Wash U vs. Vanderbilt

[acrocs]

I was set to go to Vanderbilt, but recently got off the waitlist at Wash U. Fortunately, both gave me full tuition.

Wash U
Pros

• Family/support system in STL (+++)
• Cheaper cost of living than Nashville and would save ~$20k-$40k over 4 years (++)
• Have lived in STL whole life and always looked up to Wash U -- feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be on the inside (++)
• Training at Barnes (++)
• Marginal prestige over Vanderbilt, but it would be silly to think I would match better out of Wash U than Vanderbilt solely because I went to Wash U (+)
• Summers off (+)

Cons

• Vibe from the students was not as positive as Vanderbilt -- I did not sense any gunners/competition (like many other people say), but it did seem like students on average were less social/outgoing (---)
• Guinea pig class/curriculum change (--)

Vanderbilt
Pros

• "Fit" was probably the strongest here -- great vibe from students who were social/outgoing and seemed genuinely happy (+++)
• Nashville would be an exciting new city for me to live in (++)

Cons

• Slightly more expensive cost of living (--)
• 1 yr pre-clinical seemed somewhat overwhelming but would be nice to get into clinic earlier (-/+)

TL;DR: Fit was better Vanderbilt but no real cons. Family/support system in STL. Marginal savings and prestige (not sure how to value, if at all) by attending Wash U.

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[dodolol21]

Family/support system in STL. Marginal savings and prestige (not sure how to value, if at all) by attending Wash U.

I feel like with the pros/cons you've laid out and some simple arithmetic, WashU wins out pretty easily. It's got a bigger name, is cheaper, and close to your family. If "fit" is the only thing keeping you at Vanderbilt, I'd try to think more about the defining characteristics included in that "fit" and whether WashU can meet at least 2/3 of those same characteristics. Personally, I think you would probably have a blast at WashU as well.

No conflicts of interests to declare

 

[crimson-cat]

I'd say you should pick mostly based on location, as it's pretty hard to accurately gauge class vibes during the artificiality of second looks and interviews. Do you want to try something new, or would you prefer building up your bonafides as a healthcare leader in your hometown? Are your interests mostly biomedical/public health (WashU), or do you want to explore entrepreneurship and IT (Vandy)?

I also wouldn't underestimate the prestige difference between the schools. Vandy is awesome, but WashU has historically been one of the nation's top biomedical powerhouses (same residency director score as HMS). More importantly, WashU has an insane number of top-tier home programs and they seem to really favor their own. Overall, you could match at a top residency from either, but you'd definitely have better odds to land a top STL residency from WashU if you want to train/practice near home.

 

[Goro]

I was set to go to Vanderbilt, but recently got off the waitlist at Wash U. Fortunately, both gave me full tuition.

Wash U
Pros

• Family/support system in STL (+++)
• Cheaper cost of living than Nashville and would save ~$20k-$40k over 4 years (++)
• Have lived in STL whole life and always looked up to Wash U -- feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be on the inside (++)
• Training at Barnes (++)
• Marginal prestige over Vanderbilt, but it would be silly to think I would match better out of Wash U than Vanderbilt solely because I went to Wash U (+)
• Summers off (+)

Cons

• Vibe from the students was not as positive as Vanderbilt -- I did not sense any gunners/competition (like many other people say), but it did seem like students on average were less social/outgoing (---)
• Guinea pig class/curriculum change (--)

Vanderbilt
Pros

• "Fit" was probably the strongest here -- great vibe from students who were social/outgoing and seemed genuinely happy (+++)
• Nashville would be an exciting new city for me to live in (++)

Cons

• Slightly more expensive cost of living (--)
• 1 yr pre-clinical seemed somewhat overwhelming but would be nice to get into clinic earlier (-/+)

TL;DR: Fit was better Vanderbilt but no real cons. Family/support system in STL. Marginal savings and prestige (not sure how to value, if at all) by attending Wash U.

This is easy, what kind of barbeque do you like? Wet or dry?

 

[acrocs]

This is easy, what kind of barbeque do you like? Wet or dry?

Hahaha -- wet!

 

[Phoebus Apollo]

Hmm. Many of your personal factors point to WashU, but I agree that the vibe of your class does count for a lot. Can you try getting a sense of that by talking to more students?

WashU and Vandy aren’t that far apart. It wouldn’t be across the country from your family, at least. But only you know how important that support system is for you.

 

[Peyronies]

The cost is roughly close enough I wouldn't let it influence you in either direction. If your first impression was that you liked the vibe of Vanderbilt, I'd take that seriously. I also find WashU's coming curriculum changes kinda spooky for when it comes time got clinical stuff. Also, I'm a bit more generous towards one year preclinicals as most of the stuff I've seen about them seems fairly positive.