What Price Happiness?

[SarahGM]

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Hypothetically....

What if you were offered nearly-free tuition at a very reputable and well-known state school, but also a decent amount of money at a not-as-reputable, not-as-cheap private school somewhere where you're 95% you would be much happier?

Which would you choose? Four years of greater happiness, or better financial and (maybe even) job security in the long run? Would you suck it up for the for years, or go with your feelings?

 

[Chet Rogers]

I'd do the state-u. Personally, I doubt I would be un-happy,because I would love the fact of being at a med school.

 

[Swiper]

I'd pick the happiness, for sure. Without a doubt. Hands down. Four years is a LOOOOONG time, and you'll eventually pay off the difference in debt in the long run - AND, as a much happier person.

Disclaimer: I have an interview at your hypothetical state school next month, but the fact that I want your spot has nothing to do with my advice. Really. 😉

 

[u2ecila]

Hi,
Just curious - why do you think you'll be happier?

🙂
u2ecila

 

[Chrisobean]

cheap makes me happy 🙂

but happiness is relative, you shouldny rely on a school to make you happy, you should choose to be happy no matter where you are at!

 

[Jalby]

Happyness. Med school is hard enough without having to worry about unhappyness.

 

[SarahGM]

In response to the why question...

I'm a displaced northerner (from Syracuse, NY) who just moved to NC in July. I thought I was sick of the cold after 4 years at Dartmouth, but I'm really missing the skiing, the hiking, the snow... and I'm wondering if a school back up north might be a better match for me.

 

[twinklz]

I would also vote for happiness. In addition, I think the construction at the unmentioned state school will make things a real pain in the a** for the next 2 years.

 

[Superwuwu]

If I had such a wonderful problem😀 , I would go with happiness. Afterall, a happy doctor makes for a better doctor.

 

[Neuronix]

It depends on how much happier (e.g. reasons for wanting to go there) vs. how much more money (e.g. 30k more a year vs. 5k more a year). I'd give my opinion, but the question is too ambiguous...

 

[finnpipette]

my girlfriend lives near stanford. i would donate an organ or give up anything and everything i own to get into stanford, rather than spend 4 long years away from her. Will I tell them that at my interview and sound scary and desperate, no. But that's how much I want it. You can keep your financial aid...I'll tell them that I had to go see about a girl.

 

[lizzylu]

Go with happiness. Although the state school may be a bit more prestigious if you're not happy somewhere you won't be enjoying any of that prestige. As those cheesy credit cards say:
Happiness during Medical School: Priceless

 

[Syranope2]

one of the things that scares me the most about med school is the number of third and fourth year students and residents who say that it isn't worth it, that they would chose another profession if they had the chance to do it again. that said, i think attending a school where you're happy is incredibly important. and if you're getting some financial aid there anyhow, so much the better. you're going to make a comfortable living as a doctor, and you'll be able to pay off the extra loans. go for someplace where you'll enjoy yourself for four years.

 

[glj79]

I would go with the school where you'd be happier, but also let that school know that you're struggling with the decision and that more money from them would make the decision easier for you.

 

[SarahGM]

Originally posted by finnpipette
I'll tell them that I had to go see about a girl.

Finnpipette wins the prize. I can only wish someone will say that about me someday....

(Love Good Will Hunting!)