Hey guys!! I was set on Einstein and then really unexpectedly was accepted off the WL to Pitt. I never expected myself to get accepted to a school with the caliber of pitt so now I’m torn. For reference I don’t really know what specialty I want to do but I do have an interest in optho and ent rn so want to keep doors open. I don’t see myself working in academia though would prefer to be in private practice settings. If any current students at either school could weigh in that would be great too thank you all so much
Pitt
PROS:
-insanely robust research in every specialty
-major ties to school and city; know a lot of people at the school and incoming m1s and in the general city so will have existing support system
-UPMC system; extensive home residencies
-love the integration of small groups and how hands on curriculum is
-no aoa
-T15 school- more prestige/opportunities?
-very cheap cost of living in the city
CONS:
-don’t anticipate getting any aid and will be full COA likely around $250-300k.
-far from family and SO
-not my favorite city so 8 years here is alot
-new curriculum seems kinda messy and a lot of kinks are still being worked out, there is no telling how it will prepare students for step and such
-mandatories 8-12 everyday
Einstein
PROS:
-FREE TUITUON!! and super cheap subsidized housing as well
-close to support system
-a lot of positive changes seem to be coming- learning communities, NBME exams, etc. but also maybe too fast ?? and I’d be a test bunny
-proximity (although not super close) to nyc
-non mandatory lectures
CONS:
-not a fan of the immediate location or the student housing dynamic. would prefer a degree of separation between where I live and where I study if that makes sense
-AOA
-matching in some competitive specialties isn’t as strong- for example only one optho match this year
-get the sense of alot of administrative disorganization- plus they’re on probation for a reason
-didn’t get positive or happy vibes from current students when I visited
Pitt
PROS:
-insanely robust research in every specialty
-major ties to school and city; know a lot of people at the school and incoming m1s and in the general city so will have existing support system
-UPMC system; extensive home residencies
-love the integration of small groups and how hands on curriculum is
-no aoa
-T15 school- more prestige/opportunities?
-very cheap cost of living in the city
CONS:
-don’t anticipate getting any aid and will be full COA likely around $250-300k.
-far from family and SO
-not my favorite city so 8 years here is alot
-new curriculum seems kinda messy and a lot of kinks are still being worked out, there is no telling how it will prepare students for step and such
-mandatories 8-12 everyday
Einstein
PROS:
-FREE TUITUON!! and super cheap subsidized housing as well
-close to support system
-a lot of positive changes seem to be coming- learning communities, NBME exams, etc. but also maybe too fast ?? and I’d be a test bunny
-proximity (although not super close) to nyc
-non mandatory lectures
CONS:
-not a fan of the immediate location or the student housing dynamic. would prefer a degree of separation between where I live and where I study if that makes sense
-AOA
-matching in some competitive specialties isn’t as strong- for example only one optho match this year
-get the sense of alot of administrative disorganization- plus they’re on probation for a reason
-didn’t get positive or happy vibes from current students when I visited