Help! OSU vs. UWSOM

[nateholman]

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Hey people! I have the following situation and would love to hear your input:

I have been accepted at some schools, OSU being one of them, and I absolutely love the idea of going there! You can get in state tuition after the first year, their curriculum suits me well I think, I like Columbus, the college campus, and the students! Just all around, it felt like an awesome match for my personal tastes. It is definately my #1 as of now.

However, I have been invited for an interview to University of Washington, which happens to accept quite a few students from my home state of Idaho. This is great as they get in state tuition right off the bat. The difference between UWSOM and OSU would come out to be about 50,000 dollars in UWSOM's favor in the end, if my math is good. I have some reservations about UWSOM for my particular tastes. First, they are very focused on primary care, and I am not certain this is the area I am committed to. Second, they are very focused on rural area medicine, which again, not so certain about. Third, as an Idaho student, you only get to spend about 1 year in Seattle as the first year is at University of Idaho and then rotations are spent all around, especially at rural locations. This isn't so attractive to me as I would really like to just be in one place for 4 years. Not a fan of moving every year. Fourth, they require you to do a research project during your 4 years, which I don't really feel excited about either. Additionally, I have heard that the facilities at UWSOM aren't all that spectacular, while OSU's are amazing!

In the end, it really just comes down to the money factor: UWSOM will be 50,000 cheaper and higher ranked, but I am fairly sure OSU is a better match for me overall. What would you do? Should I at least spend the 400-500 dollars to go to the interview? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[AlexMorph]

You should definitely go to the interview. But it looks like your heart is set on OSU. Just give UW a chance, and if you don't like it, you can go to OSU.

 

[mtd0130]

I just got back from a UWSOM interview and I think you should definitely go and check it out.

Though they are very focused on primary care, it isn't the only thing that they do well and I think what makes them interesting is that they don't believe that you have to separate specialized research from primary care. Looking at their match statistics, quite a few people go into non-primary care fields. As far as the rotations go, the students that had lunch with said that though they try and get everyone to do part of their 3rd around the WWAMI region, the school can't force you to leave.

I'm in a reverse situation as an OOS application to UWSOM, so going there would be about 60K difference in tuition over the Texas school I've been accepted at. Cost of living in Seattle would also be more than in San Antonio. So if I got in, as much as I LOVED UWSOM, I would really have to think about whether or not it would be worth the debt burden.

 

[Sir Buckethead]

From what you're saying, it sounds like you answered your own question. You don't share UWSOMs focus.

 

[.dream.big.]

While UWSOM does state a focus on primary care, they also have alot of their students match into specialized residencies.

Also, alot of the specialties (not sure what you are interested in at this point) are quite competitive, and having done research during medical school would be a huge asset to you. UWSOM's required research project is very flexible, and you can do anything from a community health project (in rural, urban, or even international areas) to bench research to a review paper.

So, if anything, don't rule out the UWSOM for these reasons. It does sound like you seem to be "clicking" with the other school more. However, I would still attend your UW interview, and decide later if the choice presents itself.

-Current M1 WWAMI student

 

[osumc2014]

pick osu of course! Im not biased or anything...😀

GO BUCKS!!! kill lsu

 

[Fishy-Cracker]

I am a 2nd year at UW

1. 50,000 is alot of money

2. Facilities don't matter much, but UW has nice places to study if thats what you are looking for and a decent lecture hall. the OSU facilities are better though

3. you will receive an amazing education during your first year at the idaho site. the small class size (40) makes for a supportive learning environment with professors that are personable and available. the clinical experiences at the idaho site are unmatched (personally I was first assist on almost 50 orthopaedic surgeries during one semester).

4. don't worry about the research project. most students complete it by participating in a funded 4 week clinical experience during your 1st summer and a poster presentation. other options include a funded 10 week research project or a literature review. the requirement could also be waived if you have been published (1st author) or wrote a masters thesis. although it seems like a pain, completing the 10 week research project has worked out in my favor and will result in a strong publication with a great letter for residency along with some clinic/surgery experience

5. the primary care focus will do little to influence your personal education and future.

6. most of your rotations can be done in and around seattle, but they say to plan on doing atleast 2 rotations outside of seattle (all over the WWAMI region), but i know people who stay in seattle for all of them. you could also choose to do all of your rotations outside of seattle at different locations each time. I am completing my 3 and 4th years in Boise. some of the most valuable rotaions are outside of seattle where there are no residents to compete for procedures or room at the operating table.

it seems like you have made up your mind, but i would give UW a shot. if you have questions I would be happy to answer them

 

[nateholman]

Thanks folks! I am going to attend the interview at least..I am just kind of stressed about all the health care/bioethics questions! Anywho, thanks for your responses! OSU lost points with me at their bowl game, so maybe UW will still win me over!

 

[Fishy-Cracker]

Thanks folks! I am going to attend the interview at least..I am just kind of stressed about all the health care/bioethics questions! Anywho, thanks for your responses! OSU lost points with me at their bowl game, so maybe UW will still win me over!

try this link if you haven't already...it is very useful for any interview.

http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/index.html

again, I will be happy to answer any other questions you might have