Hello all,
I have been accepted and paid deposits for both West Coast and Samuel Merritt, as I've been having difficulty making a decision.
I have heard that as a much more established program, Samuel Merritt has a more expansive network, in terms of clinical internships, but aside from that, I do not know much, comparatively between the two. I have basic surface knowledge of each school but would like to know more from students, and what others know about the programs. Any pros and cons would be greatly appreciated.
Based on the more expansive network and SMU being more established, I prefer Samuel Merritt over West Coast, and both tuition costs are about the same. However, if I were to attend West Coast, I would have a place to stay, rent-free. In addition, the bay area's cost of living is very high and adds up over 3 years. With that in mind, I would potentially save 3 years worth of expensive rent if I were to attend West Coast. But also, the place I would stay if I attended West Coast, would be anywhere from an hour to and hour and a half commute each way, so it's not exactly ideal.
I know many say to go wherever you'll end up in less debt, so I'd like to know if there are any differences between the programs/if certain pros and cons make one "better" than another/if that added debt is even worth these comparisons.
I know there may not be any concrete answer here, but any help would go a long way. Thank you.
I have been accepted and paid deposits for both West Coast and Samuel Merritt, as I've been having difficulty making a decision.
I have heard that as a much more established program, Samuel Merritt has a more expansive network, in terms of clinical internships, but aside from that, I do not know much, comparatively between the two. I have basic surface knowledge of each school but would like to know more from students, and what others know about the programs. Any pros and cons would be greatly appreciated.
Based on the more expansive network and SMU being more established, I prefer Samuel Merritt over West Coast, and both tuition costs are about the same. However, if I were to attend West Coast, I would have a place to stay, rent-free. In addition, the bay area's cost of living is very high and adds up over 3 years. With that in mind, I would potentially save 3 years worth of expensive rent if I were to attend West Coast. But also, the place I would stay if I attended West Coast, would be anywhere from an hour to and hour and a half commute each way, so it's not exactly ideal.
I know many say to go wherever you'll end up in less debt, so I'd like to know if there are any differences between the programs/if certain pros and cons make one "better" than another/if that added debt is even worth these comparisons.
I know there may not be any concrete answer here, but any help would go a long way. Thank you.
