Zucker/Hofstra vs BU

[jjl323]

Hey everyone, I'm currently deciding between BU and Zucker and could really use some insight, since they’re similarly ranked and I can genuinely see myself being happy at either. Zucker is significantly cheaper and would allow me to stay close to my support system, but BU also has a lot to offer. I'm currently undecided on specialty but leaning toward an IM subspecialty, and I hope to stay in the Northeast for residency.

Zucker/Hofstra
Pros

• Very close to home and my SO — I’d live on my own, but it’s comforting to have family/support nearby
• They offered me a scholarship, so it would be ~$125–150K cheaper than BU overall
• P/F preclinical
• Northwell Health is a large, well-regarded hospital network
• Has become increasingly established w/ strong match lists
• Close-knit student body
• Small class size = more resources and strong admin support
• Ample research opportunities, plus proximity to NYC expands access to mentors at other institutions

Cons

• Mandatory 8 a.m.–12 p.m. classes and some uncertainty around new curriculum changes (not ideal, but big picture, preclinical matters less)
• Long-block format with a short answer/essay exam at the very end — less frequent testing, which some see as a pro, but still worth noting
• Less diverse/underserved patient population

BU
Pros

• Established school with stronger name recognition
• Diverse patient population and a strong emphasis on social justice
• P/F preclinical
• Non-mandatory classes
• Access to research opportunities through neighboring institutions like MGB/Harvard, helpful if i decide that I want to pursue academics

Cons

• 125-150K more expensive in tuition overall; high COL in Boston
• Farther from my support system and would have to do long-distance
• Larger class size = potentially less personalized mentorship and resources
• Biweekly testing (could be a pro?)

This is a really tough decision for me. Since both schools have strong match lists and great reputations, I feel like my success will come down to what I do with the opportunities at either school, rather than the school itself. BU has a slight edge in terms of reputation and a more flexible preclinical curriculum, but I'm unsure if that outweighs the cost and distance from my support system.
Would really appreciate any thoughts, especially from those who’ve faced a similar decision.

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[The OTC]

$150k is pretty significant difference cost-wise especially for similarly ranked schools. It’s an added bonus your support system is so close. Zucker seems to be the move