I am an ms2 who turned down a top school known for having a super free and chill curriciulum (you can probably guess) to go to a different school due to financial reasons. I am miserable at this current school. We have mandatory attendance for 30+ hours a week, there is not enough time to do research, study, go to class, and do the things that make my life worth living.

If you can avoid it, please do not go to a school with mandatory attendance to lectures and other things. Please go to a school where they are going to treat you like an adult.

Money should not be the only factor in your med school decision. It should be a factor yes, but please do not let money be the reason why you choose to go to a school that is not a good fit for you and your learning style.

Ask upperclassmen specifically what their schedules are like, how much required class there is, and how grading schemes work (is it pass/fail, does it have AOA, class ranking, etc).