WashU St. Louis (55k COA) vs Weill Cornell ("debt free grad")

[Jimacus]

Hi everyone,

Both schools have so many more pros and cons that I won't be able to list off right now, but I want to focus on what matters to me: research, diversity, food, weather, geography.

Washington University in St. Louis
Pros

• I am from St. Louis, so being near family is a nice touch (but not the most important aspect for myself, personally)
• Fantastic research institution
• Just matched 8 students into ophthalmology, a potential specialty for myself
• Cheap cost of living

Cons

• the Asian food scene isn't amazing
• COA isn't full tuition, but is still high
• Midwest weather is tough... Hot summers and cold and wet winters

Weill Cornell
Pros

• My research chops are in cancer biology and drug development research. Even if I choose to go into ophthalmology, doing research in uveal melanoma (or something like that) could be very helpful and could align strongly with what I know I can do. Having the opportunity to work in Memorial Sloane Kettering makes Weill a huge research powerhouse for my future career
• New York City. That is all. Food. Diversity.
• Guaranteed debt free graduation. I don't know exactly what this means, but it sounds like it would be better than 55k COA

Cons

• "technically" ranked lower than WUSTL (not important, but all things considered...)
• Weather also isn't amazing. Cold winters and hot summers, but no worse than STL, I'm sure
• Cost of living is high

Summary: Geography, diversity, research. Cost of attendance and living are obviously factors, but I just want to be happy during med school.

Thank you so much!

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[chiknuggies]

based on the factors that are important to you and the cons you listed for WashU, it seems like Cornell is a better fit!

 

[ecobio]

both are undeniably great programs. i would choose based on 1) where do you see yourself HAPPIER 2) cheaper option. sounds like cornell is both.

 

[cbum]

Given your cons and the COA difference, absolutely Weill Cornell and even with cost held the same both schools will provide you similar match opportunities!

 

[garlic_hunter]

Do thorough research on what the "debt free" arrangement is for Weill Cornell. Do you qualify for need-based aid? It's only debt-free for those who do qualify. Does it include housing? It's expensive to live and eat in NYC.

Is the 55K COA for all four years? If yes, that is an absolute steal and you will live considerably more comfortable in St. Louis. I lived in NYC for a while, and I was not a huge man. It was loud, dirty and without the amount of green space that I need to thrive. Also lived in a tiny apartment, which is east coast city living for you.

You can't go wrong with either program. Once you get a more accurate picture of the total COA for reach program, you should attend the program where that is the most affordable. If they are about equal cost, I would attend WashU given that its closer to your support system. I'd also encourage you to look up how medical students and residents are treated in NYC. Really changed my opinion about training there, so should be taken into account as well.

 

[newkungfukenny]

Debt-free is better. you also seem to like Weill and NYC more. go cornell!