mindlessduck
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- Aug 9, 2023
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Hi Everyone! I’m currently trying to decide between Cornell and sending a letter of intent to Vandy and I’d appreciate any advice! Thank you!
To preface, I’m interested in a competitive specialty, but unsure if I want to pursue academic medicine/private practice.
Cornell:
Pros-
Cons-
Vandy:
Pros-
Cons-
To preface, I’m interested in a competitive specialty, but unsure if I want to pursue academic medicine/private practice.
Cornell:
Pros-
- Loved the vibe at ASW and felt like I could fit in
- Familiar with NYC so the transition wouldn’t be too difficult
- A lot of college friends live in NYC/Long Island so I’d have a solid support system there
- Diverse student body
- 6 months dedicated for research + Area of concentration
- Housing isn't too expensive bc its subsidized
- Opportunity to do research/rotations abroad which I’m definitely interested in
- Have always dreamt of living in NYC for some part of my life
- Will likely be $10-15k/year cheaper than Vandy
- P/F preclinical
- Opportunity to do research @ HSS, MSK, Rockefeller
Cons-
- AOA pre-match
- Honors/HP/P/F clinicals which might lead to more competition with students
- Weekly quizzes/exams in the first semester and then biweekly second semester- hard to get breaks
- Olin Hall - I enjoy cooking and the thought of having to cook in a communal kitchen sounds dreadful
- NYC might be a distraction?? Or I might feel like I can’t enjoy the city bc im busy/stressed with school
- Student Q&A session during interview day was a little off-putting bc students seemed stressed but then at ASW all of the students sounded like they had great work-life balance so just confused lol
Vandy:
Pros-
- True P/F in preclinical and clinical years
- No AOA or internal ranking
- LOVED the vibes during interview day and all the students seemed really really happy
- The school’s focus on student wellness is really apparent
- Smallish city which is what I’ve been used to during my gap year so I think I’d maybe like it in med school too
- Opportunity to get a certificate in neurodevelopmental disabilities - this was one of my favorite things about the school and is a cause that I’m really passionate about
- Flexible third year to do research/explore interests
- 3-6 months of dedicated research time
- The housing system helps provide mentorship and a stronger sense of community
- the weather!!
Cons-
- $10-15k more expensive than Cornell
- I’ve always wanted to live in NYC and not sure if I would want to live there for residency so maybe I’ll regret not going there for med school
- Although I like the idea of 1 year preclinical, having exams every 6-8 weeks seems a little overwhelming because of the amount of material tested
- Apartment-style living with its own kitchen but more expensive than Cornell’s subsidized housing
- No support system nearby (would have to fly to go home/see college friends)
- Would likely need a car on campus which increases costs
- Less diverse city/patient population
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