Hi all, wanted to get my thoughts organized as I start to narrow down my schools, and I would appreciate any insight into these schools. Currently, I am interested in a competitive sub-surgical specialty (ENT, ortho) and want to prioritize matching/research/networking opportunities. Fortunate to be in a position where COA is not a major factor. Also, I am waitlisted at Mayo (AZ), Virginia, and Carver (#33) and would prefer to matriculate to any of these programs if accepted.
UA - Phoenix:
Pros:
Pros:
Pros:
UA - Phoenix:
Pros:
- P/F preclinical and no student rankings/AOA
- Not a lot of “filler assignments” or required PBL/CBI sessions
- Can take exams on Fridays or Sundays
- I am originally from AZ, so would be very close to my support network (friends with current students at the school)
- Would prefer to match back to AZ or the west coast (although beggars can’t be choosers)
- Currently doing research at Mayo and could continue throughout school
- Meshed well with the students and seems to be a good sense of camaraderie
- The school seems like they're trying to "make a name for itself" and are willing to invest in its' students' success (I heard the most recent class had an impressive match list, but can’t find it)
- New facilities
- CTE date is May 1, so would have to forfeit possible acceptances to the aforementioned schools
- Unranked school that is less known by PD directors
- Fewer home residency programs in areas of interest (although does have ortho program)
- Smaller research budget
Pros:
- Again, in AZ so I would be close to my support network, current research endeavors, and matching on the west coast (also friends with students who attend school here)
- Exams are on Fridays, so would have weekends off
- Students seemed really happy here and had positive things to say about their class and institution
- Curriculum seems very well-rounded and patient-focused
- No student rankings
- CTE date is July 1 so if I decide to stay in AZ, I could stay on the other waitlists a little longer
- H/P/F preclinical grading (although the same clinical grading is a pro)
- Fewer home residency programs in areas of interest
- Prioritizes volunteering and community outreach over research
- I am not religious and got the impression religion is important to a lot of students/faculty
Pros:
- Lots of home residency programs
- Long-established school (highest ranking on PD score)
- Already have contacts with faculty in areas of interest, so could connect with them to jump into research/networking
- Would be able to “start fresh” in a new city and grow more independent as a young adult living somewhere new
- Appreciated the “southern hospitality vibe” so hoping students and faculty will be nicer (especially during clinical rotations)
- Exams are on Fridays, so weekends off
- Largest research budget
- Latest CTE date (July 3)
- Cheaper CoL compared with Phoenix
- All students get a free laptop
- Would be a third-generation grad from UofL (parent is being very hands-off in my decision, but I know it would be special for them—plus I think it’s cool myself)
- Switching to H/HP/P/F preclinical grading so would be this system for 4 years
- Student rankings/AOA
- Seems to be more “filler” assignments like quizzes and required in-person TBL sessions
- Would move across the country to Kentucky and re-create a new support network alone
- Most students seem to match in Kentucky, and would prefer to return to the west coast, although again, would prioritize opportunity over geographic location
- Older facilities
- No direct flights from Louisville to AZ
