Keck (USC) vs UC Davis

[crazymantecan]

Hey guys!! My cycle is pretty much at its end (wait listed at two other cali schools) ! I am quite aware of the huge difference in tuition, and financial aid will play a factor into my decision once I receive both financial aid and scholarship offers. I just wanted to also get some more input and info regarding the two schools. Especially anything that is not stated on the official websites (student experience, realistic expectations of location, opinions on curriculum, etc.) Here are just some of the things I have been thinking about.

SLIGHT UPDATE: The financials are now basically the same for both institutions, so any non-financial insight is appreciated.

UC Davis
Pros

• Close to home (central valley native)
• Public university (cheaper tuition)
• Out-doorsy (I have been getting into running and have always loved being in nature). Idk that's what I have been told. Haven't spent too much time in Sac
• Sacramento area (cheaper?)
• Great research opportunities
• Emphasis on primary care (although I am not exactly set on it, might want to do a slightly more competitive specialty)
• Currently waitlisted on one of their program pathways

Cons

• Waitlisted on program pathway (i have serious doubt I'll get off it)
• Driving Required (any where in the central valley tbh, and right now I am using the family car and idk if I will be able to get a car anytime soon)

Keck (USC)
Pros

• SoCal (went to undergrad in socal and have friends in the area)
• Great research opportunities
• I really like how they have a Health justice component in their curriculum
• Public transport

Cons

• Private university (very expensive)
• Cost of living in LA (was considering USC apartments but idk)

Summary: Both are great schools and I am grateful for the As, just want some more input about each school.

Thanks in advance for any input and advice!

SLIGHT UPDATE: The financials are now basically the same for both institutions, so any non-financial insight is appreciated.

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[newkungfukenny]

mind says UC Davis as you are probably looking at saving 120k over 4 years due to differences in cost of attendance. USC is stingy but have you tried any sort of negotiation so far? might help cut that cost down

 

[jvquarterback]

I'm in private practice and have partners and referring docs from both schools in a pretty competitive specialty. I'd pick Davis. Save your money. Davis is a great school and the difference between the two is negligible even though the SC grads think there's more than there is. I think they actually hurt themselves in getting referrals in that respect.

 

[caliboi15]

Not in medical school and I haven’t heard from anyone at Davis in a while, so please don’t use this as a final decision maker, but I’ve heard from UC Davis students as early as last fall that they’re trying to overhaul the curriculum due to a large number of students not passing the step 1 exam on the first try. Not sure how much that affects your decision given the financial constraints, but I think it’s worth noting.

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

Need the financials to properly advise

 

[crazymantecan]

Need the financials to properly advise

No scholarships from either so far, so I am def looking at taking out loans. Another question I guess I have is what are the chances of getting scholarships from either at this point in the cycle? I recieved the finacial package/ estimate from both which was just loans. Could I potentially get something later (before CTE)?

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

You could buy a car with the money you’d save by attending Davis over USC.

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

You will prob have to drive at some point for USC too. Since that's your only con for Davis, go to Davis.

 

[crazymantecan]

You will prob have to drive at some point for USC too. Since that's your only con for Davis, go to Davis.

Yeah they told me this at the students day 🙁

 

[crazymantecan]

But I guess a slight update would be that the financials are now basically the same for both institutions, so any non-financial insight is appreciated.

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

If you can handle living in LA, get a car, and the financials are the same, then USC. I had the chance to visit the school last summer and thought it was amazing. If it’s going to be similar in cost then that’s a steal!

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

Financials are the same, go to USC. Great program.

Driving in LA is not that bad because it's usually hella traffic so everyone goes really slow 🙂

 

[wanttobeadoctorthiscycle]

Echo-ing what others are saying here, but reliable public transportation in LA is basically non-existent. Yes, we have the bus but it takes like 10X longer to get anywhere and they often run off schedule, are super crowded and not comfortable if you have to stand for long distances, etc. You will def need a car in LA unfortunately, especially for rotations where you will be rotating far away from USC (like CHLA). Anyway I just wanted to point that out. I'm a little biased as an LA native, but Keck is an incredible school and I would choose that if it were me! But UC Davis is incredible too of course 🙂