Hello, I was just recently accepted to two different medical schools: Rocky Vista in Utah and AT Still in Arizona. I feel pretty set on Rocky Vista as it makes more sense for my family to move there (southern Utah) rather than to the Phoenix area, but I'd like to make sure I'm making a rational decision. I wasn't experiencing doubts until I talked with some physicians and they expressed that AT Still would be a great school to go to. What has everyone heard about both schools and does my decision make sense? As of now I'm interested in emergency medicine, PM&R or possibly dermatology. The tuition for both schools is about the same.
RVUCOM-UT
Pros:
- Within driving distance of where my family calls home, so it would be easy for my wife and baby to drive back home to be with family if needed. Also, rotation sites permit that I could return to my family's hometown, which would provide good support to my growing family.
- Good match rates and board pass rates (appears to have moderately higher match rates than ATSU in the specialties I'm interested in).
- Classes are not mandatory to attend, only labs are.
- Location is also a big plus as there are five national parks within a couple hours' drive.
- Interesting academic tracks.
Cons:
- Not much support for 4th year elective rotations.
- Non-mandatory class attendance may make it easy to fall behind.
ATSU-SOMA
Pros:
- Recognizable school with a proven track record.
- Phoenix location may grant greater exposure to a variety of diseases.
- Wider variety of rotation locations around the country.
- Good match rates.
- Possibility for clinical exposure starting in year 2 rather than year 3.
Cons:
- Board pass rates appear to have dropped in recent years.
- Far away from family and I will likely end up even further for rotations.
- Higher cost of living.
Any input would be much appreciated. Also, as a side note, is it ever a good idea to leverage financial aid offers from one school to get better aid at another? Thanks for the help!
RVUCOM-UT
Pros:
- Within driving distance of where my family calls home, so it would be easy for my wife and baby to drive back home to be with family if needed. Also, rotation sites permit that I could return to my family's hometown, which would provide good support to my growing family.
- Good match rates and board pass rates (appears to have moderately higher match rates than ATSU in the specialties I'm interested in).
- Classes are not mandatory to attend, only labs are.
- Location is also a big plus as there are five national parks within a couple hours' drive.
- Interesting academic tracks.
Cons:
- Not much support for 4th year elective rotations.
- Non-mandatory class attendance may make it easy to fall behind.
ATSU-SOMA
Pros:
- Recognizable school with a proven track record.
- Phoenix location may grant greater exposure to a variety of diseases.
- Wider variety of rotation locations around the country.
- Good match rates.
- Possibility for clinical exposure starting in year 2 rather than year 3.
Cons:
- Board pass rates appear to have dropped in recent years.
- Far away from family and I will likely end up even further for rotations.
- Higher cost of living.
Any input would be much appreciated. Also, as a side note, is it ever a good idea to leverage financial aid offers from one school to get better aid at another? Thanks for the help!
