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

[Jimacus]

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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!

 

[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!

 

[newkungfukenny]

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