Long SOM vs UTMB 2023

[deleted1141314]

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I am honestly not sure how to rank these schools, I've been debating it in my head for MONTHS. I've interviewed at both and liked them both well enough.

LONG
pros- access to top of the line research opportunities, San Antonio seems like a chill city, 1.5 year preclinical, community seems tight knit and admin seem supportive. Also I would get to interact with a huge variety of diverse pt populations which is important to me (they have six different free clinics with diff populations). I could probably also pick up some Spanish which is a goal of mine
Cons- I absolutely hate the idea of preclinicals that aren't p/f. I don't want to be 24 and stressed over getting a 70 in a class. This is a MAJOR drawback for me.
Unknown: how much time is allotted for step 1 prep, what is the attendance policy, in house or NBME exams, what resources they provide for step 1 prep

UTMB
Pros- pass/fail preclinical. Seems insanely chill for a medical school. Which is really nice. All NBME exams. Recorded lectures, don't think I'd have to go to class. They provide a ton of step 1 prep online resources, I don't have my notes with me but I think it includes Uworld and first aid.
Cons- I hate the humidity of Galveston. Absolutely hate it. It's so disgusting. I'm sure research will be available but I doubt the opportunities will be as good as UTSA. 2 year preclinical (I want to get it over with.) Galveston's patient population is hugely different from San antonio and I don't think it's as diverse, which is a negative for me.
Unknown: time allotted for step 1 prep, where they rotate for clinicals
If someone could fill in the blanks with the unknowns for me, I'd really appreciate it. It's so hard to find this information online. Let me know what your opinions are on the schools as well! Would love to hear from MS1s

 

[deleted1141024]

Sounds like Long is the place for you, but I have it from my interview notes with Long that they are 2 years preclinical. San Antonio>Galveston and something to also consider about UTMB is that the rotations are like throughout Houston, Galveston and even in Tyler. So you may have to get up and go different places hours away. Long I believe has all their rotations close by and prioritizes that you get EM and Neuro rotations in your 3rd year which UTMB doesn't.

I vaguely remember that Long has NBME exams as well but don't quote me on that.

 

[BU22]

Sounds like Long is the place for you, but I have it from my interview notes with Long that they are 2 years preclinical. San Antonio>Galveston and something to also consider about UTMB is that the rotations are like throughout Houston, Galveston and even in Tyler. So you may have to get up and go different places hours away. Long I believe has all their rotations close by and prioritizes that you get EM and Neuro rotations in your 3rd year which UTMB doesn't.

I vaguely remember that Long has NBME exams as well but don't quote me on that.

I believe Long has in-house exams!

 

[deleted1141314]

Sounds like Long is the place for you, but I have it from my interview notes with Long that they are 2 years preclinical. San Antonio>Galveston and something to also consider about UTMB is that the rotations are like throughout Houston, Galveston and even in Tyler. So you may have to get up and go different places hours away. Long I believe has all their rotations close by and prioritizes that you get EM and Neuro rotations in your 3rd year which UTMB doesn't.

I vaguely remember that Long has NBME exams as well but don't quote me on that.

Oh I didn't realize they were also 2 year preclinical, thank you! And yes, I honestly don't want to move for rotations. I'd really prefer to stay in the same place for four years tbh. Rotations close by is so much more convenient.
I do remember them saying long has in house exams but maybe they incorporate NBME somehow as well?

 

[1eyedjack]

Sounds like Long is the place for you, but I have it from my interview notes with Long that they are 2 years preclinical. San Antonio>Galveston and something to also consider about UTMB is that the rotations are like throughout Houston, Galveston and even in Tyler. So you may have to get up and go different places hours away. Long I believe has all their rotations close by and prioritizes that you get EM and Neuro rotations in your 3rd year which UTMB doesn't.

I vaguely remember that Long has NBME exams as well but don't quote me on that.

Recent changes at UTMB will have the EM rotation in 3rd year. Neuro has always been a core 3rd year clerkship too.

 

[plshelpmeineedhelp]

Oh I didn't realize they were also 2 year preclinical, thank you! And yes, I honestly don't want to move for rotations. I'd really prefer to stay in the same place for four years tbh. Rotations close by is so much more convenient.
I do remember them saying long has in house exams but maybe they incorporate NBME somehow as well?

Long has in house exams and the pre-clinical is graded. In terms of resources offered for STEP, they offer Lecturio your MS1 year, First Aid, and 6 months of Uworld in December of your MS2 year

I believe UTMB does internally rank you though, even if it is pass fail.

 

[skeptastic]

Long has in house exams and the pre-clinical is graded. In terms of resources offered for STEP, they offer Lecturio your MS1 year, First Aid, and 6 months of Uworld in December of your MS2 year

I believe UTMB does internally rank you though, even if it is pass fail.

As far as I know, this is all 100% correct.