UCF COM
Pros
Cons
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Pros
Cons
Summary: UCF is where I think what my personal self wants whereas Wake Forest seems to be where my academic self would want to be. I'm not a gunner and I'm not competitive, but I do want to make sure that good opportunities are available to me. As of right now, I am not considering a competitive specialty but if I decide to pursue one I want to be somewhere that will set me up to match well. Getting into medical school was a challenge and I didn't go into undergrad knowing all of what I should have been doing like research, involvement etc. I feel like medical school is a fresh start to begin on the right foot and if I have the opportunity to go to well-established school like Wake Forest, should I do that/ is the cost worth it? Or will UCF provide the same opportunities?
Pros
- I love that UCF is in Florida and I would be close to my family and friends. I've found that I definitely enjoy having them close to visit and spend time with. Orlando is a pretty nice city with tons of diversity, lots of great food spots and the southern east coast beaches are max 2-3 hours away. Overall, I love the area and I think it would be great for my mental health.
- Tuition is reasonable and they gave me a $6k scholarship.
Cons
- I was in Florida for my undergraduate years.. I'm not sure if I should take this time to be somewhere new and grow in a different environment.
- I don't love that UCF has grades for the preclinical years, and I wasn't ecstatic about the hospitals for rotations.
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Pros
- Great reputation with tons of opportunities for research and involvement. I didn't love the research opportunities I had in undergrad so I'm hoping to find something I really enjoy while in medical school. From what current students have said, it seems that Wake does everything to make sure you have what you need especially with research. I think I'd really like an environment where the faculty cares and is driven to help you succeed.
- P/F curriculum... I feel like this would alleviate a ton of stress and would make for a more collaborative learning environment. I have never been a competitive student, so I'd like to be around others that are similar. I know there will be gunners anywhere you go, but from what current students say, everyone is pretty helpful.
- can do rotations in Charlotte- bigger city, hospital has higher patient volume, 1 on 1 time with attendings
Cons
- winston salem and the south in general is not the most appealing.. not a ton of diversity within the school or in the area
- tuition is insane $62k + COL... i would probably pull out about $90k in loans yearly... the thought of paying this back with interest is terrifying and Its hard to imagine being in so much debt.
Summary: UCF is where I think what my personal self wants whereas Wake Forest seems to be where my academic self would want to be. I'm not a gunner and I'm not competitive, but I do want to make sure that good opportunities are available to me. As of right now, I am not considering a competitive specialty but if I decide to pursue one I want to be somewhere that will set me up to match well. Getting into medical school was a challenge and I didn't go into undergrad knowing all of what I should have been doing like research, involvement etc. I feel like medical school is a fresh start to begin on the right foot and if I have the opportunity to go to well-established school like Wake Forest, should I do that/ is the cost worth it? Or will UCF provide the same opportunities?
