2012-2013 University of Texas - Houston Application Thread

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Oh awesome I didn't know there was an application process for scholarships; I just assumed if I was going to get an offer it would be in my pre-match offer.

Not all scholarships are purely merit based. There are a lot of needs based scholarships I believe.
 
has anyone who sent in the paper acceptance form gotten any kind of confirmation?
 
I'm an MSII here at UTH in a Navy scholarship program. If anyone coming here is interested in making money while you're in school and graduating without debt, let me know. You would have the privilege of serving your country as a Navy officer and participating in global health projects. Not a bad way to do things.

Good luck with the match, and message me if you are interested in the Navy.
 
Yeah I called and checked to make sure. Didn't come this far to just leave my fate to the postal service without following up haha
 
I hope today's interviewees had a good time. We had a helicopter take off while we were on the helipad in the morning, so that was pretty cool
 
I hope today's interviewees had a good time. We had a helicopter take off while we were on the helipad in the morning, so that was pretty cool

Yep, I was there to see it before my interview. Loved the school and the students 🙂
 
when do incoming students usually apply for the student housing waitlist? February?
 
Just received an interview invitation here but I'm planning to decline the offer since am leaving Texas the day before the planned interview. Best of luck to anybody interviewing here or waiting on a decision!
 
Just received an interview invitation here but I'm planning to decline the offer since am leaving Texas the day before the planned interview. Best of luck to anybody interviewing here or waiting on a decision!

What date were you invited for?
 
when do incoming students usually apply for the student housing waitlist? February?

I emailed their housing managers and they stated the waitlist will begin at the end of January. I plan to put my application ASAP on that date because it seems that waitlist is prettttty long
 
Does anyone know if OOS students are given IS tuition like at some of the other Texas schools? Or is it possible to become a texas resident and pay IS tuition some time during the schooling?
 
Does anyone know if OOS students are given IS tuition like at some of the other Texas schools? Or is it possible to become a texas resident and pay IS tuition some time during the schooling?

I have a friend who was OOS and she received a scholarship that enabled her to pay IS tuition price for the first year, until she could get her residency.
 
Does anyone know when we would hear back from the MD/PhD program after the interview?
 
Does anyone know if OOS students are given IS tuition like at some of the other Texas schools? Or is it possible to become a texas resident and pay IS tuition some time during the schooling?

Based on my talks with students during my interview day, not all OOS students at UT Houston are given a scholarship which qualifies them to pay IS tuition like at some other schools.

It it possible to establish residency in TX after a year by becoming a property owner among other avenues, but buying a condo is the one that many OOS Baylor students use. Without outside help or independent wealth that may be difficult in the current financial climate, but it is a possibility.
 
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Based on my talks with students during my interview day, not all OOS students at UT Houston are given a scholarship which qualifies them to pay IS tuition like at some other schools.

It it possible to establish residency in TX after a year by becoming a property owner among other avenues, but buying a condo is the one that many OOS Baylor students use. Without outside help or independent wealth that may be difficult in the current financial climate, but it is a possibility.
I'm just going to go ahead and say it here, but if you're at all interested in serving in the military, you might want to look into picking up a scholarship from one of the services.

If you're interested in the Navy, please talk to me. I can help you get started with that (and you can help me get a pay bonus). But DO NOT go into military service because of the scholarship money. You will likely hate your time in the military and make everyone around you miserable, and financially you'll most likely come out ahead as a civilian anyways. Also, if you're interested in the other services I do know a little bit about them and I'll give you impartial advice.
 
Does anyone know when we would hear back from the MD/PhD program after the interview?

Last year, everyone heard back around the third week of January... I want to say around the 23rd. Not a definite answer, but hope it helps.
 
Does anyone know that if we still haven't sent our update transcript with Fall 2012 grades, will it affect the match process in any way? Thanks
 
Does anyone know that if we still haven't sent our update transcript with Fall 2012 grades, will it affect the match process in any way? Thanks

Don't think it'll affect the match, since most schools have already ranked you based on what they saw from your app and your interview. But if you were borderline, and they were waiting on fall grades to make a decision on you I suppose it could make a difference. But I don't know which schools, if any, do that.
 
Anyone else pre-matched at UTSW but leaning towards ranking UT Houston higher? Especially anyone else who isn't already in or from Houston? And even better from Austin?

I've read all the threads from past years about ranking the various schools and know all the arguments. I got a good vibe at both schools (a little better at UT Houston but I like UTSW) and basically think I would like Houston much better than Dallas.

I don't really care about research and will probably pick a mid-level competitive residency (but would like the idea of doing residency competitive place like San Fran or NYC which I assume are competitive locations).

Basically I'm just looking for a little moral support 😉
 
Anyone else pre-matched at UTSW but leaning towards ranking UT Houston higher? Especially anyone else who isn't already in or from Houston? And even better from Austin?

I've read all the threads from past years about ranking the various schools and know all the arguments. I got a good vibe at both schools (a little better at UT Houston but I like UTSW) and basically think I would like Houston much better than Dallas.

I don't really care about research and will probably pick a mid-level competitive residency (but would like the idea of doing residency competitive place like San Fran or NYC which I assume are competitive locations).

Basically I'm just looking for a little moral support 😉

I live in Houston now, but am not from here. I turned down UTSW because of a couple of things. My son got into a great school that they do not have in Dallas, this is the largest medical/science center in the world and I just love the idea to study here, houston is more diverse and bigger than dallas, and lastly, my gut tells me that I am already a loyal UTH student 😍
I do have to add that I am a bit research biased, and although people suggested for me to choose UTSW because of that, I still think my research here in Houston, whatever it may be, will only once in a lifetime be in THE TMC... I know research and education will depend more on myself that anything else so I guess the location is just personal preference anyhow... oh well I think I am starting to be less of a help now 😀😀😀
 
Last year, everyone heard back around the third week of January... I want to say around the 23rd. Not a definite answer, but hope it helps.

How are you liking the MD/PhD track? Do any people every choose to do this track after they are already in medical school?
 
It really depends on the kind of student you are. UTSW is notoriously gunner. That being said, they are a top 20 school, so if you think that you are going to be toward the top of your class that will definitely help when it comes to getting into a competitive residency program.
If you don't think you'll even be top half that the ranking really wont make a difference for you.

Anyone else pre-matched at UTSW but leaning towards ranking UT Houston higher? Especially anyone else who isn't already in or from Houston? And even better from Austin?

I've read all the threads from past years about ranking the various schools and know all the arguments. I got a good vibe at both schools (a little better at UT Houston but I like UTSW) and basically think I would like Houston much better than Dallas.

I don't really care about research and will probably pick a mid-level competitive residency (but would like the idea of doing residency competitive place like San Fran or NYC which I assume are competitive locations).

Basically I'm just looking for a little moral support 😉
 
Anyone else pre-matched at UTSW but leaning towards ranking UT Houston higher? Especially anyone else who isn't already in or from Houston? And even better from Austin?

I've read all the threads from past years about ranking the various schools and know all the arguments. I got a good vibe at both schools (a little better at UT Houston but I like UTSW) and basically think I would like Houston much better than Dallas.

I don't really care about research and will probably pick a mid-level competitive residency (but would like the idea of doing residency competitive place like San Fran or NYC which I assume are competitive locations).

Basically I'm just looking for a little moral support 😉

Austin native, prematched at UTH and UTSW last year.

Personal feelings, Houston >>>> Dallas (I also prefer the Texans to the Cowboys, but that's a different issue entirely).

- As an institution, felt that UTSW was just stronger overall than UTH, although UTH has been making some pretty impressive strides in the past decade
- The TMC was a huge draw for me, but I had my doubts about whether I would have the time or the inclination to truly take advantage of it
- Liked the 1st semester P/F + non-block based curriculum at UTSW over UTH's curriculum set-up (not a huge deal, just something I used to differentiate the two)
- UTSW has a stronger national reputation, although it's certainly not at a Harvard/Yale/Stanford/etc. in terms of name recognition

Ended up choosing UTSW, but I think I would have been equally happy at UTH. Both schools produce top-notch physicians.

UTSW is notoriously gunner.

I don't recall seeing any packs of gunners roaming the hallways here, but I'll take your word for it 😉
 
Anyone else pre-matched at UTSW but leaning towards ranking UT Houston higher? Especially anyone else who isn't already in or from Houston? And even better from Austin?

I've read all the threads from past years about ranking the various schools and know all the arguments. I got a good vibe at both schools (a little better at UT Houston but I like UTSW) and basically think I would like Houston much better than Dallas.

I don't really care about research and will probably pick a mid-level competitive residency (but would like the idea of doing residency competitive place like San Fran or NYC which I assume are competitive locations).

Basically I'm just looking for a little moral support 😉

I do not have this decision to make, but I don't think you will be the first to rank that way. 🙂 Also, I'm in Houston, so the people I know who had similar feelings as you were here too.

Having visited all 3 cities, I can see where someone from Austin would prefer Houston to Dallas. I'm certainly making generalizations, but Austin's pretty laid back. I think Houston is probably closer to that than Dallas in terms of city atmosphere.

It sounds like you will be happy in Houston, and from what current and former med students say on here, go for happiness as it will matter more. (Premeds on SDN will say go with the ranking, most likely. :laugh: )
 
Anyone else pre-matched at UTSW but leaning towards ranking UT Houston higher? Especially anyone else who isn't already in or from Houston? And even better from Austin?

I've read all the threads from past years about ranking the various schools and know all the arguments. I got a good vibe at both schools (a little better at UT Houston but I like UTSW) and basically think I would like Houston much better than Dallas.

I don't really care about research and will probably pick a mid-level competitive residency (but would like the idea of doing residency competitive place like San Fran or NYC which I assume are competitive locations).

Basically I'm just looking for a little moral support 😉

As a native Dallas-ite, the actual city of Houston >>>>>>>>>> City of Dallas. Dallas has nicer/more entertaining suburbs, but the medical center area is MUCH better than the Southwestern/Harry Hines area.

I chose UTH #1 over UTSW mostly because of the atmosphere, though. UTSW is FULL of gunners according to everyone I know that has gone or goes there. I have yet to meet one true gunner in my class of 240. It is the friendliest place. We have big hangouts almost weekly, everyone posts tons of resources online and it is so incredibly laid back.

Never pick a school based on rankings. Doing well is ALL that matters. This isnt law school.
 
Thanks for all the responses, especially from the current med-students.

I don't really buy the gunner arguments about UTSW and Baylor anymore. I asked buddies of mine from undergrad at both places (one is a 4th year and the other just started his residency out of state and both are cool,fun people) and they said - look, there might always be a few people at the very top of the class who are competing with each other, but the overwhelming majority of the class is made up of nice, fun helpful people.
 
Thanks for all the responses, especially from the current med-students.

I don't really buy the gunner arguments about UTSW and Baylor anymore. I asked buddies of mine from undergrad at both places (one is a 4th year and the other just started his residency out of state and both are cool,fun people) and they said - look, there might always be a few people at the very top of the class who are competing with each other, but the overwhelming majority of the class is made up of nice, fun helpful people.

It really depends on the kind of student you are. UTSW is notoriously gunner. That being said, they are a top 20 school, so if you think that you are going to be toward the top of your class that will definitely help when it comes to getting into a competitive residency program.
If you don't think you'll even be top half that the ranking really wont make a difference for you.

I don't understand where all of these gunner misconceptions are coming from either. A curse for being the highest ranked school in Texas I suppose. I will preface my comments by saying that I loved UTH and still believe it is an incredible instituion, I ranked it firmly at number 2, only behind Southwestern.

Honestly, I used to think the same way until I visited the school and realized for myself that the UTSW students were just as friendly and welcoming as any other medical school I had interviewed at. I don't understand how one can confirm the presence of gunners in one school and not another without actively being enrolled and dealing with students on an everyday basis at both schools. How would you know who's a gunner or not unless you were with them constantly in class and saw their behavior?

And those comments about not being top of your class at UTSW, well who's to say those people would be top of their class at any other school? High MCAT/GPA during undergrad does NOT translate directly to medical school success, which is why there are always surprises when the so called "questionable admits" perform superbly in medical school. It's a different ball game folks. Look at UTMB, pretty modest admissions standards, yet they boast some of the highest board scores in Texas...

I'm not saying don't bash Southwestern, but if you're going to do so, at least do it for the right reasons...
 
While I have a general idea about how the match process works, I am a little confused about one situation: hypothetically, if I want an acceptance from UTH but want to remain "in play" at UTSW, would it be smart to rank UTSW over UTH (since UTSW doesn't really match anyone)? Or would ranking UTH second decrease my chances of obtaining an match offer vs. those students who ranked it first? I am confused...
 
While I have a general idea about how the match process works, I am a little confused about one situation: hypothetically, if I want an acceptance from UTH but want to remain "in play" at UTSW, would it be smart to rank UTSW over UTH (since UTSW doesn't really match anyone)? Or would ranking UTH second decrease my chances of obtaining an match offer vs. those students who ranked it first? I am confused...

You will match to the highest of your programs who wants you. If you match at UTH and that's your number 2, but later UTSW pulls you from the waitlist you can still elect to keep your match or take the highest ranked place. Bottom line - rank the schools according to where you want to go.
 
Anyone else pre-matched at UTSW but leaning towards ranking UT Houston higher? Especially anyone else who isn't already in or from Houston? And even better from Austin?

I've read all the threads from past years about ranking the various schools and know all the arguments. I got a good vibe at both schools (a little better at UT Houston but I like UTSW) and basically think I would like Houston much better than Dallas.

I don't really care about research and will probably pick a mid-level competitive residency (but would like the idea of doing residency competitive place like San Fran or NYC which I assume are competitive locations).

Basically I'm just looking for a little moral support 😉

Myself and my friend are in this same boat. I was having an incredibly hard time with the decision, weighing all of the pros and cons that we both could come up with. (By the way I know people who go to UTSW who say the gunner rep is totally false, so I don't buy that argument.) But in the end I went to go visit both schools for extended weekends over my break and we have both decided to choose UTH based largely on the following.

1. Feeling for the city. Yeah it is only 4 years of medical school but what if that doubles/triples with residency. I know it isn't a guarantee but we notice in the match a lot of SW students stay at SW and UTH students stay in TMC.

1.5. Some of the best state residencies are in TMC, all the specialties you can imagine are there, it is after all the biggest medical center in the WORLD. Networking anyone?

2. Rankings based on research money, not necessarily the quality of professors, and clinical opportunities. (Hard to argue that UTSW would have more opportunities than TMC, or even half as many for that matter)

3. The residency match list. If UTSW truly is such a better school why are the match lists virtually identical, or in terms of sheer numbers UTH actually appears to put more students into "better" specialties. (I know I talked to a SW student who said many students there tend to want to go into internal medicine which could possibly be the cause for this, I obviously don't know for sure).

4. Minor reason, but the tuition is almost 3,000/yr cheaper in Houston and the cost of rent is significantly lower and in a safer area.

5. I don't have a 5th of the top of my head, 4 was just a weird number. But seriously, the school is way "nicer"

Obviously people could argue with some of our reasons but this is just my two cents. Take it for what you will. UTSW also has many positives I didn't list out here but I am sure you can't pick the "wrong" school. But as so many people say, don't fall into the trap I almost fell into and list your schools purely based on their rankings, comfort and happiness is med school can't be under estimated. Good luck with your decision! :luck:
 
Myself and my friend are in this same boat. I was having an incredibly hard time with the decision, weighing all of the pros and cons that we both could come up with. (By the way I know people who go to UTSW who say the gunner rep is totally false, so I don't buy that argument.) But in the end I went to go visit both schools for extended weekends over my break and we have both decided to choose UTH based largely on the following.

1. Feeling for the city. Yeah it is only 4 years of medical school but what if that doubles/triples with residency. I know it isn't a guarantee but we notice in the match a lot of SW students stay at SW and UTH students stay in TMC.

1.5. Some of the best state residencies are in TMC, all the specialties you can imagine are there, it is after all the biggest medical center in the WORLD. Networking anyone?

2. Rankings based on research money, not necessarily the quality of professors, and clinical opportunities. (Hard to argue that UTSW would have more opportunities than TMC, or even half as many for that matter)

3. The residency match list. If UTSW truly is such a better school why are the match lists virtually identical, or in terms of sheer numbers UTH actually appears to put more students into "better" specialties. (I know I talked to a SW student who said many students there tend to want to go into internal medicine which could possibly be the cause for this, I obviously don't know for sure).

4. Minor reason, but the tuition is almost 3,000/yr cheaper in Houston and the cost of rent is significantly lower and in a safer area.

5. I don't have a 5th of the top of my head, 4 was just a weird number. But seriously, the school is way "nicer"

Obviously people could argue with some of our reasons but this is just my two cents. Take it for what you will. UTSW also has many positives I didn't list out here but I am sure you can't pick the "wrong" school. But as so many people say, don't fall into the trap I almost fell into and list your schools purely based on their rankings, comfort and happiness is med school can't be under estimated. Good luck with your decision! :luck:

I like your summary! 😀😀😀
 
While I have a general idea about how the match process works, I am a little confused about one situation: hypothetically, if I want an acceptance from UTH but want to remain "in play" at UTSW, would it be smart to rank UTSW over UTH (since UTSW doesn't really match anyone)? Or would ranking UTH second decrease my chances of obtaining an match offer vs. those students who ranked it first? I am confused...

you get matched based on the medical school that accepts you. ranking one higher over another will not affect your acceptance. BUT if you rank UTSW lower than UTH, you will not be able to get any acceptance offer from UTSW after you have been accepted to UTH. That is why you should rank them according to personal preference and then wait and see 🙂
 
As a native Dallas-ite, the actual city of Houston >>>>>>>>>> City of Dallas. Dallas has nicer/more entertaining suburbs, but the medical center area is MUCH better than the Southwestern/Harry Hines area.

I chose UTH #1 over UTSW mostly because of the atmosphere, though. UTSW is FULL of gunners according to everyone I know that has gone or goes there. I have yet to meet one true gunner in my class of 240. It is the friendliest place. We have big hangouts almost weekly, everyone posts tons of resources online and it is so incredibly laid back.

Never pick a school based on rankings. Doing well is ALL that matters. This isnt law school.

Couldn't agree more with this post. People on SDN tend to get caught up in rankings and research. Go with the school and location that works best for you and your goals, not what a report recommends. Four years is a significant amount of time, so go where you feel you'll enjoy those years the most, where you felt you fit in best, where you got the best vibe from, etc.

Hope you all receive the match offers you're wanting! Feel free to message if you have any questions about UTH. BA11 is spot on, too. UTH is an incredible school. Friendliest, funniest, and most helpful classmates around.
 
Myself and my friend are in this same boat. I was having an incredibly hard time with the decision, weighing all of the pros and cons that we both could come up with. (By the way I know people who go to UTSW who say the gunner rep is totally false, so I don't buy that argument.) But in the end I went to go visit both schools for extended weekends over my break and we have both decided to choose UTH based largely on the following.

1. Feeling for the city. Yeah it is only 4 years of medical school but what if that doubles/triples with residency. I know it isn't a guarantee but we notice in the match a lot of SW students stay at SW and UTH students stay in TMC.

1.5. Some of the best state residencies are in TMC, all the specialties you can imagine are there, it is after all the biggest medical center in the WORLD. Networking anyone?
2. Rankings based on research money, not necessarily the quality of professors, and clinical opportunities. (Hard to argue that UTSW would have more opportunities than TMC, or even half as many for that matter)

3. The residency match list. If UTSW truly is such a better school why are the match lists virtually identical, or in terms of sheer numbers UTH actually appears to put more students into "better" specialties. (I know I talked to a SW student who said many students there tend to want to go into internal medicine which could possibly be the cause for this, I obviously don't know for sure).

4. Minor reason, but the tuition is almost 3,000/yr cheaper in Houston and the cost of rent is significantly lower and in a safer area.

5. I don't have a 5th of the top of my head, 4 was just a weird number. But seriously, the school is way "nicer"

Obviously people could argue with some of our reasons but this is just my two cents. Take it for what you will. UTSW also has many positives I didn't list out here but I am sure you can't pick the "wrong" school. But as so many people say, don't fall into the trap I almost fell into and list your schools purely based on their rankings, comfort and happiness is med school can't be under estimated. Good luck with your decision! :luck:

You make some valid points, but I think you're a little off base when it comes to number 2/3. UT Southwestern receives more than twice the NIH funding for research than that of UT Houston. I don't know of anyone who would make the argument that a UT Houston student has more research opportunities than a Southwestern student. Also, the number of students entering "better" specialties is a reflection of the preferences of a particular class more than the institution. If you want to learn anything from a match list, look at the quality of the programs students are matching into. An IM match at Johns Hopkins is much more impressive than a derm match at some no name hospital. It just so happens that UT Southwestern has one of the top IM programs in the country (top 20 for sure), so those matches aren't too shabby, in my opinion. With that being said, I remember UT Houston having a surprisingly good match list, so maybe you're on to something.
 
I don't think people going into specialities care much about the quality of the program that much. Getting into urology, derm, ortho, ortho, rads is hard enough that most people aren't concerned about the program. I'm sure if your gunning for derm, Any Texas program even something less prestigious like Texas tech derm would be an amazing accomplishment and still allow you to make the same salary as any derm. Most match lists show about 40 to 50 percent going into specialties. I'm sure a lot of people going primary care would care more about the location in relation to there family and where they want to live than picking something like Hopkins. How many Texans end up in the northeast anyways? I remember the ut Houston match list in term of getting people into specialties being super impressive. Derm at a no name program I think will always seem more impressive to me than internal med at utsw or Hopkins.

I wouldn't totally say the gunner reputation of utsw isn't true because I know students currently there who say otherwise. If your heart says UT Houston you should go to UT Houston. If anything, I think you'll get the same outcome at either school except you might be ranked lower at utsw.
 
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How would you know who's a gunner or not unless you were with them constantly in class and saw their behavior?

And those comments about not being top of your class at UTSW, well who's to say those people would be top of their class at any other school? ...

1) based on the fact that I know 5+ students at UTSW, all of whom say that there are a ton of gunners

2) Not saying you wouldn't be top half at any other school. But ranking isnt as important to some students (those with the MD = degree mentality)... so for those students, being a top 20 school really wont help them any more than a non-top 20 school.
 
you get matched based on the medical school that accepts you. ranking one higher over another will not affect your acceptance. BUT if you rank UTSW lower than UTH, you will not be able to get any acceptance offer from UTSW after you have been accepted to UTH. That is why you should rank them according to personal preference and then wait and see 🙂

This is a little off. The ranking formula favors the applicant preference over that of the school- it's not neutral. The best strategy in all cases is to rank your most preferred schools highest by priority. Always put the school you most want to go to first (which of course is the gist of SCNTST's comment).
 
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You make some valid points, but I think you're a little off base when it comes to number 2/3. UT Southwestern receives more than twice the NIH funding for research than that of UT Houston. I don't know of anyone who would make the argument that a UT Houston student has more research opportunities than a Southwestern student. Also, the number of students entering "better" specialties is a reflection of the preferences of a particular class more than the institution. If you want to learn anything from a match list, look at the quality of the programs students are matching into. An IM match at Johns Hopkins is much more impressive than a derm match at some no name hospital. It just so happens that UT Southwestern has one of the top IM programs in the country (top 20 for sure), so those matches aren't too shabby, in my opinion. With that being said, I remember UT Houston having a surprisingly good match list, so maybe you're on to something.

I think the comparison was actually that of the TMC over UTSW in this regard and not simply UT-H.
 
You make some valid points, but I think you're a little off base when it comes to number 2/3. UT Southwestern receives more than twice the NIH funding for research than that of UT Houston. I don't know of anyone who would make the argument that a UT Houston student has more research opportunities than a Southwestern student. Also, the number of students entering "better" specialties is a reflection of the preferences of a particular class more than the institution. If you want to learn anything from a match list, look at the quality of the programs students are matching into. An IM match at Johns Hopkins is much more impressive than a derm match at some no name hospital. It just so happens that UT Southwestern has one of the top IM programs in the country (top 20 for sure), so those matches aren't too shabby, in my opinion. With that being said, I remember UT Houston having a surprisingly good match list, so maybe you're on to something.

For #2 I am talking about clinical experiences bring greater in TMC not research. I know UTSW is going to have the most research in the state (hence the high ranking) but I am sure there is adequate research at UTH because I've talked to current students who say anyone who wants it can get it easily. Sorry for the confusion on this point.

Also for 3, I looked at specialties and programs when I say the match lists are virtually identical. For instance SW sent 2 to Mass Gen and UTH sent 1. Then you have plastics (im not even mildly interested in this specialty I am just saying because it is so competitive) but UTH had 4 while UTSW had 1. Anesthesiology UTH 26 UTSW 3. Granted a disclaimer here is that I was talking to a SW student who did tell me that a large portion of their class wanted to do IM but that brings me back to point 1. It starts out at a 4 year commitment and could turn into a decade in the area you choose.

For the record I'm not trying to argue with you I just wanted to explain my thoughts a little more thoroughly so anyone who cared would know what I was basing my opinions on.

All this being said go where you'll be happiest! Good luck, today's the day! 😱

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
 
Myself and my friend are in this same boat. I was having an incredibly hard time with the decision, weighing all of the pros and cons that we both could come up with. (By the way I know people who go to UTSW who say the gunner rep is totally false, so I don't buy that argument.) But in the end I went to go visit both schools for extended weekends over my break and we have both decided to choose UTH based largely on the following.

1. Feeling for the city. Yeah it is only 4 years of medical school but what if that doubles/triples with residency. I know it isn't a guarantee but we notice in the match a lot of SW students stay at SW and UTH students stay in TMC.

1.5. Some of the best state residencies are in TMC, all the specialties you can imagine are there, it is after all the biggest medical center in the WORLD. Networking anyone?

2. Rankings based on research money, not necessarily the quality of professors, and clinical opportunities. (Hard to argue that UTSW would have more opportunities than TMC, or even half as many for that matter)

3. The residency match list. If UTSW truly is such a better school why are the match lists virtually identical, or in terms of sheer numbers UTH actually appears to put more students into "better" specialties. (I know I talked to a SW student who said many students there tend to want to go into internal medicine which could possibly be the cause for this, I obviously don't know for sure).

4. Minor reason, but the tuition is almost 3,000/yr cheaper in Houston and the cost of rent is significantly lower and in a safer area.

5. I don't have a 5th of the top of my head, 4 was just a weird number. But seriously, the school is way "nicer"

Obviously people could argue with some of our reasons but this is just my two cents. Take it for what you will. UTSW also has many positives I didn't list out here but I am sure you can't pick the "wrong" school. But as so many people say, don't fall into the trap I almost fell into and list your schools purely based on their rankings, comfort and happiness is med school can't be under estimated. Good luck with your decision! :luck:
I've decided to rank UT-H higher, but if I don't match there I know I will be incredibly happy at UTSW. I'll deal with the option of Baylor when and if that comes up....

I do love the idea of working at Parkland and that's what I will miss most if I match at UT-H. I love the idea of working at a huge, ungainly, crazy county public hospital. Of course Memorial-Herman and St Luke's will be amazing. But I've heard from multiple places (sdn, residents, and doctors) that UTSW really does have a culture of letting med-students do more on clinical rotations than other places and that would be cool.

But ultimately when visiting hospitals, you look at their residents picture page and they have students from UTH, UTSW, UTMB, Tech and every other place. I can always try Parkland for residency if I really want. Since whatever research I care about is not basic sciences but rather public health etc, all the NIH dollars and Nobel prize winners just doesn't affect my decision. I like the focus UTH has put on ethics and clinical and translational research.

I was lucky enough to speak with a physician who had taught at both places and he told me - if you were interested in basic sciences I would tell you to go to UTSW but based on what youre interested in (ED, Trauma, IM, Public health) I would suggest UT-H. Although he did say Parkland is great for someone interested in working public health.

Without getting into it on the residency match lists, I will just say that if UTSW students really do have a preference for IM over the "competitive specialties" I think that's a huge positive remark on the culture at that school.
 
For #2 I am talking about clinical experiences bring greater in TMC not research. I know UTSW is going to have the most research in the state (hence the high ranking) but I am sure there is adequate research at UTH because I've talked to current students who say anyone who wants it can get it easily. Sorry for the confusion on this point.

Also for 3, I looked at specialties and programs when I say the match lists are virtually identical. For instance SW sent 2 to Mass Gen and UTH sent 1. Then you have plastics (im not even mildly interested in this specialty I am just saying because it is so competitive) but UTH had 4 while UTSW had 1. Anesthesiology UTH 26 UTSW 3. Granted a disclaimer here is that I was talking to a SW student who did tell me that a large portion of their class wanted to do IM but that brings me back to point 1. It starts out at a 4 year commitment and could turn into a decade in the area you choose.

For the record I'm not trying to argue with you I just wanted to explain my thoughts a little more thoroughly so anyone who cared would know what I was basing my opinions on.

All this being said go where you'll be happiest! Good luck, today's the day! 😱

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I'm not trying to start an argument either, I just think there are a few misconceptions about match lists, research, clinical opportunities ect. The top quartile at utsw can match into almost any specialty they want. Therefore, taking the aggregate number of students matching into a particular specialty tells you little to nothing about the competitiveness of the applicants. At the level of UT-H or UTSW, matching into a no name derm or neurosurgery program isn't that big of an accomplishment. Just for good measure, we did match someone into derm at MGH, which is basically as good as it gets.

There's no question UT-H has a strong match list, which means the school is well respected nationally and students tend to do well there, but the same can be said, if not to a greater degree, about UT Southwestern. Neither school will close any doors for you, but I think you start off with a slightly bigger advantage coming from UT Southwestern versus UT Houston, although it does depend on your specific interests and career goals.

Also, I won't argue that the TMC is an incredible place to train, but neither UT-H nor BCM students have it all at their disposal. It doesn't matter that you work in the biggest medical center in the world if you only have access to less than half of it.

Lastly, I would say the gunner rumor is completely true, because these days people associate the term gunner with someone who works hard and wants to do well. By that definition, anyone in the top quartile of any medical school class is a gunner. No one excels in medical school without putting in the time. Now, if by gunner you mean someone who is willing to compromise his/her peer relationships in order to obtain recognition and get ahead, then I would say the rumors are absolutely false. We help each other constantly. If you don't believe me, take a look at our class facebook page. There's enough note compilations and publicly shared study aids to publish a book. What is true is that students generally work hard and take their studies seriously, but we are in medical school after all. In a few years we'll have people's lives in our hands, so I don't think that's such a bad thing. This isn't high school anymore. There's nothing cool about not giving a damn, and the culture here certainly doesn't foster that type of attitude.

Anyways, I wish you all the best wherever you choose to attend. Both are great schools and offer a great medical education and training. As ts173 said, do yourself a favor and go where you feel you'll be happiest. Just be sure to make an informed decision!
 
1) based on the fact that I know 5+ students at UTSW, all of whom say that there are a ton of gunners

2) Not saying you wouldn't be top half at any other school. But ranking isnt as important to some students (those with the MD = degree mentality)... so for those students, being a top 20 school really wont help them any more than a non-top 20 school.

Just because 5+ people told you there are gunners at Southwestern does not necessarily mean it's true. I had 5+ people tell me Mexico is a relatively safe place to live, anecdotal evidence from 5 people does not constitute reality. I've heard from OVER 5+ people that UTSW's gunner reputation is completely and totally false, and what I saw during my interview days also demonstrated to me that people there were generally nice and friendly...just like any other TX school I interviewed at.

I don't mean in any way to come off as disrespectful or argumentative, but I just thought it'd be wise to elucidate that 5 people telling you something does not mean its true.

I am not completely sure what you're trying to prove by mentioning the top 20 ranking, but I do agree that it is not the most important factor when selecting a school. I've said many times before, I chose Southwestern for my own personal reasons and the feeling I got when I interviewed there, being top 20 on a (in my opinion faulty) list is just a small bonus.

Again, I wrote this message with the friendliest and most respectful intentions 😉
 
Honestly I can't imagine picking UTH over UTSW especially with new parkland coming
 
Honestly I can't imagine picking UTH over UTSW especially with new parkland coming

A new hospital will not mean a different patient base, which is what really matters for your training. Shiny new hospitals or sim centers you will hardly use make for good selling points on interview day but will probably not translate into better clinical training. Seeing a good range of pathology is much more important and UTH will give you that just as UTSW will IMO.
 
Love how this thread has devolved into UTH vs UTSW.

As ts173 and JABWS noted above, go where you're happiest, take hearsay/anecdotes/fear-mongering with a grain of salt, and never look back. These schools were always 1 and 1a for me.
 
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