WashU vs Harvard

[akjddasd]

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Echoing a post I made on Admit to get more insight. I keep going back and forth between WashU and Harvard. For context, I'm from California, and I'm pretty sure I want to end up working there in the future. Debt is a factor, but not a major concern as I won't need private loans. I'm also interested in oncology and global health.

WashU Pros

- full tuition covered
- loved the faculty and students I've met so far
- the culture seems very similar to where I went for undergrad where i thrived
- clerkships are graded but with distinctions (not typical h/p/f)
- robust global health opportunities
- low cost of living

WashU Cons

- located in STL, which I've heard mixed opinions about (visiting for second look soon)
- regional preference in matching to the Midwest, which I don't prefer over the East or West coast
- need a car past M1, which is an added hassle
- isolated from any family or current friends I have


Harvard Pros

- dream medical school
- amazing global health opportunities that align with my interest in Spanish-speaking countries
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute is among the best
- the idea of living in Boston really excites me, fun sports scene
- close by to New York and other East Coast states where I have friends and would love to explore
- matching on East Coast, and stronger competitiveness for west coast residencies
- global and layperson prestige can open doors
- amazing network of students, faculty, and medicine/biotech companies in Boston

Harvard Cons

- going back to graded clerkships and not being transparent on what that will look like
- no aid, around 350k more than WashU would be overall
- under pressure by current administration, which may mean decreased funding for certain programs (possibly global health)
- less structured and less mentorship

I think my parents want me to go to Harvard, and my heart was set on it because it's always been my dream, and it's hard to turn down that opportunity. At the same time, it wasn't all I had dreamt it to be at second look, and 350k is an absurd amount of money even if the debt isn't an issue. I appreciate any insight I can get, thanks all!

 

[YellowSalamander]

Congratulations on a fantastic application cycle! You will do great wherever you end up. Full disclosure: current MD student at WashU who was in your position a few years ago (full cost T3 vs free Wash).

I am not going to be dishonest and claim that it was not a challenging decision to turn down the T3 school. I however came to the conclusion that logically it made no sense to turn down an opportunity to attend an elite medical school for free. I have no regrets! I will graduate from medical school without debt which will allow me to do whatever I so desire long-term, and I get to learn medicine in the friendly and laid-back culture of the Midwest. When you say 350k, are you including the cost of living?

Just to clarify a bit around your pros and cons about WashU:

• Clerkships are not graded here. They are P/F and distinctions are not given for individual clerkships, but rather for the entire phase.
  
  
• There is no regional preference when it comes to matching! If we look at the last two match cycles on their website they matched 79 to the East Coast, 100 to the midwest and 60 to the West Coast, with Missouri (41), California (25), New York (13), Washington (7), Massachusetts (9), Pennsylvania (9) and Illinois (7) being the most popular states. The Missouri number is also inflated because many students match preliminary at Missouri Baptist (BJC) while simultaneously matching specialties (radiology, anesthesia, derm etc.) outside of Missouri. About 1/3 of the class is from the West Coast and 1/3 from the East Coast, and even with many people deciding to stay due to home match and professional connections, a lot of students make it back to the coasts. Would not be concerned at all..
  
  
• My view of STL has changed a lot since coming here! My first impression of the city during the second look was so-so, because you don't really get to see the cool parts of the city and all the hidden gems. It took a few months to truly appreciate how much this city has to offer and how chill it is to live in this city as a student. I still want to move back to the coast at some point, but I'm quite content here and might even stay for residency. Its not NYC or Boston, but it's certainly not as bad as some people on the internet would like you to think.
  
  
• If you are interested in Oncology, Siteman Cancer Center is fantastic! Not only one of the highest-ranked and best cancer hospitals in the country, but it also has a brand new building. You'll have no trouble finding fantastic mentors in oncology here.

Reach out if you have any questions!

 

[greekolives]

Full disclosure- current WashU med student.

This will sound cliché but genuinely follow your heart. SLW experience is usually the clearest signal of fit and where you can picture your future self. Your pros and cons list is solid and the reasoning for reaching out are all valid.

If HMS SLW didn't feel right, I'd recommend gently pushing yourself to pinpoint what felt off. If you don’t mind me asking, are there any specifics that come to mind? If it's one or two isolated things, I would caution to refrain from those impacting overall fit. If it was a cumulative vibe, that matters more.

I was in similar boat considering other T10 programs and decided here for the genuine faculty/students and scholarship. Sounds like you are in same boat with costs. As an extra bonus as someone who came from LA the COL here is insanely good and you can rent, eat, and shop like royalty.
Happy to answer any questions! But remember to give yourself some time after both SLWs are done to reflect and let things settle. You will be surprised by how clearer things will become. Feel free to DM or find me in person this weekend! 🙂

 

[riv_jordan]

Just in case you wanted to confirmation from someone not affiliated with WashU, I agree that WashU seems like the clear choice here. None of your pros for Harvard compared to WashU come anywhere close to justifying $350k extra in debt/cost and the fact that you attended Harvard's second look and left disappointed should seal the deal.