Loma Linda University SOM vs University of Iowa Carver COM

[jcaptian]

Hi all!

So this is my first thread. I've had the privilege of being accepted at two fine institutions. However, as a pre-med I realize my decision making might be limited. So, I'm asking for some input into my decision.

I've come up with a list of pro and cons for each school. Basically, I am OOS for Iowa and as LLUSM is a private school their tuition is the same regardless of tuition. I'm from Florida so I do not have family in either region.

Loma Linda School of Medicine:

+Location (Southern California is hard to beat)
+Weather (Generally, the weather is pretty good, barring the blistering summers)
+Financial Aid (Received a scholarship saving me 40k+ over 4 years. Waiting on the complete financial award...prelim COA is 69k..no including scholarship/any further grants i receive)
+Affiliated Hospital (I like the idea of being able to do rotations at my home institution)
+Curriculum (I feel that the systems-based curriculum is more to my learning style...2 year didactic is standard)
+Support (I'm a Christian and while many do not agree with the lifestyle policy, I have no problem with it and I know I'll enjoy the atmosphere...also have a couple of friends at the school)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very friendly and supportive during my interviews)
+International Medicine (LLUSM has a strong global health program...a lot of mission opportunities in other countries)
-Prestige (while well known throughout the medical community, not sure how highly regarded the SOM is held by PDs)
-Lectures and tests (LLUSM has a policy of not recording their lectures, as well as not allowing tests to be reviewed. Tests are also given during the week over 3 days..all material is combined [which might be good to prepare for USMLE?] )
-Research (limited NIH funding, and a small research department overall)
-Grading (H,HP, P, F, but no curve)
-USMLE Prep Time (Only 3-5 weeks given)

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine:
+Facilities (gorgeous medical building, new research building being constructed, new children's hospital being constructed as well, the UI Hospital is impressive)
+Research (good sized research department with many opportunities)
+Match Lists (Strong match lists every year, with a good number of ROAD placements, although strong midwest bias)
+Tests/Lectures (All tests are on Fridays giving me free weekends, all lectures are recorded)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very supportive during interviews)
+Tracks/CELLS (Like the idea of smaller groups within the college, also very interested in the humanity program as I love writing)
+Prestige (I believe Iowa carries a little more weight with PDs)
-Curriculum (Not a huge fan of traditional curriculum...traditional 2 year didactic curriculum is standard)
-Location (Iowa is always a tough sell, although I found Iowa City nice)
-Weather (Iowa weather can be at either extreme...too hot..and too cold)
-Financial Aid (All Federal Loans...no grants/scholarships, COA is 69K)
-Support (I'd be totally alone in a new area)
-Grading (H,H-, P, F.....General guidelines provided to the course directors and faculty suggests that the percentage of students achieving Honors or Near Honors as a final grade in a given course be limited to approximately 30%...seems like a curve to me)
-USMLE Prep Time (From what I was told at my interview, only 5 weeks are given)

As far as my specialty, I don't have an definitive answer as to what I'd like to pursue. My concern here is not limiting myself in the opportunities I have going forward. I know LLUSM gets a lot of hate here on SDN but I hope that the pre-med, med students, residents, attending can give me some good feedback. What I, a pre-med, deems important in choosing a medical school may not be crucial going forward in my career given my limited scope (scope of which med students and beyond have).

Thank you for all the help and the advice in advance!

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[Goobs]

I'd actually consider Loma Linda's location a down side, but I haven't seen where in Iowa your other choice is so I can't say much. I think Loma Linda has a really supportive environment, and since you're okay with the lifestyle, I'd definitely pick it if the grading scheme at Iowa is similar.

 

[jcaptian]

I'd actually consider Loma Linda's location a down side, but I haven't seen where in Iowa your other choice is so I can't say much. I think Loma Linda has a really supportive environment, and since you're okay with the lifestyle, I'd definitely pick it if the grading scheme at Iowa is similar.

Thanks for the input Goobs 👍 much appreciated 🙂. The grading scale at Iowa is H, H-, P, F on what I believe is a curve...so pretty similar to Loma Linda.

 

[cheechootrain]

Hi all!

So this is my first thread. I've had the privilege of being accepted at two fine institutions. However, as a pre-med I realize my decision making might be limited. So, I'm asking for some input into my decision.

I've come up with a list of pro and cons for each school. Basically, I am OOS for Iowa and as LLUSM is a private school their tuition is the same regardless of tuition. I'm from Florida so I do not have family in either region.

Loma Linda School of Medicine:

+Location (Southern California is hard to beat)

Depends where you stay. Make sure you do your research where the good neighborhoods are. There are a lot of sketcy places in socal (I've lived in California all my life)
+Weather (Generally, the weather is pretty good, barring the blistering summers)

Yeah, the summers aren't too bad.
+Financial Aid (Received a scholarship saving me 40k+ over 4 years. Waiting on the complete financial award...prelim COA is 69k..no including scholarship/any further grants i receive)

Big plus. I'm leaning towards Loma over Iowa based on this fact
+Affiliated Hospital (I like the idea of being able to do rotations at my home institution)
+Curriculum (I feel that the systems-based curriculum is more to my learning style...2 year didactic is standard)
+Support (I'm a Christian and while many do not agree with the lifestyle policy, I have no problem with it and I know I'll enjoy the atmosphere...also have a couple of friends at the school)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very friendly and supportive during my interviews)
+International Medicine (LLUSM has a strong global health program...a lot of mission opportunities in other countries)
-Prestige (while well known throughout the medical community, not sure how highly regarded the SOM is held by PDs)
-Lectures and tests (LLUSM has a policy of not recording their lectures, as well as not allowing tests to be reviewed. Tests are also given during the week over 3 days..all material is combined [which might be good to prepare for USMLE?] )
-Research (limited NIH funding, and a small research department overall)
-Grading (H,HP, P, F, but no curve)
-USMLE Prep Time (Only 3-5 weeks given)

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine:
+Facilities (gorgeous medical building, new research building being constructed, new children's hospital being constructed as well, the UI Hospital is impressive)
+Research (good sized research department with many opportunities)
+Match Lists (Strong match lists every year, with a good number of ROAD placements, although strong midwest bias)
+Tests/Lectures (All tests are on Fridays giving me free weekends, all lectures are recorded)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very supportive during interviews)
+Tracks/CELLS (Like the idea of smaller groups within the college, also very interested in the humanity program as I love writing)
+Prestige (I believe Iowa carries a little more weight with PDs)
-Curriculum (Not a huge fan of traditional curriculum...traditional 2 year didactic curriculum is standard)
-Location (Iowa is always a tough sell, although I found Iowa City nice)
-Weather (Iowa weather can be at either extreme...too hot..and too cold)
-Financial Aid (All Federal Loans...no grants/scholarships, COA is 69K)
-Support (I'd be totally alone in a new area)
-Grading (H,H-, P, F.....General guidelines provided to the course directors and faculty suggests that the percentage of students achieving Honors or Near Honors as a final grade in a given course be limited to approximately 30%...seems like a curve to me)
-USMLE Prep Time (From what I was told at my interview, only 5 weeks are given)

As far as my specialty, I don't have an definitive answer as to what I'd like to pursue. My concern here is not limiting myself in the opportunities I have going forward. I know LLUSM gets a lot of hate here on SDN but I hope that the pre-med, med students, residents, attending can give me some good feedback. What I, a pre-med, deems important in choosing a medical school may not be crucial going forward in my career given my limited scope (scope of which med students and beyond have).

Thank you for all the help and the advice in advance!

Ultimately, choose the one where you feel most comfortable in. If I had to choose a train to ride, I'd buy a ticket to Loma Linda.

 

[deleted454156]

I'd actually consider Loma Linda's location a down side, but I haven't seen where in Iowa your other choice is so I can't say much.

I agree. While Loma Linda is technically in Southern California, it's basically blocked off from all the beach cities (Orange County, LA) by the mountains. So you have to drive 1-2 hours north west or south to get to LA or San Diego. And the inland empire area itself is very dry hot/cold, rural, and economically challenged which can present very unique clinical experiences if that's the sort of population you're looking to treat, but otherwise doesn't have too many fun amenities to offer.

While I have not been to either school, I do know a good amount about both and if I were you I would pick Carver. The research experiences and that match lists are hard to beat, they'll leave any door you want open, and I hear Iowa City is a great college town with plenty of things to do. Carver is a really well established program, and has that unique combination of both being a prestigious school, with a non-stuffy attitude and I think it would be a beyond fantastic institution to graduate from. You can't go wrong either way, good luck.

 

[jcaptian]

Ultimately, choose the one where you feel most comfortable in. If I had to choose a train to ride, I'd buy a ticket to Loma Linda.

haha I love your train references 🙂 thanks for the input and for more on the location! Like I said I'm from Florida so I only have a general idea on the weather/location.

 

[jcaptian]

I agree. While Loma Linda is technically in Southern California, it's basically blocked off from all the beach cities (Orange County, LA) by the mountains. So you have to drive 1-2 hours north west or south to get to LA or San Diego. And the inland empire area itself is very dry hot/cold, rural, and economically challenged which can present very unique clinical experiences if that's the sort of population you're looking to treat, but otherwise doesn't have too many fun amenities to offer.

While I have not been to either school, I do know a good amount about both and if I were you I would pick Carver. The research experiences and that match lists are hard to beat, they'll leave any door you want open, and I hear Iowa City is a great college town with plenty of things to do. Carver is a really well established program, and has that unique combination of both being a prestigious school, with a non-stuffy attitude and I think it would be a beyond fantastic institution to graduate from. You can't go wrong either way, good luck.

Thanks for the input Clichebomb! You definitely highlighted the things that draw me to Carver and make my decision difficult. 🙁

 

[Goobs]

You've probably already seen this, but this was one of the things that drew me to Loma Linda. http://llusm.wordpress.com/ Everyone seems so happy!

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

To be honest, I feel that the unique environment at Loma Linda is either a "like it or dislike it" kind of thing, so you should really already know if this is what you want in a medical school.

No offense intended by above, LLU is not for everyone but it's probably a perfect fit for some people-- but only you know that about yourself.

 

[jcaptian]

You've probably already seen this, but this was one of the things that drew me to Loma Linda. http://llusm.wordpress.com/ Everyone seems so happy!

👍 seems like the environment is really great and that's good to know! 🙂

I love writing so I think I'd like to participate in the blog.

 

[jcaptian]

To be honest, I feel that the unique environment at Loma Linda is either a "like it or dislike it" kind of thing, so you should really already know if this is what you want in a medical school.

No offense intended by above, LLU is not for everyone but it's probably a perfect fit for some people-- but only you know that about yourself.

This is true...and seems to be the prevailing opinion on SDN. Definitely a polarizing subject.

 

[theherowedeserv]

I watched a really cool video called 4 years of medical school and it took place at Loma Linda.

So i would say Loma Linda.

 

[fayebym]

I'd definitely pick it if the grading scheme at Iowa is similar.

 

[Boxingfan]

Hi all!

So this is my first thread. I've had the privilege of being accepted at two fine institutions. However, as a pre-med I realize my decision making might be limited. So, I'm asking for some input into my decision.

I've come up with a list of pro and cons for each school. Basically, I am OOS for Iowa and as LLUSM is a private school their tuition is the same regardless of tuition. I'm from Florida so I do not have family in either region.

Loma Linda School of Medicine:

+Location (Southern California is hard to beat)
+Weather (Generally, the weather is pretty good, barring the blistering summers)
+Financial Aid (Received a scholarship saving me 40k+ over 4 years. Waiting on the complete financial award...prelim COA is 69k..no including scholarship/any further grants i receive)
+Affiliated Hospital (I like the idea of being able to do rotations at my home institution)
+Curriculum (I feel that the systems-based curriculum is more to my learning style...2 year didactic is standard)
+Support (I'm a Christian and while many do not agree with the lifestyle policy, I have no problem with it and I know I'll enjoy the atmosphere...also have a couple of friends at the school)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very friendly and supportive during my interviews)
+International Medicine (LLUSM has a strong global health program...a lot of mission opportunities in other countries)
-Prestige (while well known throughout the medical community, not sure how highly regarded the SOM is held by PDs)
-Lectures and tests (LLUSM has a policy of not recording their lectures, as well as not allowing tests to be reviewed. Tests are also given during the week over 3 days..all material is combined [which might be good to prepare for USMLE?] )
-Research (limited NIH funding, and a small research department overall)
-Grading (H,HP, P, F, but no curve)
-USMLE Prep Time (Only 3-5 weeks given)

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine:
+Facilities (gorgeous medical building, new research building being constructed, new children's hospital being constructed as well, the UI Hospital is impressive)
+Research (good sized research department with many opportunities)
+Match Lists (Strong match lists every year, with a good number of ROAD placements, although strong midwest bias)
+Tests/Lectures (All tests are on Fridays giving me free weekends, all lectures are recorded)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very supportive during interviews)
+Tracks/CELLS (Like the idea of smaller groups within the college, also very interested in the humanity program as I love writing)
+Prestige (I believe Iowa carries a little more weight with PDs)
-Curriculum (Not a huge fan of traditional curriculum...traditional 2 year didactic curriculum is standard)
-Location (Iowa is always a tough sell, although I found Iowa City nice)
-Weather (Iowa weather can be at either extreme...too hot..and too cold)
-Financial Aid (All Federal Loans...no grants/scholarships, COA is 69K)
-Support (I'd be totally alone in a new area)
-Grading (H,H-, P, F.....General guidelines provided to the course directors and faculty suggests that the percentage of students achieving Honors or Near Honors as a final grade in a given course be limited to approximately 30%...seems like a curve to me)
-USMLE Prep Time (From what I was told at my interview, only 5 weeks are given)

As far as my specialty, I don't have an definitive answer as to what I'd like to pursue. My concern here is not limiting myself in the opportunities I have going forward. I know LLUSM gets a lot of hate here on SDN but I hope that the pre-med, med students, residents, attending can give me some good feedback. What I, a pre-med, deems important in choosing a medical school may not be crucial going forward in my career given my limited scope (scope of which med students and beyond have).

Thank you for all the help and the advice in advance!

Jcaptain.. did you decide??

 

[jcaptian]

Jcaptain.. did you decide??

I'm very close to making a decision Boxingfan. I have finally recieved my official financial award letters from each school. Here is an updated pro-con list. Input is still appreciated!

+Location (Southern California is nice)
+Weather (Generally, the weather is pretty good. I'm from Florida so I like my warm, sunny days)
+Affiliated Hospital (I like the idea of being able to do rotations at my home institution)
+Curriculum (I feel that the systems-based curriculum is more to my learning style...2 year didactic is standard)
+Support (I'm a Christian and while many do not agree with the lifestyle policy, I have no problem with it and I know I'll enjoy the atmosphere...also have a couple of friends at the university)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very friendly and supportive during my interviews)
+International Medicine (LLUSM has a strong global health program...a lot of mission opportunities in other countries)
-Prestige (while well known throughout the medical community, not sure how highly regarded the SOM is held by PDs)
-Lectures and tests (LLUSM has a policy of not recording their lectures, as well as not allowing tests to be reviewed. Tests are also given during the week over 3 days..all material is combined [which might be good to prepare for USMLE?] )
-Financial Aid (Received a scholarship saving me 40k+ over 4 years. However, over 4 years I'd be 240k in debt not including interest just based on COA)
-Research (limited NIH funding, and a small research department overall)
-Grading (H,HP, P, F, but no curve)
-USMLE Prep Time (Only 3-5 weeks given)

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine:
+Facilities (gorgeous medical building, new research building being constructed, new children's hospital being constructed as well, the UI Hospital is impressive)
+Research (good sized research department with many opportunities)
+Match Lists (Strong match lists every year, with a good number of ROAD placements, although strong midwest bias)
+Tests/Lectures (All tests are on Fridays giving me free weekends, all lectures are recorded)
+Students & Staff (Both seemed very supportive during interviews...just a warm, positive atmosphere)
+Tracks/CELLS (Like the idea of smaller groups within the college, also very interested in the humanity program as I love writing)
+Prestige (I believe Iowa carries a little more weight with PDs)
+Financial Aid (Awarded a very nice grant/scholarship, saving me 120k+ over 4 years, a total COA of 160k not including interest. Rest of the aid is subsidized/unsusidized loans)
-Curriculum (Not a huge fan of traditional curriculum...traditional 2 year didactic curriculum is standard)
-Location (Iowa is always a tough sell, although I found Iowa City nice)
-Weather (Iowa weather can be at either extreme...too hot..and too cold)
-Support (I'd be totally alone in a new area)
-Grading (H,H-, P, F.....General guidelines provided to the course directors and faculty suggests that the percentage of students achieving Honors or Near Honors as a final grade in a given course be limited to approximately 30%...seems like a curve to me)
-USMLE Prep Time (From what I was told at my interview, only 5 weeks are given)

As of right now I'm headed to Iowa. I think the financial flexibility it affords me is great. It is a cheaper option, while still a fantastic school with friendly people (Mid-westerners are really nice 🙂). I love Loma Linda and I'm going to talk to financial aid to see if anything can happen in a last effort. However, I think I'll be productive and happy at Iowa.

 

[jcaptian]

Thank you everyone for the input once again. In the end, I felt I would be happy at either institution and both would give me a tremendous education. However, after receiving a Dean's scholarship earlier this week, I could not justify the 110k cost difference. I will happily be matriculating at Carver this fall. 🙂