- Joined
- Jan 12, 2021
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Hi guys. I need help choosing between Penn and Buffalo.
For context, I am interested in pursuing OMFS.
Penn:
Pros:
Buffalo:
Pros:
Cost really isn't the biggest factor for me. I'm more concerned about where I would be happier. A $200,000 difference is something I am willing to stomach if it means I will be happier. I think what I am really looking for is someone to comment on the competitiveness of the student bodies at each school. Penn is notorious on the internet for being highly competitive within the student body, so maybe someone can clear that up.
For context, I am interested in pursuing OMFS.
Penn:
Pros:
- Closer to family (~2 hours)
- Better transportation options (family lives in NYC)
- Bigger, nicer city. My girlfriend is disabled so accessibility is very important
- Higher rate of specialization (wouldn't have to rank AS high as one would need to at a school like buffalo. obviously still need good gpa and class rank). Relatively easier to specialize
- Access to better research and resources
- Cost - about $200,000 more expensive than Buffalo (~500,000 over 4 years)
- Large class size
- Penn supposedly has a highly competitive student body and is a notoriously hard school
Buffalo:
Pros:
- Cost - cheaper. (~300,000 over 4 years)
- Less competitive student body due to lower specialization rate (10-15% of students specialize)
- Very far from home (~7 hours)
- Undesireable weather
- Less urban than other major cities, a con for me
Cost really isn't the biggest factor for me. I'm more concerned about where I would be happier. A $200,000 difference is something I am willing to stomach if it means I will be happier. I think what I am really looking for is someone to comment on the competitiveness of the student bodies at each school. Penn is notorious on the internet for being highly competitive within the student body, so maybe someone can clear that up.