Tufts Vs UMass Chan

[decidingbetweentufts&umas]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I am very fortunate to be choosing between my top 2 choices. However, with the April 30th commit to enroll date approaching quickly, I am unsure about which school to attend.

I still have not heard back from either school as far as financial aid, so I am assuming that means it is unlikely to receive any from either school. I am not rich and will be funding myself 100% with loans.

As far as what specialty I want to go into, I am interested in PM&R and internal medicine, but am definitely undecided and open minded.

Tufts
Pros

• Can live at home rent free with my support network
• 1.5 yr pre clinical
• P/F
• Very positive impression from med students & staff
• Great mentorship program

Cons

• If I don't get any financial aid it is more expensive (73k tuition vs 42k tuition at UMass)
• Ranked lower than UMass

UMass Chan
Pros

• 30k less in tuition every year
• New VISTA Curriculum
• P/F
• Ranked higher than tufts for both research and primary care
• More research funding
• Received a large donation a couple years ago(300+ million)
• Learning communities seem really cool

Cons

• Have to pay for rent which increases the price significantly
• Worcester is a less desirable location than Boston

Summary: I’d really appreciate any insight from people familiar with Tufts and UMass. Are there factors I should be considering that I might be overlooking deciding between the two? Is living at home going to be beneficial because I get to be with my support network, or is it a bad idea because I won't be as immersed in the medical school community compared to other students living in apartments/ with other med students?

 

[Dexterslab42]

It sounds like costs will be similar so I would prioritize the program and location that you prefer.

There likely isn't a uniform answer to whether living at home will be beneficial as this going to be specific to the relationship between you and your family. I have a friend who lived at home during grad school and her parents would make dinner for her and do her laundry when she was busy and that was a huge help. But for me, I know there's no way I could be productive in my parents' house. Also, I'd consider how far the commute would be. I would hate to spend too much time in the car when I'd already be so busy with school, and I also think a long commute could make it harder to immerse yourself as much in your class.

 

[decidingbetweentufts&umas]

It sounds like costs will be similar so I would prioritize the program and location that you prefer.

There likely isn't a uniform answer to whether living at home will be beneficial as this going to be specific to the relationship between you and your family. I have a friend who lived at home during grad school and her parents would make dinner for her and do her laundry when she was busy and that was a huge help. But for me, I know there's no way I could be productive in my parents' house. Also, I'd consider how far the commute would be. I would hate to spend too much time in the car when I'd already be so busy with school, and I also think a long commute could make it harder to immerse yourself as much in your

Thank you!