Please Help: SKMC vs UF vs UCF vs USF vs FIU

[iluvchemistry]

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I would really, really, really appreciate any help. I am a Fl resident so Fl schools are the best price. I have support equally close to all Fl schools. However, I do want to keep the option of matching in the northeast as my SO and I plan to move there. I am unsure of specialty so I want to keep all doors open to competitive specialties like derm or optho in case I decide to do so (in the NE!)

Jeff
Pro:
- good name, especially in the northeast
- love the humanities in the curriculum
-overall vibes from students were amazing! and it would be cool to live in philly!
- great research and networking opportunities, great hospitals
Con:
-VERY VERY expensive
-support system is out of philly, so far and hard to travel to
-ranked in thirds
-large class size

UF
Pro:
-know the area and school well
-preclinical p/f no rank
-vibes on interview day
-student happiness seems high. seems like theres a focus on humanities and wellness
-big hospital, Shands is good for connections and many home programs for letters
-optional research during the summer
-considered a good school here in FL, and cost-effective.
-7 weeks self study step
-precentorship
Con:
- third year rank; clinical years count for a lot and for AOA. worried this will harm me
-class/ activities seem to be all day, not sure how much is actually required.. less time to study
-two exams same day in preclinical- stress
-do not teach to step- good or bad, depending on if step actually goes p/f or not
-3 away rotations only, would this be a problem if I want to leave Fl?
-gainesville and know a lot of people, have lived here before :/

UCF
PRO
-orlando seems nice and fun
-FIRE research module leads to higher residency turnout
- high step/ match rates for a newer school
-very open admin
-aoa based on all 3 years, less pressure on year three
-focus on letting u be the doctor u want to be (rural med, academic, in state or out of state)
-community practice early clinical experience
-the curriculum is tailored around step
-4 away rotations
- less in person class time ?
-they are very invested in student success as they are a new school
CON
- 4 week step study
-orlando itself is expensive
-3rd year all over the place, have lost main hospital affiliation (but in talks to get it back and building a new hospital)
-graded preclinicals and exams are not often and count for a lot
-newer school

USF
PRO
-downtown tampa is a great city
-downtown buillding and location is great
-good system of hospitals to rotate through
-integrated curriculum
-research program
-doctoring clinical experience seems amazing
CON
-i heard many students matched through SOAP?
-graded (honors, high pass, etc).
-3 away rotations only

FIU
pro
- miami!
-service learning
-required research
-good step scores
-cool electives

con
- ive heard some mixed things
-not pass fail
-expensive
-high attrition rate

So essentially, is SKMC worth the extra debt? Which Fl school is the best?

 

[tikihut]

I would choose UF

 

[Davidfromcali]

Go to UF, yours pros are strongest for that school

 

[iluvchemistry]

Go to UF, yours pros are strongest for that school

I would choose UF

Do you guys know if there is a significant difference in outcomes between the florida schools? For example, UF vs UCF vs USF? I have heard many rankings of the florida schools but I am unsure which is true. Further, do you guys know if less away rotations/ aoa on third year is a problem? Thanks so much!

 

[Davidfromcali]

Do you guys know if there is a significant difference in outcomes between the florida schools? For example, UF vs UCF vs USF? I have heard many rankings of the florida schools but I am unsure which is true. Further, do you guys know if less away rotations/ aoa on third year is a problem? Thanks so much!

I’m OOS but from what I heard, UF and UM are the strongest programs in FL

Third year grades are a subjective toss up but I wouldn’t let this factor dissuade you from attending UF because of how they assign AOA. Not sure about aways, but I imagine 3 aways is enough if you have to do them

 

[Icebird]

As much as I’d dread Gainesville; UF

 

[iluvchemistry]

As much as I’d dread Gainesville; UF

would you mind clarifying why? thanks so much!

 

[sp0375]

UF definitely has the best outcomes. USF would be second best, but apparently a lot of students had to SOAP this year. I’m not sure how UCF does in the match but they definitely rank far below the other two.

I went to UF for undergrad, and I would agree that Gainesville is the least exciting city out of the four FL schools you’ve listed. However, it is still a nice place to live with a strong sense of community among students. If you like nature, there are a lot of cool spots to explore in the area. Housing is cheap and there are some great local bars and restaurants. If you think you would be genuinely unhappy in a small city, it may not be the best place for you. It’s better to choose a lower-ranked school where you’d thrive than a higher ranked one where you’ll be miserable. Gainesville is really not that bad though, and according to my older med school friends a lot of people who intend to do their 4 years there and leave end up wanting to stay for residency because they really love UF.

 

[Icebird]

would you mind clarifying why? thanks so much!

Has to do with personality/how much you value location.

There is nothing but swamp for miles outside of the collegetown.

And the collegetown itself is a tamed down version of Tallahassee’s nightlife scene.

Loved UF as a progam and my favorite of the Florida interviews but having to be in a small collegetown for another 4 yrs was too big of a con to overlook the pros for me (and risk the potential of being a double gator as a lot of their residents match back at UF)

 

[iluvchemistry]

Has to do with personality/how much you value location.

There is nothing but swamp for miles outside of the collegetown.

And the collegetown itself is a tamed down version of Tallahassee’s nightlife scene.

Loved UF as a progam and my favorite of the Florida interviews but having to be in a small collegetown for another 4 yrs was too big of a con to overlook the pros for me (and risk the potential of being a double gator as a lot of their residents match back at UF)

this is also a concern, as I would like the ability to match up north if possible

 

[Icebird]

this is also a concern, as I would like the ability to match up north if possible

Just wanted to add that its not that it’ll limit you in any shape or form matching anywhere region-wise; UF is an excellent program and tied for most renowned med school in FL. If you work hard you’ll be a very competitive candidate anywhere.

It’s just that your own home department is more likely to keep you, either due to self selection and/or connections made.

 

[Woahtherebecky]

Has to do with personality/how much you value location.

There is nothing but swamp for miles outside of the collegetown.

And the collegetown itself is a tamed down version of Tallahassee’s nightlife scene.

Loved UF as a progam and my favorite of the Florida interviews but having to be in a small collegetown for another 4 yrs was too big of a con to overlook the pros for me (and risk the potential of being a double gator as a lot of their residents match back at UF)

I will add that most students match back at UF because they like the hospital system and program. The Match takes priority in which program the student wants to attend. Location is also a matter of preference. I know people who absolutely love Gainesville, the small community and the vibe that it brings. Most of the med students that I met on the interview trail were absolutely excitation about the school, and I’ve only heard great things from UF. You’re gonna be so focused on studying that when you do have free time, there are plenty of things to do around the area. Also Tampa, Orlando, and St. Augustine are all short drives away that you can easily make a weekend trip out of.

 

[supsurfer]

If you don't mind living in Gainesville, UF seems like an obvious choice.

 

[zvuort]

year 5 of living in Gainesville after growing up in a big city and it's really not as bad as everyone makes it seem. feel free to PM me if you have any questions about UF and/or Gainesville