Mount Sinai vs. UCSD

[Hellojy]

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Hello SDN, so I'm deciding between UCSD and Mount Sinai. I am super blessed to have this choice as this cycle seemed pretty competitive. I am torn because I really enjoyed Mt. Sinai and I've always wanted to live in NYC, but I am from California, love the weather, and want to position myself where I can come back to California for residency. Also as of not, I am thinking that I want to go into ophthalmology, which I know is extremely competitive. I was able to visit both schools which has been great.

After scholarships/grants costs will roughly be the same and would not factor into my decision-making.

UCSD:

Pros:
1. Weather/Ocean
3. Better chance at California residency? Because of location?
4. Family
5. At least 2 from SD match into the SD ophthalmology residency program each year
6. Seems like an incredibly chill med program

Cons:
1. Less diverse population/community involvement

Sinai:

Pros:
1. Dorm style apartment - very cohesive community
2. Seems like students are given a lot of free time to explore interest/extracurriculars
3. Always wanted to live in NYC
4. Many high school and college friends in NYC

Cons:
1. Weather/less nature - but right by central park
2. Might affect CA residency chances

Any SDNers want to suggest some important factors I am not considering? Thanks y'all 🙂

 

[Banco]

So both are great options. I don't think Sinai will effect your residency chances in California too much as it has a big national name and is associated with NY EEI which is a top ophthalmology department. On your ERAS application for residency it will be noted that you are California native - so you'll get that regional bias in your favor. The only disadvantage would be if you wanted to do any residencies specifically at UCSD, then of course being at UCSD would make it easier - but it's hard to predict that so early out. You could also always do an away rotation to demonstrate interest in any one specific program (which you will have to do for something like ophthalmology anyway).

I would say that you can easily make the case for either. BUT if living in NYC is a dream of yours, this may be your only realistic chance to do so, and you get to do it for a set amount of time and move on. This is something to definitely consider. On the other hand, if you're someone who needs family/support, then being far away might be difficult.

The realist in me says that if you want to be in California, stay there. But you are also young and shouldn't miss out on life during these years - so go for the adventure if you want. I don't think you will be hindered come residency time.

 

[wondervisions]

UCSD because the weather is better

 

[m1redsox]

UCSD because the prestige is identical, it’s closer to family, and it is much cheaper if you are IS. Plus, it will help you make regional connections to stay in CA for residency.

 

[betablocker7]

UCSD for the slight edge in MD quality. Mt. Sinai is a solid program, but overshadowed by the other 3 NYC programs. Plus UCSD will give you a better chance to match back in CA with the regional bias. If you wanted to match NE instead, Mt. Sinai would have been a better bet.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

From a quality of life/weather perspective, there is probably no better location in the US for medical school than San Diego. Not cheap COL, but so nice. I can see the attraction of the Upper East Side but I think it would wear off after a while. When I spend extended periods in NYC, and fully explored Central Park, I itch to get out of the city. And it takes some effort / time to do so.

 

[srirachamayonnaise]

I don’t think either school will affect where you will match even by a bit. You should decide where to go based on where you want to spend the next 4 years, not thereafter.

 

[sophop]

Geez, I have a friend who picked UCSD over Harvard. Unless you really want to experience Manhattan while you're young, there's nothing wrong with hangin' in the CA. But as others said, congrats on the great choices, you should be fine either way.

 

[TheDataKing]

UCSD

 

[Wildtype]

From reading your lists, I'd vote Mt. Sinai. As someone who grew up in California and plans to go back but has spent years in another state, I think the adventure and exposure to other parts of the US is a lot of fun and has serious value in it. They're both great programs, and I think there's a lot of reasons to choose UCSD, but it reads to me like you'd have a lot more fun and a much more memorable experience in NYC for a few years instead of spending your entire life in California.

 

[Banco]

Yeah I want to emphasize, you’re only young once, and you already sacrifice much of your 20s. Might as well have some fun with it if you want to love somewhere else. It’s also for a set period of time. If you really want to live in NYC, go for Sinai - you may not ever get the chance again if you want to settle down in California long term. You can match back to California from Sinai. If it really concerns you do 2-3 away rotations in California (which you have to do for ophtho anyway).

 

[ihaveagf]

I did hear about UCSD not caring enough about their students or residents- any UCSD trainees care to elaborate?

 

[SpreadKindness20]

I did hear about UCSD not caring enough about their students or residents- any UCSD trainees care to elaborate?

Don't know what you're referring to specifically but you'll hear as many stories about Sinai. With institutions as large as these, there are bound to be a few people who have less than positive experiences.

 

[wondervisions]

UCSD for the slight edge in MD quality. Mt. Sinai is a solid program, but overshadowed by the other 3 NYC programs. Plus UCSD will give you a better chance to match back in CA with the regional bias. If you wanted to match NE instead, Mt. Sinai would have been a better bet.

There is no difference in "MD quality" between the two institutions. Prestige should not factor into this decision at all.

 

[lovepickles]

Mount Sinai definitely