CCLCM vs UWSOM

[melodic-mermaid]

Hi all, I'm very grateful to have more school options after WL movement. I would really appreciate words of wisdom and insight. I’m wondering which school might set me up better for matching at a top program (preferably on the west coast)? Is CCLCM the clear better financial choice when considering the extra year (5 years free versus 4 years paid)?

For context, I’m undecided on specialty but interested in some competitive specialties like ent. I enjoy research but don’t want it to be a focus in my career, just 1 or 2 small projects on the side of my clinical practice

UWSOM Pros:
-Family and support in-state. Familiar with the city and easier to move into an apartment here
-Would like to eventually settle down in this state or on the west coast, so going to the med school gives me an edge for matching in region
-Moving to a 4-year P/F curriculum, which is great for taking stress off of clinical rotations
-Ability to pursue a “minor” in a subject of interest
-Combination lectures and case-based learning, typically noon-5pm

Cons:
-Emphasis on primary care, which I am not interested in pursuing
-Despite high research ranking, there’s not much built in time for research, so I may have to hustle to fit this into my schedule and find my own opportunities
-$250k in tuition for 4 years, which is expensive, but I’d probably be able to graduate with little debt
-Internal rankings, which might add to a competitiveness among students
-I didn’t like the level of organization or vibes from those I met on interview day. It was my least favorite interview day, which I know I should take with a grain of salt
-Many students commute, which may contribute to a weaker student community

CCLCM Pros:
-Substantial research in the curriculum. Can graduate with a MD/MS and honors in research
-Free tuition which improves quality of life
-No grades, no exams, no rankings for all 5 years
-Typically classes 8-12. Thursdays are completely free. A lot of free time
-32 students in the class which means close mentorship, built-in friend group, but also means no hiding
-Combination of lectures (“seminars”?) and PBL
-Prestigious program will help when it comes time for residency matching
-Students I met were really chill and not stressed

Cons:
-The extra fifth year is a forfeited year of attending salary, so is the free tuition much of a bargain? I already took gap years doing research and feel a bit behind
-I don’t know anyone in Cleveland and there didn't seem like much to do in the city. Basing this off of a 2 hour trip to Cleveland and didn’t attend second look so taking this with a grain of salt
-Not yet used to relying on subjective feedback from students and faculty (rather than test scores) and required oral presentations - I guess this can also be a plus, good preparation for residency
-Only allowed to have 3 days for absences during the first 2 years
-Far from home

Thank you in advance for the insight!!!

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[orange kayak]

Uw

 

[melodic-mermaid]

Uw

Thanks, could you elaborate on your reasoning?

 

[johnr42700]

Thanks, could you elaborate on your reasoning?

I think they've just commented "UW" on every x vs y post.

You have 2 incredible options. I wouldn't focus on the perceived prestige here - both are fantastic programs. If finances are important to you, the cost difference would likely be massive - I would take CCLM in a heartbeat (and the research year will help you match to specialties that are more competitive if you choose them).

That being said, your family and friends are in Washington, and I would seriously consider how important it is to be around them in medical school. And I wouldn't worry about the "primary care" perception - UW is a huge research school (though you may find yourself doing the extra research year anyways to match into certain specialties).

Either way, I don't think you have a wrong choice, but I would go with CC for the cost - congratulations!

 

[thefirerisen]

I think they've just commented "UW" on every x vs y post.

You have 2 incredible options. I wouldn't focus on the perceived prestige here - both are fantastic programs. If finances are important to you, the cost difference would likely be massive - I would take CCLM in a heartbeat (and the research year will help you match to specialties that are more competitive if you choose them).

That being said, your family and friends are in Washington, and I would seriously consider how important it is to be around them in medical school. And I wouldn't worry about the "primary care" perception - UW is a huge research school (though you may find yourself doing the extra research year anyways to match into certain specialties).

Either way, I don't think you have a wrong choice, but I would go with CC for the cost - congratulations!

Yes, please pick CCLM here. The free tuition is huge, as long as you can tolerate being away from family.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

Taking gap year in medical school is becoming common for competitive specialities so 5 years at CCLM shouldn’t be considered as a negative.