UC Riverside versus Temple SOM

[Shibbyboi182]

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I've been lucky as hell to have a successful cycle with acceptances at UCR, Temple, Drexel, Vermont, and Rush. I've eliminated it down to 2. Before it comes up, since it's the biggest factor, cost will be EQUAL for me at the two schools (+/- a couple grand).

Temple:
- Established program (been around 100+ years)
- Class size: ~200
- H/P/F grading (anyone with a 93%+ gets honors)
- Major city (Philly), but the rough part of town. I've already decided that I'd live in the nicer part and commute about 20 mins
- Access to a big hospital chain
- Significant research opportunities
- Far from home (CA resident)
- Strong collegiate environment

Riverside:
- Newer program (2nd year in existence, and as one Internal Med PD told me, "Everyone's going to be watching to see what comes out of Riverside over the next several years")
- Class size: 50
- Pure P/F grading system the first two years
- Very rural area with a very specific mission (not sure about how strongly I align)
- Limited research opportunities, but they exist
- No guaranteed big hospital chain for clinical years
- Very friendly environment, but students admitted they were kinda bored when not in class/studying
- 1.5 hours from both my family and undergrad institution

There are definitely pros and cons to both.

 

[gyngyn]

If you don't align with UCR's mission, go Temple.

 

[Shibbyboi182]

If you don't align with UCR's mission, go Temple.

I should clarify: I want to serve that area. I just don't know if I want to go into primary care. It seems that primary care, while not an explicit requirement, is pretty heavily emphasized.

 

[gyngyn]

I should clarify: I want to serve that area. I just don't know if I want to go into primary care. It seems that primary care, while not an explicit requirement, is pretty heavily emphasized.

I have it on good authority that the mission of UCR is to provide physicians of every under-represented type for the inland empire. Primary care is, of course, the most important, but as long as you are committed to the area in any useful way, you are aligned with their mission.

 

[Lya]

I would put more emphasis on research and clinical opportunities, so my vote goes to Temple.

Whenever in doubt, I think the safer bet is to attend a more established program, rather than a relatively new one.

 

[TheBossDoctor]

Just want to point out that Riverside isn't in a very rural area. But yes they do like rural medicine.

 

[Catalystik]

I've been lucky as hell to have a successful cycle with acceptances at UCR, Temple, Drexel, Vermont, and Rush.

Hooray! The Golden State nibbled after all. Well done.

This doesn't constitute a "vote"; I'm just glad to see you've done so well overall.

 

[68quebec]

Riverside is not a rural area btw. lol it's more likely an sub-urban.

 

[WillburCobb]

You have 5 pros listed for Temple and 2 for Riverside...

 

[alpinism]

If you want to stay in CA for residency, UCR would be the better choice.

 

[daveeed]

HI there,

I dont' have much to add, but I was wondering how you decided against Vermont?
I have an acceptance there and interviewed a while back at Riverside, and am still putting together the pros and cons of the schools.

David

 

[Nymphicus]

Thread moved to School Specific Discussions.

On the topic of which school, the main reason I would choose Temple would be that it is an already established program. I would definately advise going to the second looks for both and seeing which you feel more comfortable at. If you would like to stay in California for medical school, residency, and beyond, then UCR might be better if you feel comfortable with the program.

 

[Shibbyboi182]

BUMP. Still on the fence. Overall, I liked Temple's environment and opportunities much more. But the possibility of being only an hour away from family + having an easier time to getting a residency in CA (and barring some unforeseen circumstances, I'm pretty gung-ho on moving back) make leave me unsure.

 

[Selah]

Riverside is definitely not a rural area! The population is 304,000! There are tremendous opportunities in Riverside. The bigger question is what is it like to be at a med school that does not have its own hospital.

 

[Psai]

Sounds like you want to go to temple. Don't take a chance on a newer program if you don't have to unless you want to stay in cali

 

[Geekchick921]

I have been very, very happy at Temple. As cost is equal for you I would encourage you to go here. It sounds like that's what you want but you're a little unsure. 🙂

If I can say anything to make you feel better, I would point out that Temple has a very large number of students from Cali every year. You will not be alone in that regard. The class that will graduate in 3 weeks also matched something like 22 people in California in various specialties: IM, Peds, Anesthesia, General Surgery, FM, Neuro, PM&R, Ob/Gyn, EM and Rad-onc (after a prelim year). 2 other people matched in Oregon and I know at least one of them is a Cali native and just wanted to go back to the West coast, not necessary California.