Why would you choose LSU New Orleans over other medical schools you applied to?

• A. I would come to LSU New Orleans over other schools because of the weather.
• B. Because of my relationships with people that currently or previously have attended LSU New Orleans and the close proximity to my family.
• C. The campus offers more scholarships than the others, and the programs are more rigorous.
• D. LSU New Orleans has a newer campus and better sports facilities.

Answer: (B)

Choosing a medical school is about fit and the support environment that helps you succeed. Having relationships with people who have attended LSU New Orleans—mentors, current students, and alumni—gives you access to insider perspectives on the curriculum, culture, and what residency pathways look like. That guidance, plus the closeness to family, creates a reliable support system, which can reduce stress, keep you motivated, and help you navigate the demands of medical school.

Other reasons like weather, more scholarships with a tougher workload, or a newer campus and nicer sports facilities don’t directly reflect how well you’ll thrive in the program or how strong your support network will be. Weather is subjective, scholarships and rigor can involve trade-offs, and campus amenities don’t always translate to educational quality. The combination of established relationships and family proximity is the most meaningful predictor of long-term success and well-being in medical school.