Identical Schools: UMASS vs UMaryland

[shekashi]

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Could it be that two schools resemble so closely that its hard to tell a difference?

That's what I am experiencing between UMASS and UMaryland.

Both are focused on...

• Primary Care
• Extensive Clinical Experience
• Integrating PBL or Patient Contact in Yr 1/2
• Cooperative/Friendly Learning
• Accepting State Residents
• Low Tuition

Both lack...

• Safe/Enjoyable Learning Environments

I am interested in individuals who could expose some significant differences, either good or bad, to distinguish these two excellent schools. Perhaps students who currently attend may add some insights.

My second post at sdn!

shekashi

 

[Katie]

well, there are differences even in the areas you mentioned. As far as accepting state residents, U Mass has very stringent criteria and will not even interview out-of-staters. Maryland actually interviews a substantial # of out-of-staters and take about 15-20% of their class from out of state. Location is another big difference; Worcester and Baltimore are definitely different places. I'm really not sure what you mean about lack of safe/enjoyable learning environment or what gave you this impression, but all the students I know from U Mass and Maryland seem to like their school. I think the 2 schools are similar enough that it boils down to cost; might as well go with whatever school is in your state of residence.

 

[Bob Dole]

Maryland has best emergency trauma center among state schools

 

[shekashi]

Thanks for your comments Katie. You are right about UMASS not accepting out-of-state applicants.

The thing is my state of residence could either be in Maryland or Massachusetts...kind of interesting.

So it comes down to trying to find which is better, which is hard.

President Dole, that's absolutely correct, Maryland might have the best trauma center among ALL schools...maybe.

About "Safe/Enjoyable Learning Environments" I mean Baltimore is not safe...hence not as enjoyable to go to class/live there. I don't even think students live in Baltimore, they must live nearby. Worcester, is pretty safe I think, but kind of out-in-nowhere lands...hence not as enjoyable to live there.

Maybe I'm wrong, though.

I appreciate both your help,

shekashi

 

[Katie]

very true, Maryland's Shock Trauma Center is second to none.. guess I've been out of Maryland for too long, how could I not remember that?🙂 Anyway, if you applied to Maryland, they will soon send you a notice informing you if you are eligible for in-state tuition, and I think they are pretty flexible. I lived in B-more for 2 years before med school and I like the city in spite of its ghetto reputation. There are a lot of fun places to go and it is a short (40 minute) drive to DC and 90 minutes to Philly. As a city person, I think it has an edge over Worcester. I think if you are offered admission and in-state tuition at both schools that Maryland is the better school of the two, but both are fine. The only drawback of Maryland is that it has a letter grade system instead of Honors/Pass/Fail or P/F for the first two years, which can lead to some competititiveness among students. It may not seem like a big deal, but I can tell you that H/P/F has made my life much more pleasant and conducive to learning. Also, if you want to do a residency at a Boston hospital, U Mass would probably give you a bit of an edge. If your sig. other or family is living in a certain location, that probably will influence your decision as well. good luck!
BTW, I was not accepted to Maryland as an in-stater, it is one of the tougher state schools to get into. But, the same is true of U Mass..

 

[Katie]

Originally posted by shekashi
Thanks for your comments Katie. You are right about UMASS not accepting out-of-state applicants.

The thing is my state of residence could either be in Maryland or Massachusetts...kind of interesting.

So it comes down to trying to find which is better, which is hard.

President Dole, that's absolutely correct, Maryland might have the best trauma center among ALL schools...maybe.

About "Safe/Enjoyable Learning Environments" I mean Baltimore is not safe...hence not as enjoyable to go to class/live there. I don't even think students live in Baltimore, they must live nearby. Worcester, is pretty safe I think, but kind of out-in-nowhere lands...hence not as enjoyable to live there.

Maybe I'm wrong, though.

I appreciate both your help,

shekashi

oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Worcester does have some pretty run-down areas that are known to be unsafe. B-more is the same but you just have to know which areas to avoid. Many students live in the city in a neighborhood that is about a 5-minute walk from UMMS and is quite safe (I used to work at Maryland med). Worcester is also about an hour drive from Boston or an hour on the commuter rail which runs weekends and evenings, and Boston is a very enjoyable city (I love it here!!). If you haven't already, I'd suggest trying to get ahold of their match lists to see how people match in specialties they are interested in. Maryland tends to match a lot of people in-state (mostly at UMMS, a few at JHU), and I would guess that U Mass also matches primarily in-state (including Boston). hey, thanks for reminding me, I have to get my driver's license transferred from MD to MA, breaking my last tie with my former home state where I lived for 22 years (sigh)..

 

[dcpremed]

Shekasi.

I disagree totally with what you said. Baltimore is a city. It has crime...so does Worcester and every other city in the US. What does this mean? It means that you are smart and aware of your surroundings and you don't walk around at 2 am by yourself...

I have a very good friend who is a first year at UMD and SHE DOES live in Baltimore (you'll find that MANY of the students live in Baltimore, and many also within walking distance of the Med School.) Also, about your remark that it is not fun/enjoyable to live there...I must disagree because the med school students that live in the apartments near the med school (which are really nice by the way) live within walking distance of the Inner Harbor which has lots of cool restaurants, shops, ships and the National Aquarium. The Inner Harbor is one of the first and most successful urban renewal projects in the US. The med school is also within walking distance of Camden Yards, lots of cool pubs etc. etc. There is a student population that is catered to (in addition to the drug dealers and criminals that you feel are the only people that live in Baltimore).

Also, I am not sure if you have been to Worcester, but it is a run-down, dying industrial city, which, based on what I have heard, coupled with high unemployment is a recipe for...you guessed it...CRIME!

 

[Katie]

actually, certain areas of Worcester have a booming real estate market according to what I heard on the Boston local news not too long ago. I wouldn't say that it is a city in decline, though I would say that both Worcester and Baltimore City have both lost a substantial number of residents to the suburbs over the past few years.

I agree with everything you said on Baltimore, in fact I lived near DC before I went to Baltimore and actually like Charm City better than DC. Most people I know from Maryland (who are 3rd and 4th years now) seem social and friendly. It is a great school.

now, please don't be too hard on the original poster; Baltimore has a nationally awful reputation as a city and I am not surprised that he had the impressions that he does. Although I never really watched Homicide while it was on the air, my impression is that it isn't about the Harbor and the jovial bars at Fells Point. I'm sure that he/she meant no offense to lovely Balwmer..

 

[tms]

Actually, Baltimore is going through unprecidented gentrification. More professionals seem to be moving into the city than out. Neighborhoods such as Fells Point and Canton (merely 5 mins driving from the med school demand real estate prices of 200K+ for 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes. These same houses could be bought for <50K 10 years ago.

As for safety, Ridgely's Delight is the community within 5 min of walking to the school. MANY students of the various professional schools live there...and live there without tremendous expense. The houses are historic and truly unique. There is a strong presence from the university police at the school and in the surrounding areas. There are bad neighborhoods in B-more, but different areas have well-defined borders. I've grown up in B-more and spent most of my life in this area. I have only been aware of one situation of crime affecting myself or any of my friends. It was a mugging, and the perp. actually gave my friend's license back because he (the perp) knew how much of a hassle the department of motor vehicles can be.

Maryland is one of my top choices. They actually match well to programs both in and out of state. It seems about 50/50 over the last 4 years.

Finally, Baltimore has a great night life. Great pubs, restaurants, comedy clubs, galleries...etc. etc.

 

[kaos]

Originally posted by tms
... the perp. actually gave my friend's license back because he (the perp) knew how much of a hassle the department of motor vehicles can be.

LOL! That was pretty lucky. I got accepted to U of MD, and am now trying to decide between there and USUHS (if u could call that a real choice). I'm a bit concerned about crime in Baltimore. Having grown up in P.G. County and going to school in D.C., I haven't really been bothered by crime despite the stats which show that it's really high in both areas. How does Baltimore compare? Although I'm an MD resident, I've never actually spent time in Baltimore besides visits to the Nat'l Aquarium 😉

 

[shekashi]

Thank you all for your insightful comments about Baltimore. I have a different view now.

Thanks for the residency placement info tms.
Katie, that grading system at UMM does make a difference. I'll check out how UMASS does their grading.

Are there any other academic differences one can highlight?

cheers,

shekashi

 

[Katie]

I think most of Baltimore is certainly no worse than DC or PG county in terms of crime, it's just a matter of knowing which areas to avoid driving in or walking alone in at any time of day on a regular basis. The area around the U is fine and many students (grad, med, nursing, PT, and social work and dental) live nearby. Rent prices are usually very reasonable, and many students with sig. others, spouses, and/or children choose to buy a reasonably priced townhouse. I had to chuckle at the idea of a $200 K+ townhouse being semi-pricey after living in Boston for 1.5 years. I'll put it this way, not one student in my class owns a townhouse or condo anywhere near or in Boston, and my parents who were homeowners in MD for 22 years could not even think about buying 1/4 of a townhouse when they came up here!

Anyway, enough about Boston, if it were my choice I would choose UMAB, but I have a female friend from college (MD resident) who chose USUHS over Maryland and she seems happy with her choice. She's gotten to do a lot of travelling for her rotations and is now in her 4th year. However, she was extremely stressed during her 1st year and reported to me during her 1st year that USUHS can be competitive (i.e. class rankings essentially posted from day 1 and letter grades). I think Baltimore is a very cool city and much more student friendly than most of DC, but many people disagree with me (my ex lived in a suburb of DC and was always whining about how Baltimore was nowhere near as cool as DC.) JHU undergrad campus is gorgeous as well and prob. has some nice places to study..

oh, quick question for the original poster, what is the U Mass definition of a Mass. resident? I ask b/c I am probably going to apply to U Mass for internship/residency and would guess that state residents get some preferences. I am getting my Maryland DL changed over to MA in a few days and wonder if that will make me an official resident? thanks for any info..

oh, and a few years ago UMAB had some trouble with a substantial number of students not passing USMLE I on the first try (i.e. 10%+ of the class). fortunately, from what I've heard, Maryland has managed to turn things around on this note. maybe tms has some more info for us? Don't know anything about U Mass on this subject. g'luck all..

 

[dA pilot]

I may have to disagree with the sentiments of previous posters about Baltimore and particularly around the area of the med school. I went to college in baltimore for 4 years and have had my car broken into 2 times and have friendS who have been mugged. I know this may happen to anyone anywhere, but Baltimore is not a safe city.

I have a handful of friends who goto UMaryland med school and live in the apts near the school and not one of them will take the walk to inner harbor or camden yards. It is not safe. I remember a couple of years ago there was an attempted robbery of an apartment by the med school and a student was killed. I have been warned by my friends that when I do visit them and park my car, I have to empty glove box and keep it open. so that no one will break in.

On the flip side, I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 years of college in baltimore. Inner harbor is a nice touristy area, fell's point is great for bars, suburbs are perfect for families and are not far away. UMaryland is a great state school, but the fact is that it is located in a poor neighborhood with crime, just visit and ask questions.

 

[shekashi]

UMASS establishes resdeidency in two ways.

1. One who graduated from a Mass High School and currently lives in Mass and has taxes from the previous year before application

2. One who did not graduate from a Mass High School, but currrently lives and can prove that they have lived in Mass for four (i think its four) years prior due to taxes.

Take Care all,

shekashi

 

[T-Rex]

It's five years...just to make sure non-residents who go to school in Mass. can't apply 😡

 

[i_bite]

After 3 1/2 years at UMAB med school I would say I'm glad I chose to go there. I lived 15 min away in a nice suburb area, in a beautiful townhouse, without any crime. There is a large student parking garage on campus (5 minute walk), $4 a day. There is a security guard in front of the garage, and I have never heard of anyone having a problem with their car. I used to study at school till pretty late. After I was done, I'd go into the main hospital, where a shuttle would take me right to the garage entrance. I have never had a problem.

I don't know about UMass, but at UMAB we were done by noon, with the rest of the day free, except for PBL and clinical skills. It was nice to be able to be in charge of your day, as many people had very different study habits. Also, all the lectures were digitized on the web, about 30-40 minutes after the lectures, with all the slides. I hardly ever showed up for those. I guess I am biased, but I highly recommend this place. I have just finished interviewing for a pretty competitive specialty, and our school has solid reputation. So come to UMAB!

 

[Neuronix]

shekashi, are you sure you qualify as a Maryland resident? I know Mass. is notoriously strict about it, but Maryland is a pain as well. I consider myself a Maryland resident, since I have been moving around constantly between three states while my dad has lived in Maryland for the past 5 years, my car is registered in Maryland, and my license is in Maryland. Yet, Maryland still would not give me in state residency because I never changed my voter registration (I haven't voted) and I haven't paid taxes (I haven't made anything that requires filing). In the long run this actually makes me a resident of no state. Grumble. Good thing I chose MSTP.

 

[Katie]

OK, I'd like to end the debate about Baltimore safety once and for all. I agree that the crime rate in Baltimore is very high; however, I worked at UMAB for 2 years and had no trouble walking the 15 minutes from there to my parents' house near the Inner Harbor as long as it wasn't dark outside. I think walking alone at night is just plain stupid in almost any city, and there are areas in Baltimore that you generally should not approach with a 10-ft pole (area across MLK from the University, area around Camden Pub on the University side is fine during the daytime and with groups of people at night, avoid projects near JHU Med and off of Eastern Avenue as it heads out of the city. West Baltimore, which ironically is near many suburbs, is also not a safe neighborhood). You don't have to live out in the suburbs or lock yourself in your house at night and never go out in Baltimore, just use common sense and be alert. If you have a family and/or some financial stability, Otterbein and the northern part of Federal Hill near the Harbor are very nice, safe neighborhoods and close to school.

From what I hear, U Mass tries to get its students out of class before noon as well. Thanks for the clarification on in-state status in Mass., looks like I won't be getting any preference at U Mass in 2.5 years. oh well, I'm really leaning toward staying in Boston anyway..

 

[oldman]

Most of my friends have been mugged while in Baltimore. I guess it requires staying smart. I just didn't expect to be attacked by a gang on the Homewood campus.

As far as the city goes, don't forget about the Block! It's right next to the biggest police station I have ever seen. I'd feel safe there any time of day.

 

[lotanna]

In any city, there will always be crime. Many of my cousins live in B-more, and I usually go there for long periods to visit, and goodness the same rules apply everywhere. I use the same rules I use in Detroit, that I use when I visit Chicago, NY, LA, Miami...
My good friend lived in Worchester for a few years, and didnt like it much. Personally I would pick Baltimore/metro DC area over Worchester/Boston.
😛

 

[oldman]

i guess i'm glad to be living in minneapolis now. i can walk around at night without having the same fear.