UPenn vs Columbia vs WashU MSTP

[polka128]

Hello, I am choosing between these three programs and unfortunately cannot attend all three second looks, so I would love any input people may have

UPenn:
Pros: large mdphd program, campus is all connected and walkable, more affordable COL than nyc
Cons: i have worked in research for multiple years at Penn - desire to experience something new

Columbia:
Pros: always wanted to live in New York, strong research in my desired field
Cons: COL, negative spotlight currently, taking a smaller class so worried about having fewer classmates, worried about location feeling isolated

Washu:
Pros: everyone I met seems very friendly, work life balance seems good, large and stable mdphd program
Cons: unsure how I feel about living in St. Louis for 8 years

Thank you in advance

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[dimplesage]

Congrats on all the acceptances! I don't think you can go wrong with any of these choices.

I would probably lean towards WashU, assuming that you go see St. Louis in person and see yourself living there for 8 years. The admin is super supportive there and has a larger class size than most MSTPs.

I don't know if this is true at all, but I've heard from some people that Columbia is on the more competitive side. I would take that with a grain of salt though.