University of Michigan vs Northwestern

[member313]

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I need help!
I'm so torn between the two and can't seem to make a conscious decision. I love how UM is run, I have a good vibe from the school but am worried it's #1) in ann arbor (small town), #2 not as diverse student or patient wise, #3 i'm not from the continental US and think I would have a hard time adjusting by changing to a completely new scenario.

I loooved Chicago and feel its diversity in student body, population, and patient diversity is awesome! I am concerned for all the problems the new curriculum has given M1's, the amount of required classes they have to take (some of which seem to be more annoying than helpful), and the cost of living in Chicago in general.
I'd love some input from either students who have researched both and want to give their two cents or current students and their perspectives.

And I thought applying would be the hard part.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

I would wait and see if you get a scholarship from Michigan before deciding. I don't know if Northwestern gives merit scholarships, but since you're international, it might be hard to get other kinds of financial aid. Other than that, I would say Northwestern for you, based on how you described the fit you felt at both schools.

 

[mcloaf]

I'd echo the above poster. It sounds like you've already made up your mind and are waiting to see if anyone can talk you out of it. If you want to live in Chicago then go for it, but you should wait for financial aid info before you decide.

Also, while it isn't a huge metropolis, Ann Arbor isn't a "small town" either.

 

[member313]

thank you for answering!

even though I do love the city of chicago, I wanted to see what others thought of each of the schools in terms of quality of education, quality of clinical years, pro's and con's sort of thing.

In my pro and con list, UMichigan is totally outweighing Northwestern. Are there any current students who can give more insight of things they like or things they don't like about the school?

thank you again for answering.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

I'd consider the schools to be nearly equivalent in terms of quality of education.

Unless you have major qualms about Northwestern's new curriculum (which I think are probably valid), and since it sounds like you would prefer to live in Chicago, I'd pick NW if I were in your shoes.

Again, don't make a final decision until Michigan releases scholarship info on March 29.

 

[member313]

I'd consider the schools to be nearly equivalent in terms of quality of education.

Unless you have major qualms about Northwestern's new curriculum (which I think are probably valid), and since it sounds like you would prefer to live in Chicago, I'd pick NW if I were in your shoes.

Again, don't make a final decision until Michigan releases scholarship info on March 29.

I am seriously concerned for Northwestern's change in curriculum, how stringent it is in terms of required classes and scheduling, and how little students seem to be gaining from them. I don't think a year is enough time to get all the kinks sorted out in implementing a new curriculum and don't like the idea of being a guinea pig. However, it seems that Northwestern has great clinical years with a variety of patients, disease, etc.
Their required research also seems to be a hurdle, in particular if you want to get funded for a global experience or research during the summer.

These are all perceptions I've been able to make based on what I've read and observed. More input is greatly appreciated.