UAB vs. FIU

[starshipsweremeanttofly]

I am absolutely torn. These are hands down my top two schools and I knew it would be an incredibly difficult decision if fortunate enough to be accepted to both. For some context, I am IS for UAB. OOS for FIU. While cost is an element (and a large difference) I want to leave that out for this analysis, as I am extremely fortunate to be able to afford most of medical school without loans.


FIU ---
I fell in love with FIU while being on the WL last year. I love the culture and how they incorporate public health curriculum into the medical curriculum. I am ready to get out of Birmingham (have lived in Alabama my whole life). I have some friends in Miami, but no family. FIU does not have a "home-base hospital" like UAB does. Therefore, I've heard you are driving all across Miami to do rotations. Another con is no cadevar lab (from my understanding). I don't think they have many residency slots associated with the school, but they match well.

UAB
Hometown. Extremely large support system of wonderful family and friends. I currently work at the hospital, so I already know the ins and outs. I currently do research here and could keep this up as well. I would put UAB's clinical opportunities up against Ivy schools, they are truly great and they have every residency imaginable. I have lived here my whole life (aside from college in Tuscaloosa) and want so desperately to get out while I am young, so I can return (if I want) to raise a family.


I would appreciate any input!!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[chilly_md]

Go to UAB. I get it that it can be frustrating to be in the same place, but you are familiar with the environment, already doing research there and the school is solid. FIU doesn’t offer anything concrete besides being in a new place. You can leave the area for residency if you want to explore someplace new.

Whatever savings you have, even if they aren’t that much due to a scholarship or however your situation is, take some and treat yourself. Maybe a vacation in the summer before school starts.

 

[starshipsweremeanttofly]

Go to UAB. I get it that it can be frustrating to be in the same place, but you are familiar with the environment, already doing research there and the school is solid. FIU doesn’t offer anything concrete besides being in a new place. You can leave the area for residency if you want to explore someplace new.

Whatever savings you have, even if they aren’t that much due to a scholarship or however your situation is, take some and treat yourself. Maybe a vacation in the summer before school starts.

I think all of your points are very valid and I will likely end up at UAB. Thank you for your insight!!

 

[obiwan]

I am absolutely torn. These are hands down my top two schools and I knew it would be an incredibly difficult decision if fortunate enough to be accepted to both. For some context, I am IS for UAB. OOS for FIU. While cost is an element (and a large difference) I want to leave that out for this analysis, as I am extremely fortunate to be able to afford most of medical school without loans.


FIU ---
I fell in love with FIU while being on the WL last year. I love the culture and how they incorporate public health curriculum into the medical curriculum. I am ready to get out of Birmingham (have lived in Alabama my whole life). I have some friends in Miami, but no family. FIU does not have a "home-base hospital" like UAB does. Therefore, I've heard you are driving all across Miami to do rotations. Another con is no cadevar lab (from my understanding). I don't think they have many residency slots associated with the school, but they match well.

UAB
Hometown. Extremely large support system of wonderful family and friends. I currently work at the hospital, so I already know the ins and outs. I currently do research here and could keep this up as well. I would put UAB's clinical opportunities up against Ivy schools, they are truly great and they have every residency imaginable. I have lived here my whole life (aside from college in Tuscaloosa) and want so desperately to get out while I am young, so I can return (if I want) to raise a family.


I would appreciate any input!!

UAB and its really a no-brainer. Phenomenal medical school. Leave Alabama for residency

 

[starshipsweremeanttofly]

UAB and its really a no-brainer. Phenomenal medical school. Leave Alabama for residency

I agree. Thank you for your input!