University of Wisconsin vs. Wake Forest

[scooter91]

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I know how much I disliked seeing these threads when I was waiting for an acceptance, so I apologize in advance.

I've been lucky enough to gain admissions to the University of Wisconsin and Wake Forest in North Carolina. Initially I was leaning towards UW (I like the public health integration into the curriculum, larger student body, more lively city, nice student culture, everyone seemed really nice at interview day, seemed to have better resources, not a fan of the cold though), but Wake (also seemed like a great school, though I haven't given it much thought since I was waitlisted 3 months ago) offered me a very generous scholarship, with which tuition would be about $21,000 cheaper than that at UW per year, and I believe the cost of living in Winston-Salem is cheaper than in Madison.

Financially, I'll be paying for all of medical school (with loans) so though my heart is saying UW, my brain is saying $80,000+ less debt after 4 years is hard to pass up.

What would you do in my position? Anything I haven't considered? Trying to get an objective perspective to balance my subjective bias haha

 

[DumboOctopus]

Wake.

 

[AccessoryNavicular]

Hi friend!

I'm on the waitlist at wake so take my advice with a grain of salt

Having had to decide between two schools in a similar albeit not the exact same situation as yours, I searched through a lot of threads on sdn to try and get an idea of how heavily I should weigh money in my decision making. Ultimately, the conclusion I came to was that you should not sacrifice your happiness for any monetary difference... below 100k. Haha but in all seriousness, that seems to be the number that people point to when monetary differences are brought up in the decision-making process! I think @gonnif might be able to help explain why more thoroughly than I could.

Although I don't know how the cost of living differs between the two areas, I think you are in an excellent situation and should try to objectively make a list of pros and cons for both schools without factoring in money. This might even include going back through the wake forest website and pamphlet they gave us to see what sorts of programs, etc. they offer. At the end of it all, put the lists side by side and see what your heart and head are telling you about where you think you would be happiest (and in my opinion thus be able to do the best) and only once that is done add the money and see if it tips the scale. You might find that it tips the scale in a direction you were already headed

I hope this helps you and good luck as you make a decision between two excellent schools


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[DecisionsDecisions123]

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[scooter91]

Thank you so much for all the advice! Wanted to get you guys' thoughts on a few more points...

If I wanted to go into a competitive residency after medical school (interested in primary care now, but also loved surgery when I shadowed docs), do you guys think Wisconsin could potentially open more doors than Wake?

Also, those who think I should go with Wisconsin--I did the math and considering tuition alone (and without considersing compounding interest), going to Wisconsin will lead to $158,832 of debt while Wake will lead to $73,416. Would you still choose Wisconsin at that point?

 

[whatsupdr]

Wake!

 

[scooter91]

Wake!

Why? Anything other than the money?

 

[whatsupdr]

The money, the area, and I loved it when I interviewed there!

 

[hiphopcrates]

Isn't decision time past?

But, UW all the way. People are happy in Madison. The happier you are, the more I imagine you'll succeed as a student. Good luck!