Wake Forest vs. MCG

[sharpincapacity10]

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Hi, would really appreciate any thoughts people might have!

Some background, I'm currently most interested in CT surgery or ortho surgery. I'm fortunate enough to have financial support from my parents, so won't have to take out any loans. As a student, I'm really interested in research to the point where one program's reputation in it can sway me in one direction or the other. Please let me know if there's anything else I should add about myself!

• Wake Forest
  • Pros
    • Still close to home
    • More diverse specialties, might want to explore
    • Toured and liked Winston-Salem
    • Strong match list
    • Good school/life balance according to students
    • Opportunities for rotations in Charlotte
    • Early clinical experience
    • 9 week summer break after first year
  • Cons
    • Expensive (~60k/year, scholarships tbd)
    • Further from home (4hr drive)
    • More expensive cost of living (still not too bad)

MCG

• Pros
  • 3+ program (finish MD in 3 years and have 1 year for a masters/more research/residency prep)
  • Cheaper (~30k/year)
  • Closer to home (2hr drive)
  • Good match list with people matching general surgery
  • I have friends who will be at MCG
• Cons
  • Not enthusiastic about Augusta
  • Little control over which campus placed in (Augusta, Savannah)
  • Chance of frequent relocation during rotations in rural GA
  • Lesser reputation (how important is that?)
  • Fast paced and less school/life balance because of 3 year program
  • Longest break is 2 weeks