Does turning down a medical school make it less likely you will get into residency there?

[licorice1]

I got into two of my top choice schools (!!!!), A and B. A is in a much better location, and has a hospital that I would like to end up at for my residency. B is in a location I am not a big fan of, but could live with for 4 years, it is also a better medical school, and gave me a better scholarship. I would love to go to school B, but I am worried that turning down school A will make them see me less favorably for residency. Is this a thing that occurs? Or are the programs completely separate/don't really care where I go to medical school and won't be offended if I turn them down.

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[throwaway01564]

I don't think they'd remember you turned them down, but obviously you'd have a worse shot because it wouldn't be your home program.

 

[Dantes]

I guess it's not impossible, but I feel like it would be very unlikely. Residency programs do their own thing and I doubt they have the time/willpower to track stuff like this down.

 

[Moko]

I got into two of my top choice schools (!!!!), A and B. A is in a much better location, and has a hospital that I would like to end up at for my residency. B is in a location I am not a big fan of, but could live with for 4 years, it is also a better medical school, and gave me a better scholarship. I would love to go to school B, but I am worried that turning down school A will make them see me less favorably for residency. Is this a thing that occurs? Or are the programs completely separate/don't really care where I go to medical school and won't be offended if I turn them down.

No. No one will be offended.

 

[Goro]

Nope

 

[Mr.Smile12]

No. Totally separate.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I don't think they'd remember you turned them down, but obviously you'd have a worse shot because it wouldn't be your home program.

This. You always have a leg up when you're applying to your home program. But I wouldn't decide your med school based solely on this factor, especially when you don't know what you'll want in 4 years.

 

[SharonShares]

No. No one will be offended.

Have you considered asking school A for additional financial assistance? Something like: I'd really love to attend your program but financially I have a better alternative, is there anything you can do? If you aren't planning to be in the top of your class in a competitive specialty, the location may make up for the "better medical school", if you can get the financials to work. There is a bit of an advantage to residency when applying to your home program and the much better location may improve your quality of life. And, I agree with Moko - "No one will be offended".