Decision Time: USC (Keck) or U C Irvine. Need the "student doctor" help!
I was gonna be in this boat so I thought about it alot. First off both schools are great and have a lot to offer.
Money- I was gonna choose Irvine for $$$ reasons. The USC tuition is killer so Irvine wins by far.
Location: Irvine wins. Nice, safe, near the beach. I also like the idea of the mor centralized housing of students. Also a great distance from other places in the OC, LA, and San Diego.
Facilities: Irvine by far. New Med Student Building and Hospital. Keck is kinda old, but not bad
Curricculum: I think USC wins by far. They have the packet of info that is the only tested material. Systems based. Great support with ICM groups. Also getting to work at LAC Hospital sounds freaking amazing.
Campus Vibe: Tie, both have a lot to offer. Seems like both place effort to mak socializing easy. Irvine felt more "college" like to me, while USC seemed a little more mature. Both also have a lot to get involved in.
Both are close, but if money wasn't an issue, I woulda gone with USC because of the curriculum and LAC hosptial. But I think $$ usually talks and you should go with Irvine.