Einstein vs UCSF

[icky123]

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Hi I am incredibly lucky to have this options but would love to get some input. I am not a 100% sure where I want to end up for residency or want I want to specialize in, but most likely I would like to end up in California or New York and interests in gyn, cardiology, urology, and plastics

Einstein

• Free tuition (this is huge, but I am not taking out a loan)
• Seems like a good program people seem happy
• I have friends in New York
• Trains good doctors
• COL is cheaper

But cons…

• Seems a lot less diverse
• Could be a little harder to match
• Far from home
• I don't love the winter
• Commuting into the city for social things seems like a lot

UCSF

• Close to Family
• In the City (I would love to have a life and make some friends outside of medicine)
• Seems to have a better overall lifestyle with outdoors
• Tier 1 research institution/feels like it could give me better matching odds for competitive residencies/more exposure to complex cases
• Interests in business and venture capital (want to learn more about)
• Focus on Social Justice and Anti-Racism/Diversity

But…

• High COL
• Expensive tuition (again, will graduate debt-free)
• Seems a bit more competitive/cutthroat

 

[newkungfukenny]

UCSF if you'll be graduating debt-free regardless

 

[deleted1180326]

Where did you hear that UCSF is more competitive/cutthroat? I have a friend there who would say the opposite, so I would encourage you to reach out to current students at both programs to get a better feel/go to second look! (for both schools!)

 

[thefirerisen]

UCSF if you'll be graduating debt-free regardless

I think they meant they'll be graduating debt free from Einstein but will have a high tuition at UCSF.

Tough pick but I'd go with Einstein. The free tuition is impossible to pass up unless UCSF can match it or bring it down for you. You'll be able to match any of those specialties from Einstein. UCSF will give you better opportunities including in academia and research but not worth going into substantial debt for.

 

[missneurotika]

Also I strongly disagree with the point that Einstein is less diverse. Idk if you are talking about the med school itself or the surrounding community but since Einstein is in the Bronx, you will mostly be serving underserved populations. I also interviewed for the MSTP and not the med school but I know the director actively tries to recruit diverse students rather than those with the highest stats. Einstein may be harder to match if you want west coast, but if you want in NY, then are more than set.

 

[Laradd]

If being debt-free is a big deal then Einstein. Just think if the tuition’s worth the hassle of living far. Either way, you’re giving something up so see if you can handle it long term. Hit up people or communities to hear their experiences.

 

[MercifulCamper]

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Where did you hear that UCSF is more competitive/cutthroat? I have a friend there who would say the opposite, so I would encourage you to reach out to current students at both programs to get a better feel/go to second look! (for both schools!)

UCSF definitely is not cut throat. We don’t have letter grades, quartiles, AOA, or Gold Humanism or things like that where people compete within the class to stand out. There are definitely people gunning for specialties but it doesn’t negatively impact you because you aren’t being directly compared to them unless you apply to those same competitive specialties (you’ll get that anywhere you go). In summary, what others are doing doesn’t negatively impact you here.

Regarding VC and business, that’s not really the culture here but I imagine you can find it on your own in the Bay. There’s a couple MD PhD folks with interests in that but it’s not as pervasive as it is at a place like Stanford.

 

[aquamist]

Seconding what MercifulCamper said about UCSF not being cutthroat! I'm only a first year here, but I have been blown away by how kind, supportive, and collaborative my classmates have been overall. I agree 100% that even if there are certain classmates who are more intense, it doesn't affect any of the rest of us. Being TRUE P/F is huge - not only is our 1.5 year didactic P/F, our core clerkships are too, which I've heard makes a world of difference during rotations so you're not stressing about getting honors or high pass.

I don't have much to say your decision about Einstein vs. UCSF (other than the fact that I was waitlisted at both last cycle, visited both, and felt infinitely more aligned with the vibes of UCSF than Einstein, but this was a personal feeling), but what I can say is that UCSF has been incredible in terms of support, socialization, work-life balance (lots of time outdoors), and happiness! Also, I'm from the Bay and have loved staying close to my family and existing support system, and I too am interested/have a background in business and have found multiple opportunities to continue growing and being involved in health innovation endeavors. Excited for you - both are great options!