the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine!
That said, it was a painful decision –not because I don’t like Pritzker, because I have fangirled about it for…months–but because I also love Duke and Columbia.
I would have loved to attend Duke. Their 1-year preclinical is just a dream, but financially it did not work out as well for me. Additionally, choosing Duke over Pritzker and P&S would essentially require me to bring my car, and I don’t want my parents to shell out another $30K for a replacement if they won’t have to. I was hoping for a merit award, but am not surprised that I didn’t receive one. Duke is an amazing institution, and this was not an easy decision, though I’m sure it was the right one for my situation.
As for Columbia…definitely the most difficult withdrawal I’ve had to make yet. I absolutely loved P&S: from its location in Washington Heights and the NYP Hospital, to the diverse patient population, focus on healthcare disparities, and exposure to surgical fields…It was always, and still is, a dream institution for me. To know that I’m pulling away because of financial reasons–even if it makes total sense–pains me. I tried waiting it out, hoping to hear of merit awards as the scholarship committee continues to meet. Unfortunately, there was too much uncertainty, as the committee does not have a “deadline” to inform students (it could be today, but it could also be awarded the day before orientation). Although this is probably the best decision, it was a terribly difficult one.
With that all said, I’m beyond excited at the prospect of moving to Chicago. Pritzker has been extremely supportive throughout this entire application cycle, and I have received so much love from it. It was my first interview invite, first interview attended, and first acceptance (that magical October 15th phone call). It sent me my scrub top in December with a handwritten note from a current student, updated me with frequent emails showcasing how much fun their students were having, and showered me (and all admitted students) with love during the Second Look Weekend. And to top it all, it provided such a generous offer that proved (thus far!) impossible to turn down. I honestly cannot be happier with my decision.
