GW vs. UC Irvine

[prodoc6]

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I'm trying to decide between GW and UC Irvine for medical school and am having a tough time with it. I'm from the east coast so GW is close to my family and support systems but UC Irvine has awesome weather and seems to have a greater work-life balance, which I highly value. I was also more impressed with UC Irvine's clinical research opportunities when I visited and the students seemed happy. Unfortunately, I didn't get to interact with many GW students at the interview, so I can't really say what they are like.

I do like the idea of being in a city better than a suburb though, since there is more to do and I could use public transportation. I also like that GW's rotations start halfway through second year (more elective time before residency applications) and students get into residency programs across the country. UC Irvine's residency acceptances are mainly concentrated in California. In addition, I may want to work with kids, and GW is affiliated with a nationally ranked children's hospital.

So basically, I prefer the culture, environment, and research of UC Irvine but the residency, rotation, and city opportunities of GW.

Thoughts on this choice?? I'd love to get input from anyone attending the schools on what culture, daily life, programs, and being a student there is actually like. Thanks!!

 

[MrTaco92]

If I were in your situation I'd go with GW. It's car ride away as opposed to a plane ride away, and there are plenty of research opportunities in the surrounding area such as the NIH. And regardless of how happy the other students seem at GW, at least its in an awesome area of an awesome city.

 

[lmn]

Having interviewed at GW, although I liked it, I would choose UCI. But if you are looking for actual students opinions, I would contact the schools and ask them to put you in touch with students, they should either have students already reaching out to you to answer questions, or at least be very receptive to you asking.

 

[prodoc6]

Having interviewed at GW, although I liked it, I would choose UCI. But if you are looking for actual students opinions, I would contact the schools and ask them to put you in touch with students, they should either have students already reaching out to you to answer questions, or at least be very receptive to you asking.

Hmm that's a good idea. Why would choose UCI?

 

[MassTransit]

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[NuttyEngDude]

I'm trying to decide between GW and UC Irvine for medical school and am having a tough time with it. I'm from the east coast so GW is close to my family and support systems

GW: 1, UC-Irvine: 0

but UC Irvine has awesome weather and seems to have a greater work-life balance, which I highly value.

GW: 1, UC-Irvine: 1, 1 point for the weather but I'm skeptical that one school has better work-life balance than another, you have to work hard for both.

I was also more impressed with UC Irvine's clinical research opportunities when I visited and the students seemed happy. Unfortunately, I didn't get to interact with many GW students at the interview, so I can't really say what they are like.

GW: 1, UC-Irvine: 3 (1 for clinical research opportunities, 1 for perceived happiness of students)

I do like the idea of being in a city better than a suburb though, since there is more to do and I could use public transportation.

GW: 2, UC-Irvine: 3

I also like that GW's rotations start halfway through second year (more elective time before residency applications) and students get into residency programs across the country. UC Irvine's residency acceptances are mainly concentrated in California.

GW: 3, UC-Irvine: 3

In addition, I may want to work with kids, and GW is affiliated with a nationally ranked children's hospital.

GW: 4, UC-Irvine: 3

So basically, I prefer the culture, environment, and research of UC Irvine but the residency, rotation, and city opportunities of GW.
Thoughts on this choice?? I'd love to get input from anyone attending the schools on what culture, daily life, programs, and being a student there is actually like. Thanks!!

Based on your points, if given equal rating, GW wins. You didn't mention cost, perhaps they are similar?

 

[MassTransit]

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[kevinus]

UCI if you're interested in dating Asian undergrads 😛
If money is not an issue for your family, go to where you want to live. I don't think that one school is better than the other for GW vs UCI. UCI does have mandatory attendance and H/P/F grading during the pre-clerkship years. However, if you're someone who cares about AOA, you'll be gunning regardless, so it's all up to YOU not the school's grading system.


edit: Since your family lives near GW, you should seriously consider going to GW. If you're tight with your family, having their support would be invaluable during stressful times at med school. Also, you'll be paying out-of-state tuition for UCI...

 

[mmmcdowe]

Moving to SSD

 

[sdfoijffdso]

I believe that you need to consider your support system, the environment you want to attend medical school in, and where you want to practice in the future

 

[Winged Scapula]

I'm a Californian and honestly DC >>>>> Irvine in terms of culture, things to do, beauty. But beyond that being close to your family and having a support system is key.

 

[prodoc6]

Thanks for your thoughts! They have been very valuable in making my decision. I'm going to go with GW 🙂

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

In skimming this thread quickly, I didn't see anyone bring up what I thought was a major weakness for UCI: the lack of a major hospital on campus. This really turned me off about the school and now that I attend a school with our major hospital on campus, I think it's crazy to have to drive ~20 minutes to get to ANY hospital. Obviously not all hospitals are right on campus but it makes shadowing and meeting with professors about research that much easier and less complicated. Plus they have HPF and required attendance (pretty sure), so I would go with GW in a heartbeat.