Last edited:
Vanderbilt vs Columbia
- Thread starter premedtw
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2017
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 55
Based on your pros and cons, it seems like Columbia might be a better fit because of its business school, incredibly diverse patient population, and emphasis on service. Another key difference between the schools is AOA membership. Columbia announces it at graduation so it does not affect your residency apps. The last 2 years at Vanderbilt you are ranked, and they assign AOA status before your residency apps. These are two phenomenal schools, and you cannot go wrong either way.
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
- Messages
- 668
- Reaction score
- 771
The existence of AOA or assigning it before apps are out is not a key difference between schools lol. AOA is a tiny part of medical school that is irrelevant for most of the class.
OP, if you're nervous about living in a big city, Nashville is going to be way more manageable than NYC. Personally I'd go with Columbia: cheaper and more prestigious school.
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2017
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 55
So having one school ranking you based on 2 years of clinical grades and having your AOA status reported to a residency program while the other doesn't isn't something worth considering in a decision? Interesting.
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2018
- Messages
- 61
- Reaction score
- 30
OP, seems like the structure and focuses at Columbia are much better matches for you. Not to mention it's cheaper, and if you care about prestige, slightly more prestigious.
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2019
- Messages
- 318
- Reaction score
- 1,064
Made this same decision. Columbia for prestige, money and resources. Preferred the vibe during virtual revisit as well.
To take the other side for a sec, to me, having P/F clerkships more than balances with not having AOA. At Vanderbilt, yes your M3/M4 performance will be judged, but at that point you’re being judged in the specialty of your interest, while working with a department that you’re building a relationship with. That’s far less stressful than being graded during core clerkships, which are notoriously subjective and frustrating. Plus, even if there isn’t AOA at Columbia (till after residency apps), you’re still going to feel pressure during your clinicals because you’re being graded directly anyway, so I’m not sure how much benefit there is in terms of stress/wellbeing.
Also, on the prestige point, Columbia’s USNWR ranking is higher, but they’re basically (exactly?) equivalent on residency director rankings. Interpret that how you will, but I think the prestige difference is negligible or at least less than people are suggesting.
Also, on the prestige point, Columbia’s USNWR ranking is higher, but they’re basically (exactly?) equivalent on residency director rankings. Interpret that how you will, but I think the prestige difference is negligible or at least less than people are suggesting.
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
- Messages
- 668
- Reaction score
- 771
Yes, because only 12.5% of the class can be AOA. It's not something to base a decision over. And honestly, I don't necessarily think P/F for preclinicals and clinicals in the era of P/F Step 1 is a good thing. You need more things to distinguish yourself.
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2019
- Messages
- 1,023
- Reaction score
- 821
I honestly don’t understand why Business school ranking would factor into your med school choice unless you absolutely plan on the administrative career path. At which I would think MPH would also be highly valued. If planning administration path, then bus school would become more relevant but not sure when you would actually be completing the two years? If you can handle NYC due to your ‘city hesitation’ Columbia is the right choice for both med and mba.
Last edited:
