Rochester Vs. UVa??? Tough Choice

[ZekeMD]

Ok, so up until today Rochester was easily my top choice. Today I interviewed at UVa and absolutely LOVED the school. My interviews went great and I think I have a pretty decent shot at being accepted. My problem is, if I get in to UVa I will be torn between there and Rochester. I'm almost thinking it would be easier if they rejected me so I wouldnt have to decide. If you've been to either of these schools could you comment on what you liked or didn't like. Even better, if you've been to both could you tell me which one you would pick and why? Thanks so much, and good luck to you all!

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[doctorcynical]

UVa is the most pretentious state school. Just remember Thomas Jefferson founded the place. My interviewer from Duke went to UVa. He cracked on the place the entire time. Too much tradition = too much red tape. Do yourself a favor and drop both schools. I'd just reapply next year.

 

[Catalyst]

I'm actually curious to hear what you absolutely loved about UVa... although I'd have to say if I were choosing between Rochester and UVa, I'd consider the following..

location - UVa wins, I myself was not too impressed with the amount of things available for students to do in Rochester outside of studying medicine; Charlottesville has a lot of bars, a downtown scene, outdoor activities, is not too far from D.C. and Richmond.... also seems that UVa would win out in terms of patient diversity

curriculum - Rochester wins, I think the Double Helix curriculum is hands-down the best in the country; both schools are pass/fail

I'm actually graduating from UVa in May and after interviewing at both UVa and Rochester, I would definitely pick UVa if I was choosing between the two. Since both schools are pass/fail, location would be the next most important factor for me and lead me to picking UVa.

By the way, I'm sure you already know better than to listen to doctorcynical's useless comments so I won't even address his comments

 

[Mr.Tweed]

I already mentioned some of these factors in another post, but I'll go ahead and list them again. I can't comment on UVA, but Rochester has the following qualities that I think are very unique:

1) no more than 2 hours of lecture per day

2) a large part of the curriculum consists of PBL (I like that sort of thing because
it's more interactive), and there are 12 new PBL rooms.

3) the undergrad campus is across the street

4) the med school gym is open 24hrs/day

5) a new high-speed ferry takes you across lake Ontario to Toronto

6) the cost of living is low

7) the school provides funding for students to study in another country

8) John Hansen, the Dean of Admissions, edited the latest version of Netter's
Atlas of Human Anatomy. (I think that this is cool)

 

[pekq]

If you get accepted at both places, go to UVA. Less snow there and Rochester is depressing because it's economy is going downhill (remember how kodak is downsizing?) There's a reason why URochester is ranked in the 30s despite having one of the best med programs.

I am not quite sure what's so great about the undergrad campus nearby. The most interaction you will ever get with them is in research labs.

If what's already been said doesn't help, just flip a coin and trust destiny.

 

[rgporter]

I just loved UVa. Location was one huge factor for me, it's so beautiful there, so different from my home town. I liked the hospital a lot and any school that has a big screen in the student lounge is OK with me (actually, MCW and WashU. have the best lounges I have seen but that is a different thread). I chose UVa over all the other schools that have or might accept me.

 

[Mr.Tweed]

Originally posted by pekq


I am not quite sure what's so great about the undergrad campus nearby. The most interaction you will ever get with them is in research labs.

That's a strange comment. It's hard for me to imagine how this statement could be true. If the undergrad campus is nearby, then you can study in the undergrad library, use the undergrad gym, date undergrad students, play intramural sports, and go to free events such as movies, concerts, plays, etc.

 

[VCMM414]

Originally posted by Mr.Tweed
That's a strange comment. It's hard for me to imagine how this statement could be true. If the undergrad campus is nearby, then you can study in the undergrad library, use the undergrad gym, date undergrad students, play intramural sports, and go to free events such as movies, concerts, plays, etc.

I agree. Having an undergrad campus is a good thing, not necessarily for the reasons Tweed cited above, but having an undergrad campus can really enliven the campus atmosphere. All-professional campuses are, in comparison, a great deal bit more somber. It's a personal preference really. Not a big deciding factor to be sure, but it's something to think about.

 

[JohnHolmes]

Originally posted by pekq


I am not quite sure what's so great about the undergrad campus nearby. The most interaction you will ever get with them is in research labs.

OK, this person is clearly not a student at U.Va. nor does he/she have any idea what he/she is talking about.

I graduated from U.Va. and I guarantee you that the campus is very cohesive. This argument can only be made that the N Ground campus is a bit separated in spirit and interaction, that is only the Law and Business schools.

Example: There is no Med student only gym at U.Va., students use one of four main gyms on campus, usually the AFC where all the UGrads hang out. This is a stone's throw from Jordan Hall.

UVA has movies outdoors at the ampitheater, Med school representation on Honor and Stud Co, all sorts of cohesiveness going on here. In fact, even a law student has been named as a sitting member to the Board of Visitors here ... A STUDENT ON THE BOV! (non voting, but still).

WAhooland is a great place.

CCW 🙂

 

[udbluehen]

Cooper is right, but as a first year med at UVA, I can tell you that in addition to all of the undergrad gyms, we do have a small gym in the medical school used by med students and residents. It is pretty small now, with just a little bit of equipment but plans are for it to grow I understand. The undergrad gyms are great though with everything you could want (intramural sports, racquetball/squash, basketball, swiming pool, weight rooms, aerobic equipment, etc...)

 

[ZekeMD]

Thanks for all the replies. It's still going to be a tough choice though. I loved Charlottesville, the location is definately better than Rochester. But Rochester as a school I like better. If only U of R was in Charlottesville haha 😀 , then it would be an easy choice.

 

[ZekeMD]

bump

 

[josehernandez94]

Hey man, i don't know how many other people are actually gonna be able to speak about Rochester vs. UVa specifically. I don't know much about UVa at all, so I can only reiterate the reasons why I'd go to Rochester over just about any other school (in fact, I can only see going somewhere over Rochester if a. I got full ride or at least a huge scholarship elsewhere or b. I got into one of the top 10-12 schools. Otherwise, I just don't see how Rochester can be beat.)

Reasons to go to Rochester:
-close to undergrad campus
-curriculum (off the hook!)
-international research opportunities
-really happy students (I can attest to this being 'true' because I actually stayed overnight after my interview and had a chance the next day before my flight to basically just go up to random students and talk to them about the school. Everyone with whom I spoke basically gushed about the school. These statements were unsolicited and certainly were not in the context of a tour or part of the admissions office propaganda).
-really nice facilities and I've heard very positive things about Strong
-the humanities electives
-in general, I just got the feeling that the school cared a lot about the students... it's not some crap spouted from the admissions office that I'm regurgitating, it's just a feeling that I got and didn't have nearly to the same degree elsewhere. Between designing and implementing the innovative curriculum, the advisory dean system, and the input students have in helping to shape the school, it seems amazing. For example, I'm really interested in the Clinical Ethics Pathway (which allows students to serve on the Hospital Ethics Committee, something I'm really interested and something NOT available at any other school--I asked everywhere I interviewed) and I've been in contact with one of the directors of it. She's told me some of the details, which include the fact that the 4th year research paper requirement is probably going to change to have students actually help teach a course in their field of interest. Her reason for this was that as future physicians, we need to be good teachers and what better way to train to become a good teacher by being responsible for teaching a class to your peers? She also made the point that students are going to have a lot of input/responsibilty for changing the program, since it's "for us".

While Rochester probably isn't the most exciting place to live, I do think it might be a little underrated (for what it's worth, since I haven't lived there). But, aside from the snow/weather, there seems to be plenty to do... it's close to Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes, Toronto (which is a cool place), Lake Ontario/Lake Erie--so there are plenty of outdoorsy things to do. I don't know too much about Rochester itself, other than that there's the Eastman Music School and there's a Six Flags close by. I've also never been to Pittsburgh, Buffalo, or Cleveland, but they're not too far away either--maybe there's stuff to do there. Also, Rochester's really cheap.

Like I said, I don't know how this compares to UVa. Is housing cheap there? Is tuition much less? How's the hospital?

Going to a place where I'll be excited to learn has become the most important factor in my decision. I can't imagine somewhere else where I'd be more excited.

Sorry to ramble. I probably actually forgot a lot of the points I wanted to make, but oh well... maybe I'll write a more concise post later.

 

[pekq]

My comments about undergrad applies to UR. First off, UR med and undergrad do not intermingle much. I am only aware of interactions between UR undergrad alum that went on to UR med mingling with UR undergrads. The spirits of undergrad students tend to be low. Their sports team have traditionally been bad and it's too cold to be out most of the time. Students favor drinking and video games during their spare time (you would too if windchills brings the temp down to negatives). Furthermore, food prices on the undergrad campus is insane. Don't ever buy food on the undergrad campus (Aramark = the devil).

As a side note, I am still upset about admin jacking up food prices and pushing through freshman housing despite majority undergrad opposition.

It'd be best if you just e-mail a current med student.

 

[ZekeMD]

Originally posted by rgporter
actually, MCW and WashU. have the best lounges I have seen

After 10 interviews, UVa has the nicest student lounge by far. I can't imagine what WashU and MCW had in theirs! UVa has a brand new foosball table, pool table, ping pong table, hardwood floors, comfy couches, and a HUGE tv. What else could their be?

 

[Mr.Tweed]

Originally posted by pekq
My comments about undergrad applies to UR. First off, UR med and undergrad do not intermingle much. I am only aware of interactions between UR undergrad alum that went on to UR med mingling with UR undergrads. The spirits of undergrad students tend to be low. Their sports team have traditionally been bad and it's too cold to be out most of the time. Students favor drinking and video games during their spare time (you would too if windchills brings the temp down to negatives). Furthermore, food prices on the undergrad campus is insane. Don't ever buy food on the undergrad campus (Aramark = the devil).

It doesn't matter if the med and undergrad populations intermingle or not. The option is there, and that's ALL that matters. I've seen the undergrad gym and library, and I'm sure that I'll make it over there from time to time. It will definitely enrich my experience. I also plan to attend concerts at the Eastman school, which has an amazing theater.