Robert Wood Johnson vs University of Maryland

[singingintherain_21]

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Hi guys! I'd really appreciate any input or advice people have to help me make this decision 🙂

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson

Pros:
In-state so lower tuition by a good amount
Very friendly community
Close to home/family
Good match list (specifically looking at Neurology and Psychiatry which have always been my primary interests for specialty), lots of students matching into NYC residencies
Good global health opportunities
Research culture (not sure how it compares to Maryland)
True P/F curriculum that has existed for a few years now
Connections to NY/NJ for residencies and eventual job position

Cons
not sure I want to stay in new jersey
lower ranking (not sure how much of a factor this is with the new Step 1 P/F)
less rigorous clinical training?
heard a lot about the administration not being receptive to students
facilities seem very run down and old, not well maintained

University of Maryland

Pros:
Fell in love with the place during interview day (realistic and relatable students, extremely nice faculty, BEAUTIFUL facilities)
Much newer and more well maintained facilities
Baltimore population and association with VA --> great clinical training?
Higher ranking of the two (better research maybe?, again, not sure how much this matters)
Incredible shock/trauma unit
CAPP (preclinical psychiatry program) is very unique and I would love to take part

Cons:
More expensive as OOS, but can become IS in one year relatively easily
Match list seems good for emergency medicine but not sure for other specialties
Not sure how good connections are to NY/NJ residencies
Not sure about global health opportunities?
New HP/P/F curriculum which may have kinks that need to be worked out this year
Baltimore isn't the safest area to live

Apart from my own pro/con views, I would really appreciate any input on this decision generally!! Thanks so much

 

[singingintherain_21]

Bump! Would really appreciate any input as the deadline approaches 🙂

 

[HingleMcCringleberryPSU]

Bump! Would really appreciate any input as the deadline approaches 🙂

Assuming you are able to get in-state status for years 2-4 at Maryland, what is the CoA difference between the two schools?

 

[singingintherain_21]

Assuming you are able to get in-state status for years 2-4 at Maryland, what is the CoA difference between the two schools?

Negligible difference in CoA for me, and I’m fortunate enough to be in the position where money is not a big issue.

 

[TheDataKing]

RWJMS -

True P/F curriculum that has existed for a few years now

bc...

New HP/P/F curriculum which may have kinks that need to be worked out this year

I'd go with RWJMS to be closer to home, not have to deal with a non true Pass/Fail preclinical situation, especially since they match well and you're feeling iffy about UMDs match list (sans EM)

 

[HingleMcCringleberryPSU]

Negligible difference in CoA for me, and I’m fortunate enough to be in the position where money is not a big issue.

If that's the case, then go with RWJ. You want to match into NY/NJ, your family is close by, it's true P/F, and it's the cheapest. Rank differences really shouldn't come too much into play here. Especially since the connections you form at RWJ can help you match into residency in NY and NJ.

 

[singingintherain_21]

Thanks everyone for your advice!