Ohio State vs. UC Irvine (WL) vs. Dartmouth (WL)

[yungdoc]

Hey guys, so I am currently sitting on one acceptance that I am thrilled about, but I wanted your input in case I have more options come May. I want to state that I unfortunately felt VERY similar about all three programs after I interviewed. I loved them all and could honestly see myself being happy at any one of them. If anything, Dartmouth had a slight edge over the other two because the location is absolutely beautiful. However, it seems like I would need to send a letter of intent before getting off their waitlist and I'm not sure yet if that's where I ultimately want to go. For more context, I am from SoCal and am interested in OBGYN (and possibly trauma surgery).


Ohio State

PROS:
- really nice facilities (everything seemed pretty well-funded)
- super diverse patient population
- would be a cool experience moving across the country
- highest rank

CONS:
- would be moving away from my family (not a deal breaker, but still, I love my family)
- would have to adjust to different culture/weather


UC Irvine (waitlisted)

PROS:
- would be an hour away from my family and friends
- would not have to adjust my lifestyle at all
- it seems like most grads match locally and there are several great schools nearby (including UCI)
- can still surf/snowboard

CONS:

- I might regret not having gone away for school or the thought that I passed up going to a "higher ranked" school.
- facilities didn't seem as nice, but the city is beautiful.


Dartmouth (waitlisted)
- by far the most beautiful campus/setting. Honestly one of the most beautiful locations I've ever visited and will certainly be applying here for residency.
- solid match list
- I just felt REALLY good on my interview day, like I "belonged" there. It's difficult to explain. Maybe it was just all the green trees tho (I'm from SoCal).

CONS:
-100K more expensive than the other two options
- would be moving as far away as possible from my family and friends
- not nearly as diverse a patient population as the other two options


Also, is there a significant difference in rank between 34, 44, and 50?

Thank you!

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[ihoop24]

Whats is the cost difference between UCI and Ohio State? I would rule out Dartmouth just due to the extra 100k in cost.

 

[yungdoc]

Whats is the cost difference between UCI and Ohio State? I would rule out Dartmouth just due to the extra 100k in cost.

difference of about 10K, basically no difference.

 

[HingleMcCringleberryPSU]

Eliminate Dartmouth because it is drastically more expensive. It sounds like you'd like to end up in SoCal as you put a pro for UCI that many folks match locally. Staying in the area for med school would likely give you a good shot of matching there for residency. I think you'd also be happier if you can maintain a lot of the hobbies you enjoy now (e.g. surfing) and are close to your support system. I'd try to get off the WL at UCI, and if I didn't, then I'd go to OSU.