Jefferson (SKMC) vs UC Davis (CA resident) Pls help

[monde2413]

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I've spent the last couple weeks trying to justify why I should go to Davis over Jefferson because it feels like the better choice financially and emotionally for me.

But I'm not sure that I'm the right fit for the school considering that Davis has a strong primary care focus. I know I want to specialize (most likely in surgery) and I've been interested in ortho for a bit now. Jefferson apparently has a stronger surgery focus and match list. How bad of an idea would it be to go to a primary care focus school knowing that you want to specialize? Does the school I go to impact where I match more or how I perform at the school?

I'm also slightly worried by Davis's lower step scores. I know that step may not matter as much since it is pass/no pass but does it indicate to a certain degree how good the medical education is?

Davis (~$270k, tuition 41k)

Pro

- Family and support system nearby
- Supportive and collaborative environment with an emphasis on mental health
- multiple student-run clinics
- I can see myself going here and being happy, the only school I've felt like I belonged
- Less expensive - in-state tuition

Cons

- Only 7/8 (6%) out of 110 students match into surgery with an average of 2-3 in ortho
- Not system based curriculum (slightly awkward traditional curriculum that is going to be changed for the class after me )
- Lower step scores (221)

Jefferson (~$330k, tuition 58.5k)

Pro

- Supportive and collaborative environment that is important to me
- Better match list: 34-36 (13%) student match in surgery, with 14 in ortho
- Have various tracks that interest me - like medical education, research
- system-based curriculum

Cons

- Larger class size (270) - might impact rotations and research opportunities

• (does anyone know if this is true?)

- Far away from home and the likelihood of matching back into California is harder
- Rank students - top, middle, lower 1/3rd
- Haven't had the opportunity to visit the school, my interview was virtual due to COVID-19 - so going here might be a huge leap of faith

 

[ciestar]

As for the cons to Jeff, yes, the larger class size can impact rotations. They also send their students all over PA for rotations.

 

[deleted1038938]

If I were you, no questions, I would pick UC Davis. Davis has a big name and is always ranked really high despite the low Step Average. A low step average doesn't necessarily equate to a school's competitiveness. In context, my friend has a step score in the 260s from a school with an average of 219 AND is primary care focused. He matched into one of the top plastics programs this year. Some schools follow a "holistic process" in candidate selection, which ultimately yields to students who are not as academically strong or may have other interests. Use the proper resources for studying for step. Davis does have a primary care focus, but that doesn't mean you won't match well.

I did something similar to you except I was not accepted into a strong program in my home-state. The program I got into was weak but it was in my state lines. I elected to go out of state, and I have regretted it every day. I didn't realize how much support I would need from non-medicine people and how much of a culture shock it is to go from one state to another (yes there are differences especially since you're from California).

 

[jlms2929]

I've spent the last couple weeks trying to justify why I should go to Davis over Jefferson because it feels like the better choice financially and emotionally for me.

But I'm not sure that I'm the right fit for the school considering that Davis has a strong primary care focus. I know I want to specialize (most likely in surgery) and I've been interested in ortho for a bit now. Jefferson apparently has a stronger surgery focus and match list. How bad of an idea would it be to go to a primary care focus school knowing that you want to specialize? Does the school I go to impact where I match more or how I perform at the school?

I'm also slightly worried by Davis's lower step scores. I know that step may not matter as much since it is pass/no pass but does it indicate to a certain degree how good the medical education is?

Davis (~$270k, tuition 41k)

Pro

- Family and support system nearby
- Supportive and collaborative environment with an emphasis on mental health
- multiple student-run clinics
- I can see myself going here and being happy, the only school I've felt like I belonged
- Less expensive - in-state tuition

Cons

- Only 7/8 (6%) out of 110 students match into surgery with an average of 2-3 in ortho
- Not system based curriculum (slightly awkward traditional curriculum that is going to be changed for the class after me )
- Lower step scores (221)

Jefferson (~$330k, tuition 58.5k)

Pro

- Supportive and collaborative environment that is important to me
- Better match list: 34-36 (13%) student match in surgery, with 14 in ortho
- Have various tracks that interest me - like medical education, research
- system-based curriculum

Cons

- Larger class size (270) - might impact rotations and research opportunities

• (does anyone know if this is true?)

- Far away from home and the likelihood of matching back into California is harder
- Rank students - top, middle, lower 1/3rd
- Haven't had the opportunity to visit the school, my interview was virtual due to COVID-19 - so going here might be a huge leap of faith

Sounds like your pros are favoring Davis. I would take the money and proximity to home.

Remember that matching largely depends on the individual, and the interests of a given class, so it's hard to use match lists as a real metric. I also wouldn't weigh average step scores too much since 1) its pass/fail now anyway, 2) this is dependent on you more than it is the school.

If you work hard, take advantage of your resources, make connections etc. at Davis there's no reason you can't be one of those surgery matches, and like you said you likely will find it easier to stay in CA.

I too would worry about research opportunity and clinical rotation saturation at Jefferson. However, looking at their match list you see people going into lots of "research required" type specialties, and they have a built in scholarly project in M1/M2 so I would guess that people are able to get the research opportunities they need to succeed. I wouldn't base my whole decision on this because I'm sure you could make it work, but given the other pros already in favor of Davis, I would still pick that.

I agree Jeff's preclinical learning style seems nicer, but in reality you're gonna be able to grind through either one and it'll be fine. I think the point I would consider more about preclinical is "how much time am I required to be in class vs. how much time do I have to study on my own/live life outside of school?". Also consider how much you care about the shortened preclinical curriculum at Jeff? This would be a boost for me, but given the other pros of Davis I don't think it tips the scales still.

Plus I believe you're more likely to be successful if you're at school where you're happy. Sounds like being close to home will make you happy.

Good luck, you have great options.

 

[nymedschoolfan]

UC Davis. Half the class size, cheap tuition, still a research school even though it's primary-care oriented.

 

[MD_2024]

Jefferson has an incredibly strong ortho program (Rothman), which is generally considered the best place to go in the Philadelphia area

 

[medDaisuki]

I would choose Davis. You should really choose a medical school that makes you happy. I think it is the most important factor. And if you want to practice in North Cal, UC Davis has higher reputation in the region. (I’m from La). Plus it is cheaper.

 

[wagonwheel23]

It sounds like you want to go to Davis! They match people in Ortho, clearly. You'll be great. Also, having a support system nearby will help you be more successful than if you move far away. I interviewed at both schools and thought Davis >> Jefferson.

 

[Yhwach]

UCDavis

UC schools are more known imo. Jeff isn't worth the cost