Indiana vs. Tulane

[anxiouspremed21]

Indiana University
Pros

• Large Research school meaning more research opportunities, which can help for more competitive residency programs. (Plastics)
• Slightly cheaper tuition/overall CoA (OOS)
• Closer to home albeit still not close.
• Facilities were nice and new.

Cons

• Lacking a sense of community due to large student population
• Still not sure which regional campus I will be placed at… could be rural, which is something I do not want.- Updated: Got into Indianapolis Campus
• Match list incomplete but not using as a deciding factor.
• Heard students placed in regional campuses do not do as well as those in Indianapolis.

Tulane
Pros

• NOLA was an amazing city when I visited. Great vibe.
• Students seemed to know everyone and they were all chill
• The Dean absolutely adored me, which was strange but I am not complaining.
• MD/MPH in Tropical Medicine is appealing if I go into Infectious Diseases.-Update Got into the MD/MPH program.
• Love the early patient care and opportunities to volunteer.
• Match list seemed awesome but not using it as deciding factor.

Cons

• Some parts of the city were meh… But that is probably everywhere.
• Farther way from my family and friends.
• Research wasn’t as strong/seemed little. Concerned if I want to go into a competitive field (Plastics). Not sure DeBakey Scholars would be enough or have the resources for that.
• Higher tuition and overall CoA. -Update: Received a 20K/yr Merit Scholarship. Cheaper than IUSM.

Summary: Indiana seems like a great school for science research, which will be beneficial for competitive residency programs, however location and lack of community are off putting. Tulane is a great school for public health and global medicine, which is something I am interested in, however higher tuition and lack of research make me worry about the security of my investment.


Unsure where I would throw ranking/reputation seeing as it’s a poor factor to determine school choice, however Indiana is ranked while Tulane doesn’t participate (US News).

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[anxiouspremed21]

Any one have any opinions or things to add? Thanks

 

[ishiningstar]

I don't know much about Indiana, but Tulane and Nola are awesome! Considering your interest in public health and global medicine, Tulane may be a good choice for you.

How much cheaper is Indiana and how much does that affect your situation is a question you need to ask yourself . How much are you into research , I am sure you will be able to do some research at Tulane also. Although Tulane chooses to be unranked it is considered to be a pretty solid mid tier school.

 

[QuentinT88]

-

 

[anxiouspremed21]

Can any one speak to the research opportunities at both schools? At Tulane if I were to do the MD/MPH would I still be able to do research in another field?

 

[anxiouspremed21]

This is stressful ya'll. ha

 

[LilMermaid1]

Can any one speak to the research opportunities at both schools? At Tulane if I were to do the MD/MPH would I still be able to do research in another field?

From my knowledge, the research opportunities at Tulane probably arent as good as the ones at Indiana. I know they dont focus too much on that. Seems like Indiana would be a better fit for you from the reasons you listed: 1. desire to pursue plastic versus primary care 2. closer to home 3. cost of attendance.

 

[redoxreactions]

I interviewed at Indiana and LOVED it! Students seem happy and it's a solid school! Hope to see you as a classmate, good luck on your decision!

 

[thenucleusaccumbens]

Found Tulane's match list from this year - https://www2.tulane.edu/som/upload/2017-Electronic-Match-Results-2017-03-17.pdf
They have people matching into plastics, neurosurg, ortho, derm, urology, and other competitive specialties.

 

[thenucleusaccumbens]

IUs match list is pretty similar. Plenty of pple matching competitive specialities and in solid programs across the US.

IUSM Class of 2017 Match Map

I know, I wasn't trying to compare the two match lists, but OP specifically said they were worried about choosing Tulane if they decide to go into a competitive field, so I wanted to point out that one can still match into a competitive specialty coming from Tulane and I don't think that should be used as the deciding factor.

 

[anxiouspremed21]

Thank you all for your advice. I went with my gut and chose Tulane. I was scared of the price tag, however I just received a scholarship from the university that really helps me out. Thanks all and good luck!

 

[QuentinT88]

Thank you all for your advice. I went with my gut and chose Tulane. I was scared of the price tag, however I just received a scholarship from the university that really helps me out. Thanks all and good luck!

I don't blame you bud. Follow the $$$. Congrats!

 

[redoxreactions]

Wow they gave you that much in scholarship money?! Congrats!