U of Maryland vs U of Iowa vs UC-Irvine

[AlohaSpicedHam]

I am currently awaiting a couple other decisions but would really appreciate everyone's input assuming that these are my final choices. For reference, I am from Los Angeles, CA and am hoping to eventually specialize in pediatric oncology. Thank you in advance.

U of Maryland

Pros:

• Centrally located in a mid-size city
• Very nice hospital and #32 ranked comprehensive cancer center according to USNWR
• Diverse patient population
• Cost of living - Baltimore is not as expensive as California
• Emphasis on service as well as research
• Located close to other East Coast cities

Cons:

• A-F grading system
• New curriculum in 2020
• Most expensive tuition (allows for possible in-state M2-M4)
• Far from family and SO

U of Iowa

Pros:

• #18 ranked Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Lowest cost of living (2 bedroom house is $800)
• My favorite children's hospital out of my choices
• Best interview day experience, everyone was attentive and gave each applicant personal attention. Makes me think they value their students more than other places.
• 1.5 year preclinical curriculum with case-based learning, which I love way more than lectures
• Most oncology rotations offered during M3-M4
• Best iteration of the "Hogwart's-style" housing that I've seen.
• Same school as my SO

Cons:

• Small city
• No chance for in-state tuition
• Homogenous patient population
• Far from family

UC-Irvine

Pros:

• Weather - I don't mind the cold but its hard to argue against T-shirts and shorts in January
• Close to family
• P/F curriculum
• Students seemed to be the most relaxed of all three locations
• Best food options - I'm a foodie
• Supposedly easier to match in California for residency if I go to a Cali med school
• I worked at a free clinic during undergrad at UCI and would like to go back as a med student to mentor the undergrads that currently work there.
• Lowest tuition due to in-state
• Very diverse patient population

Cons:

• Most expensive COL (1 bedroom w/o roommates = $1600+)
• UCI Med center is 30+ minutes away from med school in traffic
• Heavily lecture-based curriculum
• Cancer hospital is ranked significantly lower than the other two choices, although it is still a comprehensive cancer center.
• Far from SO

If I think of anything else I will update as I go, but please ask questions if I forgot to consider something, because I probably have 🙂

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[FutureDPM123]

Iowa because of the school quality and your SO. Remember, it's only 4 years that you are away from your family and you will see them on holidays. You're going to be so busy with school you won't have time to feel home sick.

 

[ChicagoBear]

Iowa - Having your SO nearby is a HUGE deal. Also, last year there were 16 matches in California - UCSF, and multiple matches to UCLA, UC Davis and UCSD. Considering that 100 of 150 in each class are from Iowa and most likely not trying for Cali, 16 matches shows that if you do well on your boards, going to school in Iowa is not a show stopper.

 

[lalalallala]

How serious is this SO? Maryland is a great school/hospital, but I think if you hope to live in Cali then you should probably just stay there. Or go to Iowa if the SO is a big factor. Personally, I like to have a support system nearby.

 

[0.8GPA]

I would disagree with the homogenous population for Iowa. It is surprisingly diverse and translators are commonly used in clinic. Iowa City is a common place for refugees to settle, and farming brings many migrant workers to the area. You interact with these populations at the University Hospital, the Mobile Clinic, Upstream Organization, and Iowa Free Medical clinic. You also have the opportunity to complete your year of core rotations in Des Moines which also has a large amount of diversity. The homogeneity of Iowa is likely more prominent in rural areas, rather than places like Iowa City and Des Moines where you will be most of the time.