Hypadude,
My couch may be available depending on when you are coming out. Regardless of dates, I am available all the time to talk off the record about all the dirty going-ons.
Why did I choose UA?
First, it was the only school that I got into, which worked well for me since it was my second choice (second only to Mayo). Tucson has a lot to offer. This medical school has been established for quite some time, meaning that we are stable, and well-known. Also, we are attached to a hospital directly. This gives us the opportunity to spend more time with patients, without having to do so much of the commuting thing. In addition, doctors in the hospital are more receptive to us, on account of the fact that this is a teaching hospital all the way. Doctors are very accommodating of any shadowing or research you may want to research.
Location-wise. Tucson is a big small town. It is roughly 1 million, but still has the charm of a small friendly town. It is very close to hiking, caving, camping, and all kinds of other outdoors adventures. In addition, Tucson is close to the border, giving us opportunities to do some international medicine. Also, our class (and maybe yours) has the opportunity to go up to Phoenix for 3rd and 4th year rotations if you wish.
Curriculum. Tucson does a block-style curriculum. This means that we have classes on organ systems all together, and at the same time. For example, during the Neuro-systems Block, we learn everything from anatomy of the brain to pathology, to its general inner workings. This carries over for each of the 9 blocks that we have. The advantage is, everything you are studying all relates, instead of getting a little bit of each system at the same time.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask.