Kaiser (full CoA) vs. UCLA

[plzhlpme]

Disclosure: If Kaiser had not offered full COA and I had to make a choice I would chose UCLA. However, graduating debt free is HUGE and so is UCLA : / ). Thoughts? Neither is a terrible option so I am grateful.

Kaiser

Pros
-completely free
-New modern Facility
-Pasadena is beautiful and I know it would be an easy transition for me when it’s time to move
-P/F didactic
-early clinical exposure through the LIC’s (longitudinal Integrated Clerkships)

Neutral
-case based learning w required attendance

Cons
-New school with not many established connections however the Kaiser System is well known
-current students we spoke with on interview day didn’t have many grievances besides that there are still some kinks being smoothed out in terms of details in coursework and such which I’m not sure how I feel about. Seems like it could add stress and while I consider myself adaptable I thrive of strong structure (most times)
-worried in terms of research it is not as well connected, and the possibility I could lack in this area is worrisome


UCLA
Pros
-Very appealing new HEAL curriculum that has clerkships starting in MS2 opening up MS3 for “discovery” in potential interest, could/would make me a more competitive applicant if I decide on a more competitive specialty
-medical education building is also new and modern
-Big name school with many established connections (I’m thinking research, global health, etc.)

Neutral
-lectures (no attendance required, I think) and small group problem based learning (I think I would really enjoy this, if new curriculum still uses PBL)

Cons
-The urban busy Westwood area is not my favorite (..but I can get by, it’s UCLA lol)
-No aid just yet (Geffens will not be announced until march, no guarantee if I will or will not get it but for now, I will assume I will not)
-estimated COA ~312k

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[Ole_Toe]

I don’t want to be here encouraging you to take an extra 300k in debt for the same degree in the same city from a school with a better reputation. How could you choose UCLA? People join the military to get out of medical school debt. Sounds like your military is Kaiser my friend! Congrats

Edit: I’m curious: how much aid would UCLA have to give you to choose them?

 

[berkdown]

Kaiser is my choice here. With that amount of debt vs none at all, there’s no question.

Kaiser isn’t like any standard new school. It’s got so much backing and is attracting top candidates from all over the country. Also there is absolutely nothing saying you can’t still pursue research with mentors from other schools in the LA area like UCLA.

Imo Kaiser is eventually going to be a very well-ranked school and the opportunity to get a medical education there for free is something hard to turn down.