Dell vs Baylor vs UTSW

[pixiestix_7]

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Hello! I was lucky to receive pre-match offers from Dell, UTSW, and A&M, and an interview from Baylor. A&M has a 5-year MD/MPH program, while the others have 4-year options, so I've already withdrawn from that pre-match. I also interviewed with Johns Hopkins, but that admissions decision doesn't come out until mid-March, so I'm trying to figure out how to rank for TMDSAS. I want to do an MPH with an emphasis on advocating for evidence-based public policy, want to pursue clinical/QI/public health research, and am interested in peds/EM/OBGYN at this point. All 3 have residencies/departments in the specialties I'm interested in, with Dell & Baylor having some really cool fellowship options, but UTSW is kind of lacking in intriguing fellowships.

Dell
Pros

• Flexible curriculum to pursue an MPH and research
• Earliest clinical exposure starting at beginning of 2nd year
• Close to the state capital and could get involved in evidence-based public policy
• Incredible faculty (a lot of which were previously at UTSW but came to Dell) that pursue many diverse interests whether research, public health, or advocacy outside of practicing medicine
• P/F preclinical & clinical
• Most affordable of the 3 schools with cheapest tuition, no extra cost for MPH, and possible tuition scholarship
• I grew up in Austin, love the city, & still have family there
• I was really impressed by how much students loved the school and the different things they've been able to pursue when I visited

Cons

• Newer program but impressive match history
• Smaller medical center but still has Level I adult & pediatric trauma centers as well as a Level IV NICU
• Some current students said pre-clinical curriculum is highly condensed and required more independent studying when STEP came around for topics that weren't as clinically relevant but still tested (like the Krebs Cycle)
• No formal medical Spanish coursework but there are immersion trips to Spanish-speaking countries

Baylor
Pros

• TMC (need I say more lol)
• Very prestigious institution
• Formal medical Spanish classes
• Curriculum with emphasis on learning rather than performance with AM/PM exams & more frequent exams
• P/F precinical & clinical
• Again, was impressed by how passionate the students were about Baylor and how friendly they were during campus tour in both Houston & Temple

Cons

• Possibility of ending up in Temple, which I'm not completely opposed to, but would probably mean I focus more on community medicine, which is another interest of mine; can also do rotations at Houston during 3rd/4th year & they don't count as away rotations
• Most expensive of the 3 schools with private tuition & extra cost for MPH (but scholarships are available, I believe)

UTSW
Pros

• Research powerhouse, albeit largely basic science
• Have worked at UTSW & Children's Medical Center for the past 4 years doing research, clinical work, and shadowing, so have established quite a few strong connections/mentorships
• Great match history
• Formal medical Spanish coursework, including an Interpreter Apprenticeship

Cons

• P/F preclinical but internal ranking & some clinical rotations count towards GPA
• I've heard the student atmosphere is not as cutthroat as it used to be, but it seems like the environment is not as welcoming/collaborative as Dell or Baylor
• May not have the chance to visit campus and get an idea of how the students feel about the curriculum & opportunities
• New in-house MPH program that is not well-established, though I'm sure it's good

Dell has been my top choice for a long time, but I am a little concerned about them being a newer program in a less established medical center. However, I don't want to choose Baylor or UTSW simply for the prestige aspect when Dell is also an incredibly competitive program.

 

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Dell seems the best option for you.

 

[fetalover1]

I am in the exact same boat as you (oddly exact same pre-matches), and I am ranking Dell first. I know there is the obvious divide between prestige vs fit, and for me Dell's curriculum and community really solidified my choice. I also have a strong interest in public health/health policy and being in the capitol seems advantageous.

Good luck, and just know whatever you decision you make will work out for you 🙂

 

[pixiestix_7]

I am in the exact same boat as you (oddly exact same pre-matches), and I am ranking Dell first. I know there is the obvious divide between prestige vs fit, and for me Dell's curriculum and community really solidified my choice. I also have a strong interest in public health/health policy and being in the capitol seems advantageous.

Good luck, and just know whatever you decision you make will work out for you 🙂

Thank you so much for this! I have also decided to rank Dell first for the same reasons you've listed. Good luck to you as well!