OSU vs. USF

[robin6170]

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Im a Florida resident holding an acceptance to both Ohio State and USF. USF pros are that it's in-state, closer to family, and has warmer weather. Cons are that their curriculum is tiered pass/ fail w/ internal rank, high COL in Tampa, and high SOAP rate (a few years ago if I'm not mistaken tho). OSU is ranked a bit higher (if that even matters), curriculum is p/f preclinical with internal rank, has its own hospital system that is next to the undergrad campus, and has an impressive rank list. On the other hand its out of state, a bit more expensive, and in Ohio (making it harder to see family). For what it's worth, OSU feels like the right school, but I have yet to visit either one. Im interested in a competitive specialty so I'm not sure how much prestige plays into it. What are your guy's thoughts?

 

[please.let.me.in]

OSU seems slightly more prestigious based on rankings and match list, but that difference doesn't seem super significant compared to the difference between say Harvard and a state school. With the competition so high and the margins so small, it could be the difference between practicing the specialty you want to for the rest of your life or not. Is that likely? Probably not. But, it is possible.

With that being said, I think the question you should consider is: which school is going to make you happier while you are there? Being near family and your support system can go a long way toward alleviating stress during medical school, and USF is going to keep you a lot closer to family than OSU. However, the curriculum set-up at USF could make your life more stressful with the increased pressure. If you have lived in Florida your whole life or for an extended period of time, it could be fun to experience a new part of the country by going to OSU.

I don't know you, your personality, or what your values are. But, you do, and I think that the best thing you could do at this point is consider what school is going to lead to the more enjoyable next 4 years of your life. If you haven't done so already, I would definitely try and visit both campuses/areas and picture yourself there. What do you see? Use that picture to help you make this big decision.

 

[Maximus0703]

Im a Florida resident holding an acceptance to both Ohio State and USF. USF pros are that it's in-state, closer to family, and has warmer weather. Cons are that their curriculum is tiered pass/ fail w/ internal rank, high COL in Tampa, and high SOAP rate (a few years ago if I'm not mistaken tho). OSU is ranked a bit higher (if that even matters), curriculum is p/f preclinical with internal rank, has its own hospital system that is next to the undergrad campus, and has an impressive rank list. On the other hand its out of state, a bit more expensive, and in Ohio (making it harder to see family). For what it's worth, OSU feels like the right school, but I have yet to visit either one. Im interested in a competitive specialty so I'm not sure how much prestige plays into it. What are your guy's thoughts?

Just to clarify, OSU is a quartile based rank. They won’t report your actual percentile, only the quartile you fall in. It’s very much a big undergraduate college campus so you’ll need to get used to the them milling about. Take nightlife for example: do not go to any of the bars towards Lane Ave as it’s just filled with undergrads.

If you are interested in pediatrics or oncology, I would go with OSU due to having the James Cancer center (biggest cancer center in the state, possibly Midwest) and nationwide children’s (premier pediatrics center, not as good as maybe Cincy children’s but it’s 9th in the nation).

 

[chilly_md]

OSU does have a lot of snow, so keep that in mind if you think you would be miserable with that kind of weather compared to what you are used to.

 

[robin6170]

thanks for your responses!