Hi everyone! I've been fortunate enough to have been accepted into both of these amazing programs, but I'm having a hard time figuring out which to choose. One thing that's definitely making my decision harder is that I don't know what I want to eventually match in--right now I like anesthesia and ophthalmology, but I haven't shadowed or seen enough to really know for sure, so this could change completely over the next four years. I'm an AZ resident and would like to settle in the West eventually (AZ or CA if possible), but I wouldn't be opposed to doing residency in the East and then moving back later. I'd appreciate any input you have!
UA Phoenix Pros
-in state tuition/COA = 62K
-close to family/support system
-strong 1.5 year preclinical curriculum/exams have Step 1 style questions
-capstone experiences at the end of each block would help me figure out what I want to specialize in
-strong early doctoring courses
-amazing culture, extremely supportive faculty/admin, go out of their way to help you get research opportunities and maintain mental health, etc.
-students are very collaborative
-first 1.5 years is true PF no internal ranking
-class size is 80, students and faculty all know each other well
UA Phoenix Cons
-program is not as established
-the match list is strong, but not as strong as Georgetown (some people match very well into high ranked, competitive programs including ophthalmology, but not as high a percentage as GT/surgical subspecialties)
-they're going to appoint a new dean this upcoming year, which may change the culture of the school
-no on site hospital (even though Banner and PCH are both pretty close by)
-lived in AZ most of my life, so something new would be a good change. (obviously, this isn't a deciding factor, but something to consider)
Georgetown Pros
-PF preclinical curriculum, but internal ranking for AOA
-year 2, you take exams every two months which means you have to retain material long term, helping prep for Step 1
-very strong clinical training (basically treat you like interns years 3 and 4)
-very strong match list, lots of people match into surgical specialties. Since I don't know what I want to match into, this would leave my options open
-apparently, higher than average Step 1 scores? This was based on what students said at second look, but I can't find information online to back it up anywhere
-proximity to research, public health related opportunities in the DC area
-next door to the hospital (easier to shadow, etc.)
-living in DC would be a new experience, especially after living in AZ most of my life
Georgetown Cons
-expensive! COA ~87K, commutes take longer esp during years 3-4 since there's no metro in GT, need to spend more time after small daily things like groceries, etc.
-class size is 200, so might get lost in the crowd/it's harder to establish friendship/collab
-internal ranking for AOA years 1 and 2
-faculty/admin are supportive, but not as supportive as Phoenix (?--can a current student comment on this?)
-higher competition between students, although during second look I met many people that were very friendly, not sure how that translates in an academic setting
-no family/support system there
-overall, just seems like a higher stress environment than the UA Phoenix environment, especially because of years 3-4 clinical training. High stress, but also high reward matching well.
UA Phoenix Pros
-in state tuition/COA = 62K
-close to family/support system
-strong 1.5 year preclinical curriculum/exams have Step 1 style questions
-capstone experiences at the end of each block would help me figure out what I want to specialize in
-strong early doctoring courses
-amazing culture, extremely supportive faculty/admin, go out of their way to help you get research opportunities and maintain mental health, etc.
-students are very collaborative
-first 1.5 years is true PF no internal ranking
-class size is 80, students and faculty all know each other well
UA Phoenix Cons
-program is not as established
-the match list is strong, but not as strong as Georgetown (some people match very well into high ranked, competitive programs including ophthalmology, but not as high a percentage as GT/surgical subspecialties)
-they're going to appoint a new dean this upcoming year, which may change the culture of the school
-no on site hospital (even though Banner and PCH are both pretty close by)
-lived in AZ most of my life, so something new would be a good change. (obviously, this isn't a deciding factor, but something to consider)
Georgetown Pros
-PF preclinical curriculum, but internal ranking for AOA
-year 2, you take exams every two months which means you have to retain material long term, helping prep for Step 1
-very strong clinical training (basically treat you like interns years 3 and 4)
-very strong match list, lots of people match into surgical specialties. Since I don't know what I want to match into, this would leave my options open
-apparently, higher than average Step 1 scores? This was based on what students said at second look, but I can't find information online to back it up anywhere
-proximity to research, public health related opportunities in the DC area
-next door to the hospital (easier to shadow, etc.)
-living in DC would be a new experience, especially after living in AZ most of my life
Georgetown Cons
-expensive! COA ~87K, commutes take longer esp during years 3-4 since there's no metro in GT, need to spend more time after small daily things like groceries, etc.
-class size is 200, so might get lost in the crowd/it's harder to establish friendship/collab
-internal ranking for AOA years 1 and 2
-faculty/admin are supportive, but not as supportive as Phoenix (?--can a current student comment on this?)
-higher competition between students, although during second look I met many people that were very friendly, not sure how that translates in an academic setting
-no family/support system there
-overall, just seems like a higher stress environment than the UA Phoenix environment, especially because of years 3-4 clinical training. High stress, but also high reward matching well.
