck!

+1

I have also read many posts on SDN where the financial package wasn't quite enough to make up the difference, so they contacted the Admissions Director and let them know if they could add some additional money they would choose their school. Seems to have worked for those that posted. My guess is that it works best at private schools, state schools probably not as receptive. Nothing to lose by trying before you make your final decision.

 

[Lefty Doodle]

Thanks everyone! I'm not doing anything with these two acceptances until after I figure out my financial aid situation, but I understandably need to start figuring out when I am moving--I have a lease I'll need to break, a job that needs to replace me, etc. things that need 2-3 months notice. I am really torn about going to second looks--by April I will probably have figured out where to go.

 

[Dartmouth2005]

Iowa.