Jefferson vs. UMass

[krebscycle911]

Pls help! I am extremely grateful to have acceptances to multiple schools. Currently I am deciding between Jeff and UMass. Here are my pros and cons. Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Jeff:
Pros:
-big city, I am a city girl and currently live in Boston
-great atmosphere and supportive students
-good surgery residency programs (I am interested in surgery)
-cost of living is ok (better than Boston)
-would get me out of MA where I have lived and studied my whole life
-great school overall
-good match results
-large school, so an extensive Alumni network

Cons:
-expensive!!! this is the biggest con
-less research opportunities than UMass/lower quality research? (please correct me if I'm wrong)
-unsure if it has the same "reputation" as UMass (again, please provide insight)

UMass:
Pros:
-in-state tuition!
-amazing school
-good vibes and strong community
-great research opportunities, tons of NIH money going to this school
-good clinical reputation

Cons:
-extremely close to my parents' house. I've lived in Worcester pretty much my whole life and would not be too happy to go back
-primary care focus and I want to do surgery (but I know this would not hold me back from a good surgical program)
-no rotations at the Boston hospitals (big con)
-smaller, rural hospitals are where you do rotations (this is a con for me personally)

Both have good volunteer opportunities and give experience with underserved populations which is important to me. These schools are so similar but I worry I will regret not taking my in-state tuition if I choose Jefferson.
Thanks!!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Banco]

What is the overall cost difference?

For what it's worth, UMass is also a great school and matches very well into surgery and into Boston/Northeast residencies if that's your goal, and have a strong home residency. This year they had Harvard, Duke, Cincinnati, Lahey, and Yale matches: Match List

Jefferson also has a great surgery department/in house residency. Jefferson is definitely ahead when it comes to orthopedic.

 

[krebscycle911]

What is the overall cost difference?

For what it's worth, UMass is also a great school and matches very well into surgery and into Boston/Northeast residencies if that's your goal, and have a strong home residency. This year they had Harvard, Duke, Cincinnati, Lahey, and Yale matches: Match List

Jefferson also has a great surgery department/in house residency. Jefferson is definitely ahead when it comes to orthopedic.

For me receiving limited financial aid, the cost difference is 15k/year. Could be significant after 4 years. Both schools have great match lists! I am not as interested in ortho vs. other surgical specialties

 

[Banco]

For me receiving limited financial aid, the cost difference is 15k/year. Could be significant after 4 years. Both schools have great match lists! I am not as interested in ortho vs. other surgical specialties

For me receiving limited financial aid, the cost difference is 15k/year. Could be significant after 4 years. Both schools have great match lists! I am not as interested in ortho vs. other surgical specialties

Go to this link at the very bottom - you’ll see the matches in the different specialties from UMass over the years: https://www.umassmed.edu/globalasse...fice-of-admissions/match-lists/match-2021.pdf.
Matching general surgery and other sub specialties shouldn’t be a problem from Mass. Though all of these fields are now competitive, so you’ll have to put in the work no matter where you go.

That being said, if you really love Jeff, 60k more overall isn’t SO substantial.

 

[morgMD]

It sounds like you're more interested in Jefferson just from your list, but I know that financial difference is very important! If you deem your excitement and happiness to outweigh the $15k difference each year and its more important to be in Boston long term, I'd recommend Jefferson.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

How do you feel about the enormous class size at Jefferson ? Is that a factor for you ?

 

[krebscycle911]

How do you feel about the enormous class size at Jefferson ? Is that a factor for you ?

I went to a large state school for undergrad and liked it. Do you think it would hinder opportunities or mentorship? It seems as if students there don't mind it

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

I think you'd be fine. Big school, lots of faculty.