Tufts vs University of Arizona - Phoenix

[porzingisfan1]

Hi all,

I would to hear your input on this decision. I am OOS for both schools and neither are particularly close to my family or friends (in the midwest). I am also interested in public health and for now, I'd say I'm most interested in either internal or family medicine. If anyone has any insight about other factors - like curriculum, please chime in! These were the pros and cons that I thought were most relevant for me! With that said, here are some pros and cons for each school!

Tufts

Pros:
Major public health focus throughout school - I think I really fit in the with the mission of the school
Would do a 4 year MD/MPH - want to get the MPH degree at some point - so having it done in four years would be great!
Very diverse patient population and opportunities to be involved in community health work
Has multiple research faculty who is doing work in things I would be interested in
Match well - or rather into places that I would be content with going

Cons:
Not sure if I am much of a city person. When I visited Boston recently, I felt that it would be hard to adjust to this new way of life. I am definitely someone who likes to live in smaller cities - where I can drive my car!

Tufts is really expensive - not only tuition but also Boston is an extremely expensive place to live from what I've heard

Tufts appears to be behind BU and Harvard, and so I am unsure how this will impact me, but is something to consider

UA-Phoenix:

Pros:
- My favorite interview day by-far(maybe because it was in-person), but everyone seemed so chill and genuinely looked like they were having a fun time
- I am quite fond of Phoenix and have enjoyed my time visiting there. I also would likely get to keep my car
- Certificates of distinction as part of curriciulum allow me to work with faculty that have similar research interests
- Slightly Cheaper than Boston - though not much and potentially could get instate tuition in years 2,3, and 4- though I am not sure how this works!
- I may want to match in the west coast, so maybe a higher likelihood of that happening here
Cons:
-I couldn't assess how the school compares to other well-known programs. There is no full match list, nor are they ranked
- Phoenix is next-level hot in the spring/summer - all the way till October it appears
- Public Health focus is there, but not as strong as Tufts
- Similar issue with Tufts where there are multiple med schools in phoenix and from my interview i was told UA-Phoenix is in the middle between Mayo and Creighton - though not sure how true this is!

I think I am leaning Tufts and that I may come to like the city-life that Boston has to offer, but wanted to see what yall think?

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[Stuaccount]

Arizona

 

[porzingisfan1]

Arizona

Interesting, what makes you say Arizona?

 

[m1redsox]

Tufts, by far, is the stronger, more well-established program. If you are interested in a competitive specialty, Tufts will give you a leg up compared to a newer UA-Phoenix program with few home residency spots.

 

[Stuaccount]

Interesting, what makes you say Arizona?

You have many more pros for it that work for you.

 

[LunaOri]

Boston is a very livable city despite the high cost; public transportation is very good and there is plenty of green space.

 

[The OTC]

Disclaimer: Accepted COMPHX, PRE-II R at Tufts

Tufts and Boston are great and will set you up for success in residency no matter where you want to go if you are okay footing the extra cost.

I would not count out COMPHX. I believe their match lists are only going to improve in the coming years seeing how they are able to attract and matriculate competitive students (stat averages increasing year-on-year, last cycle was MCAT avg. 518 and avg GPA 3.87) They are nearing their 20th year as a program so wouldn't say it's "new" anymore.

The price, especially becoming a resident, will help reduce the cost and COL is pretty affordable. You can get a comfortable, spacious 1 bed, 1 bath in downtown phoenix for $1000-$1400.

You can find the most recent match list on the 2023-2024 COMPHX thread. They match well, especially West Coast, and their new dean has East Coast connections which is opening newer doors.

From what I understand, COMPHX has full and priority access to Banner University Medical Center, which houses almost all specialties. They also have established connection to Phoenix Children's. Mayo/Creighton have their own systems as well which offer rotations to COMPHX students, but priority is always to their students.

Tl;dr Tufts is great and will get you places, but don't be afraid to consider COMPHX, especially for the price tag, since they are well connected and growing. Check out both second looks!