Jefferson vs Tufts vs UMass

[glycogensynthesis123]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

For some context, I’m a Massachusetts resident and went to undergrad here. I am undecided as far as specialty but I am almost certain I don’t want to go into primary care. I am torn between staying in Boston for medical school—given its reputation as a highly regarded academic and medicine-centered city—or branching out and experiencing life in a new city, knowing I could always return to Boston for residency.

I haven’t received financial aid packages yet, so my cost comparisons are based only on each school’s estimated total cost of attendance listed on their websites. I would really appreciate any input on the schools themselves or what it’s like living in their respective cities! 🙂

Jefferson
Pros

• AMAZING vibes on interview day, strong sense of school pride among students
• Close-ish to home (accessible via train, plane, or bus)
• Opportunity to start over and live in a new city - from what I’ve heard, Philly has a great food scene and is very walkable
• JeffHOPE student-run clinic - very interested in this and it seems like students are highly involved
• Lower COL and rent compared to Boston
• Large medical student presence in the city and access to research/opportunities at nearby institutions
• Strong emphasis on student wellness

Cons

• Center City/Philadelphia has a reputation for being less safe (?), though I know this can vary by neighborhood and is true of many cities, but something to consider as a woman
• Not sure if attending a non-Massachusetts school would put me at any disadvantage for matching into residency programs in Boston

Tufts
Pros

• Close to home and my support system
• Strong connections with major Boston teaching hospitals and academic centers, opportunity to build connections in Boston for residency
• Strong reputation in the Northeast
• Familiar city where I already know the healthcare landscape as I have experience working in Boston

Cons

• High COL, total cost of attendance is highest ($107k) out of these 3 schools
• Would need a car for M3 for some of the further rotations (I ideally don’t want to have a car if I am going to be living in a city)

UMass
Pros

• Close to home and my support system
• Cheapest option overall with in-state tuition (total cost of attendance is $83k)
• WIN Weeks (a week off after every exam) — this is HUGE for quality-of-life
• I have a few friends currently attending, which would make the transition easier
• Several strong mentorship opportunities for students

Cons

• Out of all three cities, Worcester is the least desirable in my opinion

 

[PaulAtreides2122]

I got into UMass but will be attending my IS program in NY and honestly the school seemed freaking awesome. For how much money you’re going to save and how good of a school it is I feel like UMASS is a no-brainer

 

[Basalganglia4life]

You seem most excited about Jefferson. I would personally go for umass due to it being cheaper and near family and in the same state as where you eventually want to do residency. However, if cost and proximity to family and friends aren’t huge considerations for you, I think you would be happy at Jefferson and I don’t think it would hold you back.