NYU vs UCLA (DGSOM)

[sc130]

Hi All,
This application cycle is finally winding down for me. I've narrowed it down to two schools, NYU and UCLA. I'm California born and raised, and eventually I would love to settle down in Northern California, near my family and significant other. UCLA seems like a great fit in terms of weather, proximity to home and lifestyle. However, NYU offers a smaller class size and obvious financial perks. I would love to hear what you all think about my situation!

NYU
Pros

• Cost of attendance would be less than $100,000 for all 4 years!
• Rising reputation
• Smaller class size by almost 1/2
• 1.5 Year Integrated curriculum
• Possible 3 year pathway
• Higher step 1 exam average of 241

Cons

• Exams every other week
• Weather in New York is not ideal, and I would much rather stay in the West Coast to be close to family
• Not a fan of public transportation

UCLA
Pros

• Great national reputation and reputation within California
• Very reputable affiliated hospitals
• Good schedule of classes etc. Students say they have quite a bit of free time for relaxing and enjoying life.
• Exams after each block (only 9 exams over 2 years?)
• California weather
• Great match rate for California hospitals
• Close to family

Cons

• Cost of attendance for me would be $200,000 higher than UCLA
• 2 year curriculum opposed to 1.5
• Traffic is awful in LA
• Still a 7 hour car drive from home

Summary: Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

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[ihaveagf]

Have you tried asking UCLA to match NYU scholarship? Did you get any financial grant/loans?

 

[sc130]

Have you tried asking UCLA to match NYU scholarship? Did you get any financial grant/loans?

I talked to the Dean and he said there may be more scholarships coming out in March/April, but I'm not hopeful.

 

[sweatytshirt]

I doubt driving in NYC is any better than driving in LA lol. All jokes aside, I would choose UCLA. They already have a strong reputation, nice weather, and you will have a support system already in place. Although I would wait to see what other scholarships UCLA has to offer. Also look into the private scholarship opportunities available for years 2-4. There is a thread floating around here with a whole list of scholarships.

 

[PickleRickelus]

NYU hands down unless UCLA hooks it up with a full ride.