UCI vs. BU

[deleted1093894]

Hey! I am very fortunate to have acceptances to a few amazing schools and am trying to decide between these two. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

UC Irvine
Pros:
- IS tuition is hard to beat (~$30k cheaper per year for tuition than BU); my parents are supporting me but I would like to put as little of a financial burden on them as possible
- smaller class size of 100; I am hoping for a small tight-knit class
- students seem generally not stressed and laidback, overall good vibes from current students
- hoping to match back to California, so I think going to a UC will help with that
- cool focus on innovation and ultrasound as well as Latinx health, and as someone who wants to practice in underserved communities in CA I think it would be really helpful to be exposed to these communities more in med school
- closer to support system; family is in NorCal but I have friends in LA and closer to Irvine
- sunshine lol I worry I would have seasonal depression in the northeast

Cons:
- was kind of looking to move somewhere new for med school and experience a new city, I’m from NorCal so Irvine is still different but less exciting than the city of Boston
- H/P/F during years 2/3/4, wondering if this makes it feel more competitive during second year
- technically lower ranked and less prestigious although maybe not if I’m trying to match to CA and in a primary care field?

BU
Pros:
- would love to experience living in a new city like Boston during med school, think it could be really fun
- super strong focus on service and social justice which I love and aligns well with my interests
- Boston Medical Center is a really cool place to learn since it’s a safety net hospital and also aligns with my interest in working with underserved populations
- ranked higher and I think overall regarded more highly than UCI but I could be wrong

Cons:
- got more of a stressed out vibe from the school
- significantly more expensive, so while my parents can afford it I don’t really want to put that burden on them if I have another cheaper option
- may get seasonal depression with the weather lol

Summary:
I am really happy with UCI and think I am leaning towards going there, I just don’t want to regret not choosing the more prestigious option or wondering if BU could have opened doors for me that UCI won’t. Would love anyone’s opinions. Thank you so much!

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[chilly_md]

I would go UCI. You want to match in California and work there as an attending. You save $120k and UC Irvine is still a good school. BU is well-known but that doesn’t really matter to you if you’re staying in-state. They are #33 in the US News Rankings, while Irvine is #48. I don’t really put too much stock into that, but it’s not a wide gap and I would consider UCI to be similar to USC, which is higher ranked than BU this year.

Southern California feels different than Northern California, so you get a unique experience while still being a short flight from home. You mentioned you have friends already down there so that helps too. I don’t think somebody used to sunshine is going to like the Northeast winter either.

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

I would also go UCI. Although Bu is more prestigious, it is not more prestigious enough to justify the cost.

 

[JohnJacobJingleheimer]

UCI. Not enough prestige difference to justify the cost. Also, I think you’d find that you’re far better off in Cali than Boston. Those winters will not be kind to you. Last but not least, you’ll have an easier time matching back to Cali which is like kinda the whole point… right?

 

[Morningnight]

Hello friend! If the goal is to match in California, UCI is awesome for that. 2020 and 2021 matches have tons in UCLA and USC (and of course UCI). Family med matches are quite good if you are interested in that! Coming back to CA is also possible from BU. BU does have the Kaiser San Jose and Santa Clara connection for you to do your MS3 clerkships.

In regards to H/P/F during MS2 year, I've talked to quite a few current UCI students, and they all mention that Honors is just there for people who want to go for it. The environment is still collaborative and people share notes/materials all throughout MS2.