UCF vs. Tulane (WL)

[sealullaby]

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Hey guys!

So I guess I just need people to tell me that I should pull the plug on this one and just commit to enroll at UCF. I guess it ultimately doesn't matter since I'm only waitlisted at Tulane, but I can't stop thinking about "what if I do this and had a chance of getting accepted." I've been in my head about this for too long, and I don't want this to hang over me any longer. Honestly, is it even worth it to hold onto this waitlist position?

UCF COM

Pros

• Loved the school during interview day. The medical school is a single building away from the main campus and is solely for the medical students.
• Faculty was super nice, and I also found that they communicated with me efficiently both during and after the interview, which tells me that they're on top of their stuff.
• Tuition is hella cheap: ~$26,000 after scholarships
• Their board scores are pretty stellar
• I'm from Florida and it's wouldn't be a big move
• Weather

Cons

• They're working out the kinks with rotation sites
• It would be cool to live someplace new? maybe?

Tulane

Pros

• They have an amazing program that involves working with underserved communities. The student I spoke with talked about how the professor in her class would have guest lecturers that were members of marginalized groups come in and talk about their experiences in the health care industry, which I thought was really cool.
• NOLA! I really loved the city and its vibe.
• Tropical medicine and international medicine program sound really interesting. I'm just not sure if I'd ultimately end up going that route, but the option would be open.

Cons

• Tuition is hella expensive at ~ $60,000
• I probably won't have the time to actually enjoy NOLA.
• It's far from home and I'd probably have to fly back to visit family during breaks
• Again, not even sure I'll ever get off the waitlist. Chances are slim.

I just want to make a commitment soon, but that "what if" scenario is bothering me. Perspective?

Thanks!

 

[sargon2123]

This is hard. The UCF faculty really do seem to care a lot about the students, but the cons (grades, Lake Nona being isolated, and rotation site scramble) turn a lot of folks off. I think UCF has its greatest potential a decade from now or so.

Tulane has a good location but is very expensive, almost true p/f but not quite, a not-so-transparent administration, and seems to have a staggering number of prelim-only matches in medicine and surgery every year. A lot of people end up hating NOLA quickly because it can be dirty and hard to get around after living there for a while. I also have a dark theory that Tulane targets the marginal MD admits hard because they want to help their yield as much as possible and not negotiate for FA. They even said years ago they opt out of second look because so many of their admits had no other MD acceptances.

I hope that’s not too disheartening, but there are cons for every school no matter what you think, some more than others and others more well hidden than others. Again, it’s hard for me to suggest one over the other. Just wanted to give more info

 

[sealullaby]

Thank you for the response! I really do think UCF has a great faculty and they seem really supportive, although I can't really know this until I actually go there and I don't know any current students that I can ask.

I liked NOLA a lot and it was a big draw for me, which maybe is a red flag since I'm starting to think I'm more interested in the city than the actual school lol. I'm definitely going to have to double check their match list though.

 

[Trollest]

Stay in Florida! lol, this is a no brainer

 

[BunsenBeaker]

UCF. No brainer. Great tuition and gorgeous facilities. Faculty who care about you. Super happy med students. In state near family/friends.

 

[sealullaby]

After reading your guys' advice and going through my list again, I've decided to withdraw my application from Tulane and go with UCF. Thanks for the help!