dodoo123
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- Apr 23, 2024
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Hey Everyone,
I've been very fortunate recently to receive MD acceptances from Penn State and CUSM, and a DO acceptance from TUNCOM. I'm currently waitlisted at UCLA and MCW.
To be honest, if UCLA pulls me off the waitlist, it would be an easy decision—I'd go without hesitation. It's an hour from home, close to my support system, and it's a highly regarded program with strong opportunities in competitive specialties.
But for now, I'm working with my current offers, and I'd love to get some thoughts on how to think through them. Here's a breakdown of each school:
Location: Nevada (close to home)
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA): ~$100,000/year
Degree: DO
Pros:
Cons:
Location: Hershey, PA
Estimated COA: ~$80,000/year (awaiting financial aid package)
Degree: MD
Pros:
Cons:
Location: Wisconsin
Estimated COA: ~$80,000/year
Degree: MD
Pros:
Cons:
Location: Southern California (about 2 hours from family)
Estimated COA: ~$90,000/year
Degree: MD
Pros:
Cons:
Location: Nevada (3–4 hours from home)
Estimated COA: ~$80,000/year
Degree: MD (new school)
Pros:
Cons:
I'm leaning toward Penn State as the strongest option for now—especially if UCLA doesn’t work out. If MCW pulls me off the waitlist, I’d seriously consider it as a second option. Then maybe CUSM, followed by Roseman, and lastly TUNCOM.
Would love your thoughts—especially from those who've gone through this process or matched into competitive specialties. Thank you for reading and offering advice!
I've been very fortunate recently to receive MD acceptances from Penn State and CUSM, and a DO acceptance from TUNCOM. I'm currently waitlisted at UCLA and MCW.
To be honest, if UCLA pulls me off the waitlist, it would be an easy decision—I'd go without hesitation. It's an hour from home, close to my support system, and it's a highly regarded program with strong opportunities in competitive specialties.
But for now, I'm working with my current offers, and I'd love to get some thoughts on how to think through them. Here's a breakdown of each school:
TUNCOM (Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Location: Nevada (close to home)
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA): ~$100,000/year
Degree: DO
Pros:
- Close to home and support system
- Diverse student body
- Really enjoyed the campus tour and environment
- Solid match list for a DO program
Cons:
- DO degree (may be a disadvantage for certain competitive specialties)
- Higher COA compared to other options
- Likely at the bottom of my current list unless other options fall through
Penn State College of Medicine
Location: Hershey, PA
Estimated COA: ~$80,000/year (awaiting financial aid package)
Degree: MD
Pros:
- Well-established and reputable MD program
- Strong match list across multiple specialties
- Great research opportunities
- Close to friends in the Philly area
- Good track record in competitive specialties
Cons:
- Not ranked (though not necessarily a dealbreaker)
- Far from home and family support
- Cost is still significant
Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW)
Location: Wisconsin
Estimated COA: ~$80,000/year
Degree: MD
Pros:
- MD program with strong match outcomes
- Positive reviews from mentors and alumni
- Solid reputation among Midwest programs
Cons:
- No personal or geographic ties to the school
- Cold climate (a real factor for lifestyle and wellness!)
- Less appealing location for me personally
California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM)
Location: Southern California (about 2 hours from family)
Estimated COA: ~$90,000/year
Degree: MD
Pros:
- Newer MD program with a CA-heavy match list (great if I want to stay in-state)
- Heard good things from current students
- Close enough to family
- Students seem happy, good community vibe
Cons:
- Newer program with limited track record in competitive specialties
- No hospital affiliation (big disadvantage compared to other MD schools)
- Weaker research infrastructure
- Doesn't excite me as much personally, though I can’t exactly pinpoint why
Roseman University (College of Medicine)
Location: Nevada (3–4 hours from home)
Estimated COA: ~$80,000/year
Degree: MD (new school)
Pros:
- Loved the faculty and felt very welcomed
- Strong hospital partnerships for such a new school
- Mission-driven and student-centered environment
- Enjoy the area and overall vibe
Cons:
- Extremely new (no match data yet)
- Unclear track record for Step exam prep and specialty advising
- Could be risky if aiming for competitive specialties
Current Thoughts:
I'm leaning toward Penn State as the strongest option for now—especially if UCLA doesn’t work out. If MCW pulls me off the waitlist, I’d seriously consider it as a second option. Then maybe CUSM, followed by Roseman, and lastly TUNCOM.
Some Thoughts:
- I'm interested in competitive specialties like Oncology (possibly Radiation Oncology) and maybe Neurology. Most of these go through internal medicine, so match strength, hospital affiliations, and reputation will matter.
- One of my mentors emphasized choosing a school with a strong name and track record, especially if I want to match back into California later.
- I'm unsure how much weight to give to school reputation vs. personal comfort and happiness. Would choosing a new school like Roseman limit my chances down the line?
- I really want to make a smart, long-term decision, but I feel torn between trusting my gut and playing the strategic game for residency.
Would love your thoughts—especially from those who've gone through this process or matched into competitive specialties. Thank you for reading and offering advice!
