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

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