barkchippy12
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2025
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
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- Points
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- Pre-Medical
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Hi! I've narrowed down my acceptances to 2 options and would appreciate any insight into either programs!
1) CUSOM - PHX (COA: 130K)
Pros:
Cons:
2) RUSH (COA: 250K)
Pros:
Cons:
Overall: I loved the vibes at CUSOM better, but think Rush might be the stronger option for competitive specialties. Although both seem to do pretty well in the match.
1) CUSOM - PHX (COA: 130K)
Pros:
- Students seemed very collaborative and genuinely happy
- summer research program with dedicated mentorship to do a project of your interest w/ $3000 stipend
- Faculty/staff seemed SO supportive from orientation to Match helping you find opportunities and plan a path to your desired specialty; actually want to know each student individually
- Strong emphasis on service with guaranteed free clinic volunteering and opportunities starting your first semester
- Tons of early clinical exposure/shadowing
Cons:
- Summers are HOT
- Finding research is more self-directed compared to larger academic centers (may have to reach out to Barrow/Mayo for specific research opps)
- Fewer home residency programs
2) RUSH (COA: 250K)
Pros:
- More research opportunities
- Very strong hospital system/clinical training
- So many ways to get involved in service through RSCIPs (student-run volunteer organizations)
- All students are engaged in the community in some form
- So many home programs in virtually every specialty
- Easier access to mentors
- Stronger Name Recognition for residencies?
Cons:
- Student vibe was off based on my experiences thus far; seemed to be pretty cliquey and hard to form connections (although obviously just based on initial impressions and everyone was definitely super friendly in general)
- Flipped Classroom (seemed to be a ton of required small group sessions which really isn't the best way I learn)
- Volunteering at free clinics seemed to be competitive and not accessible to everyone
Overall: I loved the vibes at CUSOM better, but think Rush might be the stronger option for competitive specialties. Although both seem to do pretty well in the match.
