UMass vs BU

[tneduts lacidem-erp]

UMass
Pros

• Tuition cheaper than BU by around $32,000 over 4 years
• 4 year MD/MBA program
• Lead@Lahey program
• Win week (full week to relax after exams)

Cons

• In Worcester
• Potentially less research opportunities though this may be balanced out by less competition

BU
Pros

• Med student subsidized housing very affordable
• More research opportunities in Boston including many biotech/tech companies, also hoping to match in Boston
• I get to stay in Boston, very close to friends and family
• Several very good MBA programs nearby, also has home 5 year MD/MBA program
• Very strong community service opportunities

Cons

• Med student housing not guaranteed after 1st year and COL in Boston is higher
• Student housing and school is In an area known as Methadone Mile

Context: Both schools produce strong clinicians and are affordable. I am also looking to do an MBA

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[Senior_Applicant]

(Disclosure A at UMass, R from BU, so most of my information is for UMass)

Regarding your cons about UMass research, UMass actually receives more NIH research funding than does BU (~$27 million more, BRIMR Rankings of NIH Funding in 2023 | BRIMR ) While I'm not sure how much funding translates to opportunities and someone more experiences can speak to that more, I don't think you will be limited by research at either BU or UMass.

Regarding the location con, Worcester does not compare to Boston, but it is still a city with restaurants/bars/shops. It is well-connected to Boston via an hour long commuter rail/drive. Lahey is less than 30 minutes away from Boston.

Congrats and definitely cannot go wrong!

 

[everythingis onfire]

I think BU is a better option here, since you get cheaper housing and get to stay local.