University of Louisville vs University of Kentucky (Lexington)

[Nvrgiveup01]

Alright guys, the cycle is coming to an end and I think I have a better idea of what my final options are. I just needed some opinions on which school I should choose. Anybody's input is greatly appreciated.

I am OOS for both of these schools, from CA, large city. As far as tuition goes, after scholarships accounted for, Kentucky is $11k more expensive, per year, than Louisville.

As of now, I would like pursue either Anesthesiology or Radiology. Would also want to end up ultimately practicing medicine in California.

Louisville
Pros:

• Louisville is the largest city in KY. (Easier transition coming from a large city?)
• P/F grading
• Lots of affiliated hospitals in the immediate area for clinical exposure
• Class attendance not mandatory
• I heard students are more friendly here? Less competitive vibes but I am not sure on this

Cons:

• Louisville cost of living more expensive? Not sure on this.
• Older facilities?

Kentucky (Lexington)

Pros:

• P/F grading
• Class attendance also not mandatory
• Cheaper cost of living maybe?
• Newer facilities?

Cons:

• More competitive vibes?
• More expensive tuition ($11k more/yr)
• Smaller city

I know the list is not too specific because really, I didn't get an opportunity to fly down to check out both schools and see for myself. I guess the biggest deciding factor for me right now is cost. Unless anyone can point out anything else I should take into account.

Also just to note, I am WL'd at USC Keck, UCLA/Drew and UC Davis, and would choose any of them over both of my current acceptances if I get off the WL.

So as things stand now, which one would ya'll choose and why?

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[m1redsox]

Louisville and UK have essentially equal prestige, so I’d choose the cheaper one—Louisville, especially if you prefer a bigger city.

 

[ampersandwich]

I'm not a student at either institution, but I'm more familiar with UK because I interviewed in-person there last cycle. I think they're pretty equal in terms of prestige but would give the edge to UK as the stronger academic program.

UofL/Louisville has more of a city feel, with urban amenities like lots of restaurants and entertainment (concerts, shows), plus the Derby. The food scene is supposedly very good here. The patient population is more racially diverse, if that sort of thing matters to you. However, the facilities are older and the medical education building in particular wasn't that impressive to me.

UKCOM/Lexington is basically a college town. It has a downtown with some bars but culturally, pickings are pretty slim. Rupp Arena does get some good performers and obviously there is UK basketball, but that's basically it. Chandler Hospital is beautiful and I think the facilities are a little nicer. IMO the clinical training is better here -- you get to see some pretty crazy pathology, especially from Eastern KY patients. Lexington is also just a picturesque place!

 

[Nvrgiveup01]

I'm not a student at either institution, but I'm more familiar with UK because I interviewed in-person there last cycle. I think they're pretty equal in terms of prestige but would give the edge to UK as the stronger academic program.

UofL/Louisville has more of a city feel, with urban amenities like lots of restaurants and entertainment (concerts, shows), plus the Derby. The food scene is supposedly very good here. The patient population is more racially diverse, if that sort of thing matters to you. However, the facilities are older and the medical education building in particular wasn't that impressive to me.

UKCOM/Lexington is basically a college town. It has a downtown with some bars but culturally, pickings are pretty slim. Rupp Arena does get some good performers and obviously there is UK basketball, but that's basically it. Chandler Hospital is beautiful and I think the facilities are a little nicer. IMO the clinical training is better here -- you get to see some pretty crazy pathology, especially from Eastern KY patients. Lexington is also just a picturesque place!

I guess the question is then, is an additional $11k/yr worth spending, just because the facilities are nicer at UKCOM. I love newer and nicer facilities just as much as anyone else. I just don't know if I should spend $11k/yr more for that. Having such a hard time choosing still.

 

[m1redsox]

I guess the question is then, is an additional $11k/yr worth spending, just because the facilities are nicer at UKCOM. I love newer and nicer facilities just as much as anyone else. I just don't know if I should spend $11k/yr more for that. Having such a hard time choosing still.

Nope. That’s $45k plus interest. Compounded over 10 years, we’re talking $60k+

 

[Nvrgiveup01]

Nope. That’s $45k plus interest. Compounded over 10 years, we’re talking $60k+

Sheesh! I totally forgot about interest. Looks like it's gonna be Louisville then.

 

[ampersandwich]

Sheesh! I totally forgot about interest. Looks like it's gonna be Louisville then.

That's what I would choose given the price difference.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

Just curious, but how did you get into both of these schools as a CA resident ? Neither are particularly OOS friendly.

 

[Nvrgiveup01]

Just curious, but how did you get into both of these schools as a CA resident ? Neither are particularly OOS friendly.

I believe if you have some sort of connection to the state, and the school's mission fits and it shows through your application, they will give you an interview. But you're correct, not many out of state students go to these schools.