Long SOM vs Arizona - Phoenix

[bleucurro]

Would appreciate feedback on my two options! I see myself pursuing a competitive specialty and would like to not limit myself in any way. Cost is definitely important but they are close enough that it's not going to be the deciding factor for me. Also, I don't have much info on the quality of residencies offered by each school, so I would appreciate insight on that.

Long ($225k COA)
Pros

• cheaper (would receive in-state tuition)
• more home programs, including in competitive specialties
• closer to my partner in another TX city (~3.5 hr drive away vs 3 hr flight)
• more opportunities for research
• dual degree program (MBA) available
• one of 2 medical schools in San Antonio, so less competition from other institutions

Cons

• graded pre-clinical (I've heard mixed reviews)
• no support system in San Antonio, though I did like the city when visiting
• there isn't a match list provided for the past 2 years, so it's difficult to assess outcomes
• from my understanding, positioned to likely match to a residency in TX, which I am open to but would like the option of going elsewhere
• second look was a bit underwhelming, as it was unstructured and I didn't get face time with anyone but M1s

UA ($305k COA)
Pros

• family is in AZ, and I could live at home 3rd & 4th years, taking off ~30k in the above COA
• P/F pre-clinical, and in general students seem happier here / better culture
• smaller class size, so I might receive more individualized attention

Cons

• newer school with fewer established home programs in competitive specialties
• heard at second look that research opportunities can be difficult to come by as a result
• "distributive clinical model" means no real home hospital
• multiple medical schools are already in Phoenix (and counting)

Would also love to hear if anyone has thoughts on other important considerations specific to these schools that I didn't list or consider here. Thank you for the help!

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[wanttobeadoctorthiscycle]

Long all the way. Support from your partner is so important and a 3hr drive vs a 3hr flight will make a HUGE difference in your quality of life when you are stressed out and missing your partner in med school. It also seems that research is important to you and if you are one of only 2 hospitals in the city, it will be much easier than trying to compete for research with the soon to be 4 med schools in Phoenix. Also, it's cheaper. I don't know much about what a distributive clinical model means but having a home hospital is always pretty important.

 

[PhoenixNative24]

I agree, I think Long would also be your better option...I mentioned in another thread just now that I had a friend attend their second look day last week and said there were definitely some things he didn't like. Which school are you likely to commit to?

 

[bleucurro]

I agree, I think Long would also be your better option...I mentioned in another thread just now that I had a friend attend their second look day last week and said there were definitely some things he didn't like. Which school are you likely to commit to?

Are you just commenting on every X vs Y involving Phoenix and suggesting they go elsewhere/trying to gauge your waitlist chances? As someone on a few waitlists myself I'm not unsympathetic to your situation, but trying to disguise it as genuine advice is not cool. That's not why I posted here.

 

[CheekyChubs]

Are you just commenting on every X vs Y involving Phoenix and suggesting they go elsewhere/trying to gauge your waitlist chances? As someone on a few waitlists myself I'm not unsympathetic to your situation, but trying to disguise it as genuine advice is not cool. That's not why I posted here.

I’m glad you snuffed this out too. They have been spamming everyone accepted student asking if they will attend. More recently, they started bashing the school (saying there are better schools or their “friend” did not like second look but does not elaborate)

 

[bleucurro]

I’m glad you snuffed this out too. They have been spamming everyone accepted student asking if they will attend. More recently, they started bashing the school (saying there are better schools or their “friend” did not like second look but does not elaborate)

Truly wild