UCI (Irvine) v U of Arizona - Phoenix

[gogetter898]

Im debating between these two programs. I've done quite a bit of research but wanted some insight from other members based on the context of my goals as I'm completely split.

I want to end up matching into a competitive specialty, potentially plastics but not sure this early on. I'm hesitant if I would have the opportunity to be competitive for such a specialty if I attended a new program like UA - PHX. I don't know if UCI would give me much more of an advantage, however, as it isn't as prestigious as some other UC's. Any insight would be appreciated!

In terms of cost and proximity to family, they both end up being very similar

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[bigdbron]

UCI without a doubt given everything you've said

 

[sealfriendo]

I think UCI as well, 100%, sin duda. Can I ask what is specifically drawing you to AZ?

 

[gogetter898]

I think UCI as well, 100%, sin duda. Can I ask what is specifically drawing you to AZ?

UCI without a doubt given everything you've said

Is UA - PHX so new of a program that it would hinder my chances of matching into a competitive specialty or getting experience with these types of practices? I thought both of these schools matched up pretty evenly with prestige (or lack of any major rankings) and opportunity?

 

[sealfriendo]

Is UA - PHX so new of a program that it would hinder my chances of matching into a competitive specialty or getting experience with these types of practices? I thought both of these schools matched up pretty evenly with prestige (or lack of any major rankings) and opportunity?

I can't speak for the first bit, because what I have heard is that matching into something competitive largely depends on your performance in medical school. However, I do think that UCI is a very solid program and I think it's a more well regarded school than U of A. Plus, since you're out of state (from what I assume) you haven't had the chance to experience the beaches, weather, and food scene of Southern California. Between reputation and environment, that would be enough for me to pick UCI over U of A.

 

[HopefulPilot]

UC Irvine hands down.

 

[Davidfromcali]

UCI hands down. They also have a PRS residency training program in house that takes 3 residents a year. Definitely opportunities to make connections and do research in the field. Not sure if U of A-Phx has similar resources

 

[HeftyGo37]

I don't think UA-PHX would hold you back from any opportunities. I know this is n=1, but according to MSAR data (which I think is 2020 data now), UA-PHX had 3% match into plastics and UCI had 1% match into plastics. I think there are probably marginal differences in "prestige" between these programs. One advantage Phoenix might have, is that Mayo Clinic is close by where you could potentially find plenty of mentors and research opportunities (if there are certain subspecialties not represented well at UA- Phoenix, like plastics), which likely are not saturated with students since Mayo only has 50 students per class in AZ. You could always ask current students at UA-PHX in the plastic surgery interest group.

 

[HopefulPilot]

That 3% represents a single person matching plastics.

 

[solitarius]

Why would you want to melt in 120 degree weather if you don't have to?

 

[HeftyGo37]

That 3% represents a single person matching plastics.

Well it's probably 2 or 3 students. In a class of 80, 3% is 2.4. And on that same MSAR data set there are other specialties that say 1% or 2%. But regardless, 3% at UA- Phoenix= 2-3 students, 1% at UCI= 1 students. So it's not far of. And honestly, there's only 187 residency spots per year in plastics, which is like the same number of US MD schools, so over 1 student per year in a small class size is really good.