Kaiser vs USC Keck

[user896785]

For context I'm interested in OB/GYN and dermatology

Kaiser (full ride)
Pros

• Literally free
• Pasadena is lovely, option to drive into LA when I want
• Prosection for anatomy, cadaver elective
• diverse class
• lots of attention from awesome faculty (50 person class)
• No AOA
• free ubers to clinical sites
• free study prep, merch, technology
• 3rd and 4th year are chill (time for away rotations and electives)
• case-based learning sounds cool
• loved meeting the new head of community engagement
• cool to be the 4th ever class

Cons

• mandatory flipped classroom / pre work can be a lot
• 2nd yr is preclinical + core clerkships -- students say it is brutal
• maybe not the best place if I want to go into derm
• community engagement office just started
• no match yet
• lacking in inpatient experience (rely on electives and away rotations)

Keck (25% scholarship, $300k+)
Pros

• right in LA
• commitment to underserved population
• training at County hospital
• feel like I fit in with the culture the students were describing
• get a health justice certificate
• 1.5 yr preclinical
• primary care program seems like a perfect opportunity for community engagement practice
• Derm research is great
• more prestigious, help with residency

Cons

• $$$
• AOA
• less nice than Pasadena

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[deleted1139416]

As a 3rd year student who is about to enter the match, I honestly think it just comes down to weight the cost and benefit of free tuition versus being at a new school. The rest of it isn't so much a big deal... med school is tough wherever you go.

Next year we will see just how much Kaiser's alumni want to stay at Kaiser and how much preference Kaiser will give its alumni. But I CAN tell you that Kaiser is a very well regarded school.

 

[user896785]

As a 3rd year student who is about to enter the match, I honestly think it just comes down to weight the cost and benefit of free tuition versus being at a new school. The rest of it isn't so much a big deal... med school is tough wherever you go.

Next year we will see just how much Kaiser's alumni want to stay at Kaiser and how much preference Kaiser will give its alumni. But I CAN tell you that Kaiser is a very well regarded school.

thanks so much and good luck with the match!