Vote for which program shall I choose!

[milliardo_L]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I dont want to brag or anything, so please dont take it that way... I am at the end of the road, already gathered all needed info, analyzed the options and possible outcomes deeply (I am even dreaming about the issue), but still can't decide between WashU or Harvard. I have to decide on Monday the latest (Harvard'd deadline) between them, and right now I have no f****ng idea where I will be spending the next 7+yrs. Therefore I decided to make a poll here, American Idol style (hey, at this stage anything might help 🙄 )

 

[dave613]

I dont want to brag or anything, so please dont take it that way... I am at the end of the road, already gathered all needed info, analyzed the options and possible outcomes deeply (I am even dreaming about the issue), but still can't decide between WashU or Harvard. I have to decide on Monday the latest (Harvard'd deadline) between them, and right now I have no f****ng idea where I will be spending the next 7+yrs. Therefore I decided to make a poll here, American Idol style (hey, at this stage anything might help 🙄 )

If location is not an issue, both institutions are outstanding>>go with Harvard.

 

[milliardo_L]

This is looking painfully predictable. I wonder the reasons of the people that chose WashU. I haven't voted myself, since every ~2hrs my inclinations change

 

[bluegrass_druid]

This is looking painfully predictable. I wonder the reasons of the people that chose WashU. I haven't voted myself, since every ~2hrs my inclinations change

WashU is great...but people respect the big "H" everywhere. AND Boston is a way-cooler city (imo) than St. Loueee. You really can't lose, but it would take a serious draw (great PI, etc.) to make me choose WashU over H

my $.02

 

[kermitdfrog]

I dont want to brag or anything, so please dont take it that way...

Why wouldn't you, those are great schools, congrats! If we're voting American Idol style, 1-866-MDPHD-01 (Harvard) or 1-866-MDPHD-02 (WashU), I'm dialing 01, although I don't really have a solid reason for that other than the #2 on my home phone is somewhat broken and has to be pressed a couple of times to work. Do keep in mind that with the money you would save living in St. Louis (compared to Boston) you could do some River Boat Gambling!

 

[leverp2000]

Yeah, maybe I should start one of these threads. I'm one step away from just flippping a coin and going with that 😱.

In this case, I would probably choose based on location (Boston >> St. Louis), unless you have some family ties or something else drawing you to St. Louis.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Does Harvard/HST pay tuition and stipend?

If not and money is an issue for you, I would pick WashU. Both are fantastic, well-respected institutions.

If you do get tuition/stipend support from Harvard...then I would go there.

 

[leverp2000]

Does Harvard/HST pay tuition and stipend?

If not and money is an issue for you, I would pick WashU. Both are fantastic, well-respected institutions.

If you do get tuition/stipend support from Harvard...then I would go there.

Yeah, I believe that Harvard MSTP pays tuition and stipend, albeit it may be a little low for Boston cost of living.

 

[tedrik]

It seems like the majority has already spoken, but I love all these new polls so I'll vote anyways.

You could make this decision based on location alone. I'd agree with everyone else that Boston is a much more exciting place to live than St. Louis. As long as you don't mind being called "harvard-boy" (or girl) the rest of your life, I'd go for the Big H.

congrats!!

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Yeah, I believe that Harvard MSTP pays tuition and stipend, albeit it may be a little low for Boston cost of living.

I don't think Harvard HST is equivalent to Harvard MSTP. At least when I was applying to med schools, Harvard had two pathways leading up to the MD only degree...those were New Pathway and HST. HST did not grant a PhD and thus didn't give tuition and stipend support.

Things may be different now though...it's been 7 years since I went through the application process. I feel like an old fart now.

Anyways, I know 2 folks from my undergrad school who chose Harvard HST (not MSTP and thus MD only) over WashU MSTP. I guess they were banking on the Harvard name meaning a lot.

Honestly though, WashU and Harvard are two awesome places. You really can't go wrong with either one. The OP should pat himself on the back for his achievements. 👍

 

[Booyakasha]

"I don't think Harvard HST is equivalent to Harvard MSTP. At least when I was applying to med schools, Harvard had two pathways leading up to the MD only degree...those were New Pathway and HST. HST did not grant a PhD and thus didn't give tuition and stipend support."


I think that Harvard MSTP is composed of two different pathways; HST is one of them, from the information that I have gathered. HST actuallly has a multitiude of different degree options: of course, the tradtitional MD option is available, but there are certainly alternatives.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Interesting to know. Thanks for the clarification. Either HST was restructured or my initial understanding of what HST was pretty flat out poor

 

[paramus]

Interesting to know. Thanks for the clarification. Either HST was restructured or my initial understanding of what HST was pretty flat out poor

I think your conception of HST is right. It's a research-heavy MD with no support. But...apparently the vast majority of the MSTP applicants (and presumably matriculants) go through HST rather than NP for their MD. That was how an NP interviewer explained the setup to me, anyway.

 

[milliardo_L]

I think your conception of HST is right. It's a research-heavy MD with no support. But...apparently the vast majority of the MSTP applicants (and presumably matriculants) go through HST rather than NP for their MD. That was how an NP interviewer explained the setup to me, anyway.

Both options are fully funded MST programs. It is true, however, that people have rejected MSTP spots for an HST MD only spot. I met someone like that during the interview, and he was very happy with his choice. Although not fully funded, they offer paid RA for ~12k/semester, which cuts their debt in half.

 

[ipodluva]

I am well familiar with both institutions and I would personally go with WashU. If you want to RISK taking 9-10 years to graduate (I know an HST/MSTP graduate who did it in 7 - but he was lucky) and if you want to deal with the attitude - I would go for it. HST also has a remarkable intraclass competitive spirit and some people can rather be a**holes. If you want a nice environment, high standard of living and still a remarkable institution, I would go for WashU. That's just my take on it...

 

[dr.z]

Harvard.

 

[milliardo_L]

less than 24 hrs to make my decison

going east right now, but it still changes every hour...

 

[milliardo_L]

 

[staticfritz]

how can harvard require you to answer? that's bs
the deadline is may 15th at all schools.

 

[milliardo_L]

how can harvard require you to answer? that's bs
the deadline is may 15th at all schools.

I know, but they argue that since they require to start the program in July (a course+rotation), they need to know sooner, to work with their waitlist. 😕

 

[staticfritz]

that is total bs
call them and tell them so. they can wait two more weeks for crying out loud. absolutely rediculous what they think they can get away with because they are 'harvard'.

 

[jjmack]

The may 15th deadline is not set in stone other programs have earlier decision dats MD as well as MD/PhD programs. Cornell Tri-I has an April 30th deadline I believe and I know Mayo MD is earlier too.

that is total bs
call them and tell them so. they can wait two more weeks for crying out loud. absolutely rediculous what they think they can get away with because they are 'harvard'.

 

[milliardo_L]

that is total bs
call them and tell them so. they can wait two more weeks for crying out loud. absolutely rediculous what they think they can get away with because they are 'harvard'.

I e-mailed them with a question, telling them I am still undecided. Hopefully they will not kick me out...

 

[javert]

Hopefully they will not kick me out...

Well...that would make your decision a heck of a lot easier now, wouldn't it? 😉

j/k Best of luck with your tough decision

 

[staticfritz]

if they kick you out for not decided before what is the supposedly 'agreed' mstp guidelines, then they're collosal dinguses....you might be better off not there in that case..imho...

 

[jjmack]

I concur.

if they kick you out for not decided before what is the
supposedly 'agreed' mstp guidelines, then they're collosal dinguses....you might be better off not there in that case..imho...

 

[milliardo_L]

Well...that would make your decision a heck of a lot easier now, wouldn't it? 😉

j/k Best of luck with your tough decision

I thought so too 😉 I don't think it will happen, their response was quite understanding.

 

[jjmack]

has a final decision been made?

 

[milliardo_L]

I finally made up my mind, I've accepted Harvard's offer. I feel really bad by rejecting WashU, but I feel at peace with my decision. It is the best choice for my particular research interests.

 

[tedrik]

I finally made up my mind, I've accepted Harvard's offer. I feel really bad by rejecting WashU, but I feel at peace with my decision. It is the best choice for my particular research interests.

👍
Don't feel bad! Congrats on your decision, I'm sure you won't regret it.