- Joined
- Dec 26, 2015
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 70
Hey Guys,
I have been fortunate enough to be accepted to multiple schools, and have narrowed down my choices to these three. I am having a very hard time deciding between them and would love to get some input from anyone who has some insight into these institutions.
I am not 100% sure what I would like to specialize in, but I know for a fact I want to specialize (i.e. not primary care) and would like to keep the option open to match into a competitive residency.
NJMS:
Pros -
- Close to home
- Established friend/support group at the school
- COA is the cheapest due to being in-state (~80k less over 4 years)
- Close to NYC
- Great clinical experience
Cons -
- Newark isn't the best area to live
- I would be stuck in the same general area I have always been in (little to no change)
- Prestige/reputation is the lowest out of the three
- Known more for clinicals rather than research (just from personal experience/word of mouth)
Dartmouth:
Pros -
- Layperson prestige, as well as a solid reputation in the medical community
- DHMC is a beautiful hospital with attendings who love to teach (word of mouth)
- Opportunities to do away rotations at UCSF
- Small class size = individualized attention
- Match list is very solid
- Many research opportunities
- Many opportunities to do rotations abroad
Cons -
- Cold weather
- Far from home
- Not many things to do that don't involve the outdoors (hiking, running, skiing, etc.)
- Average age of class is rather high (whereas I am quite young)
- COA is 80k/year with no merit scholarships given
- Very small town and rather secluded
UVA:
Pros -
- Charlottesville is a great college town
- Warmer weather
- Reputation/Prestige is the best out of the three
- Seems to care a lot about student happiness and wellness
- 1.5 yr condensed pre-clinical curriculum (more time for rotations and will be able to complete all the required ones, as well as some electives, before applying for residency)
- Potential for merit scholarship
- Many research opportunities and a huge hospital system
- Refugee population could mean rare diseases (and a chance to help them in general)
- Close to DC, where I have many friends
Cons -
- Far from home
- COA is 80k/yr
- Required to do rotations outside of Charlottesville
- Morning classes (not a morning person)
- Tougher pre-clinical years due to being condensed
Thank you in advance for you advice!
I have been fortunate enough to be accepted to multiple schools, and have narrowed down my choices to these three. I am having a very hard time deciding between them and would love to get some input from anyone who has some insight into these institutions.
I am not 100% sure what I would like to specialize in, but I know for a fact I want to specialize (i.e. not primary care) and would like to keep the option open to match into a competitive residency.
NJMS:
Pros -
- Close to home
- Established friend/support group at the school
- COA is the cheapest due to being in-state (~80k less over 4 years)
- Close to NYC
- Great clinical experience
Cons -
- Newark isn't the best area to live
- I would be stuck in the same general area I have always been in (little to no change)
- Prestige/reputation is the lowest out of the three
- Known more for clinicals rather than research (just from personal experience/word of mouth)
Dartmouth:
Pros -
- Layperson prestige, as well as a solid reputation in the medical community
- DHMC is a beautiful hospital with attendings who love to teach (word of mouth)
- Opportunities to do away rotations at UCSF
- Small class size = individualized attention
- Match list is very solid
- Many research opportunities
- Many opportunities to do rotations abroad
Cons -
- Cold weather
- Far from home
- Not many things to do that don't involve the outdoors (hiking, running, skiing, etc.)
- Average age of class is rather high (whereas I am quite young)
- COA is 80k/year with no merit scholarships given
- Very small town and rather secluded
UVA:
Pros -
- Charlottesville is a great college town
- Warmer weather
- Reputation/Prestige is the best out of the three
- Seems to care a lot about student happiness and wellness
- 1.5 yr condensed pre-clinical curriculum (more time for rotations and will be able to complete all the required ones, as well as some electives, before applying for residency)
- Potential for merit scholarship
- Many research opportunities and a huge hospital system
- Refugee population could mean rare diseases (and a chance to help them in general)
- Close to DC, where I have many friends
Cons -
- Far from home
- COA is 80k/yr
- Required to do rotations outside of Charlottesville
- Morning classes (not a morning person)
- Tougher pre-clinical years due to being condensed
Thank you in advance for you advice!