sparklywoman
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Hey everyone! 🙋‍♂️
I'm in a bit of a pickle trying to decide between three medical schools I've been lucky enough to get into: Hackensack, Rutgers RWJ, and University of South Florida. Each has its pros and cons, and I'd love to get your insights or experiences to help make this tough decision a bit easier.
Hackensack:
Pros: They've offered me a scholarship of $45k/year which makes it financially viable, it's close to home, has pass/fail preclinicals, an innovative 3-year core curriculum (with an optional 4th year), and a strong network especially if I choose their residency program (eyeing general surgery). Ideally would like to stay in-state in NJ.
Cons: It’s a newer school which makes it less established, and they have in-house exams. Mandatory lectures. I'd have to pay to live closer to school. However, they have been moving up at a pretty unprecedented rate.
Cost: Around $50k/year all included.
Rutgers RWJ:
Pros: I can live at home which saves some money, it's more established, and tuition is about $46k (in-state). Lectures are not mandatory and I would only have to go in a few times a week.
Cons: The facilities are a bit older, and despite the lower tuition, overall costs end up similar to Hackensack without the flexibility of a 3-year path.
USF CORE MD:
Pros: It's the highest-ranked of the three, located in beautiful Tampa, and I might qualify for in-state tuition after my first year (~$32k/year), making it quite affordable. Also has pass/fail preclinicals (although there are still internal rankings which isn't a deal breaker).
Cons: Moving to Florida means leaving family behind, and I'm still waiting to hear back about any potential financial aid or scholarships. Mandatory lectures.
I'm torn because each option has significant advantages. Hackensack feels financially sensible and innovative, RWJ would keep me close to family, and USF seems like a great academic choice but comes with the challenge of moving away.
Some people say that for USF, if I take my first year at out-of-state tuition, then I wouldn't be able to get in-state tuition for subsequent years even if I established residence. This would be a huge deal-breaker. Does anyone know anything about this?
I'm in a bit of a pickle trying to decide between three medical schools I've been lucky enough to get into: Hackensack, Rutgers RWJ, and University of South Florida. Each has its pros and cons, and I'd love to get your insights or experiences to help make this tough decision a bit easier.
Hackensack:
Pros: They've offered me a scholarship of $45k/year which makes it financially viable, it's close to home, has pass/fail preclinicals, an innovative 3-year core curriculum (with an optional 4th year), and a strong network especially if I choose their residency program (eyeing general surgery). Ideally would like to stay in-state in NJ.
Cons: It’s a newer school which makes it less established, and they have in-house exams. Mandatory lectures. I'd have to pay to live closer to school. However, they have been moving up at a pretty unprecedented rate.
Cost: Around $50k/year all included.
Rutgers RWJ:
Pros: I can live at home which saves some money, it's more established, and tuition is about $46k (in-state). Lectures are not mandatory and I would only have to go in a few times a week.
Cons: The facilities are a bit older, and despite the lower tuition, overall costs end up similar to Hackensack without the flexibility of a 3-year path.
USF CORE MD:
Pros: It's the highest-ranked of the three, located in beautiful Tampa, and I might qualify for in-state tuition after my first year (~$32k/year), making it quite affordable. Also has pass/fail preclinicals (although there are still internal rankings which isn't a deal breaker).
Cons: Moving to Florida means leaving family behind, and I'm still waiting to hear back about any potential financial aid or scholarships. Mandatory lectures.
I'm torn because each option has significant advantages. Hackensack feels financially sensible and innovative, RWJ would keep me close to family, and USF seems like a great academic choice but comes with the challenge of moving away.
Some people say that for USF, if I take my first year at out-of-state tuition, then I wouldn't be able to get in-state tuition for subsequent years even if I established residence. This would be a huge deal-breaker. Does anyone know anything about this?
