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Hi all,
I am fortunate to be in the position to choose between these great programs. I would like some advice in picking between these programs/institutions. I am originally from SoCal, so staying in state is preferable, but not a deal breaker and I am willing to go anywhere in the US for my training.
I've spoken to UCSF about their internal MSTP admissions, but it seems very unlikely that I would be able to get an interview based on email conversations with the program manager. I am interested in neuroscience. I do not have a partner or SO.
BCM MSTP
This is my top choice right now. I think that the environment of the TMC is an ideal place. I spent a summer there doing research, and I really enjoyed my time. I met good mentors there, and it really seems like a place where I can thrive as a student throughout my training
Pros:
- TMC, there seems to be at least one of everything going on here. Has excellent clinical opportunities available to students at either Ben Taub County, DeBakey VA, or CHI St. Lukes
- Multiple possible neuroscience mentors here. However, same could be said at other institutions.
- Program leadership seems to be very nurturing
- Cost of Living is really good compared to my other options
- Seems like a great place to eventually settle down. 8 years is a long time and its hard to say if I might meet someone in that period of time.
Cons:
- BCM might have less med school/research prestige than other options (could this affect residency applications?)
- Weather, A summer in the Houston humidity can be very miserable without A/C
- Didn't have the best rapport with potential classmates at second look (might be due to the circumstances of people being unsure; or just meeting people for the 1st time)
-Maybe expensive to maintain a car. (However, am used to this since I am from SoCal)
Tri-I MSTP
This would be my second choice right now.
Pros:
- Excellent Reserach Opportunities
- Excellent Program Leadership
- Slightly more Prestigious medical school/
- Subsidized Housing
- NY/Presbyterian Hospital has excellent clinical opportunities
Cons:
- The appeal of living in NYC doesn't seem to interest me.
- Cost of Living ($$$)
-Again, poor rapport with other students at accepted student weekend. (again may be the case where people are unsure and meeting them for the first time)
-Weather, I have never had to live in a place where it snowed or had a "real" winter before
UCSF MD-Only
An MD only position. Conversations with the program manager of the MSTP seemed to suggest that I would not be able to be accepted into the MSTP if I applied internally as an MS1
Pros:
- Likely, the most prestigious school of my options (how important is this?)
- In state school. Would be closer to family/friends
- Excellent research opportunities
- Seemed to get along well with current students (was during interviews though/did not have chance to attend second look)
-Weather is beautiful.
Cons:
- Cost of Living in SF is a serious issue ($$$$$)
- Since not an MSTP offer, I would likely have to take out loans to finance education
- Difficult Housing situation (based on conversations with the multiple students in the program that I met during interviews)
Thank you for all your input.
I am fortunate to be in the position to choose between these great programs. I would like some advice in picking between these programs/institutions. I am originally from SoCal, so staying in state is preferable, but not a deal breaker and I am willing to go anywhere in the US for my training.
I've spoken to UCSF about their internal MSTP admissions, but it seems very unlikely that I would be able to get an interview based on email conversations with the program manager. I am interested in neuroscience. I do not have a partner or SO.
BCM MSTP
This is my top choice right now. I think that the environment of the TMC is an ideal place. I spent a summer there doing research, and I really enjoyed my time. I met good mentors there, and it really seems like a place where I can thrive as a student throughout my training
Pros:
- TMC, there seems to be at least one of everything going on here. Has excellent clinical opportunities available to students at either Ben Taub County, DeBakey VA, or CHI St. Lukes
- Multiple possible neuroscience mentors here. However, same could be said at other institutions.
- Program leadership seems to be very nurturing
- Cost of Living is really good compared to my other options
- Seems like a great place to eventually settle down. 8 years is a long time and its hard to say if I might meet someone in that period of time.
Cons:
- BCM might have less med school/research prestige than other options (could this affect residency applications?)
- Weather, A summer in the Houston humidity can be very miserable without A/C
- Didn't have the best rapport with potential classmates at second look (might be due to the circumstances of people being unsure; or just meeting people for the 1st time)
-Maybe expensive to maintain a car. (However, am used to this since I am from SoCal)
Tri-I MSTP
This would be my second choice right now.
Pros:
- Excellent Reserach Opportunities
- Excellent Program Leadership
- Slightly more Prestigious medical school/
- Subsidized Housing
- NY/Presbyterian Hospital has excellent clinical opportunities
Cons:
- The appeal of living in NYC doesn't seem to interest me.
- Cost of Living ($$$)
-Again, poor rapport with other students at accepted student weekend. (again may be the case where people are unsure and meeting them for the first time)
-Weather, I have never had to live in a place where it snowed or had a "real" winter before
UCSF MD-Only
An MD only position. Conversations with the program manager of the MSTP seemed to suggest that I would not be able to be accepted into the MSTP if I applied internally as an MS1
Pros:
- Likely, the most prestigious school of my options (how important is this?)
- In state school. Would be closer to family/friends
- Excellent research opportunities
- Seemed to get along well with current students (was during interviews though/did not have chance to attend second look)
-Weather is beautiful.
Cons:
- Cost of Living in SF is a serious issue ($$$$$)
- Since not an MSTP offer, I would likely have to take out loans to finance education
- Difficult Housing situation (based on conversations with the multiple students in the program that I met during interviews)
Thank you for all your input.