UCLA vs. UF

[happycamper222]

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UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

Pros

• True P/F curriculum for preclinical and clinical rotations.
• LA seems like it would be more of a growth opportunity location wise. There's a lot more to do/ explore, close to national parks which I would enjoy, and new adventures. Visited a few weeks ago and loved it.
• Weather
• Prestige/ Ranking - not sure how much this would really matter for residency
• 1.5 year pre-clerkship curriculum change
• More aligned with the social values of the region, more diversity, accepting of all people

Cons

• Cost (around 460k after aid)
• Far from family, lack of a support system
• Didn't get to go to second look so not as familiar with the new curriculum/ attendance requirements/ sample schedule or if lectures are recorded or what support students get
• Didn't get to meet anyone from the incoming class or previous classes to gauge personality fit or student satisfaction

University of Florida
Pros

• Cost (around 240k after aid)
• I have a dog and Gainesville is closer to family (1.5 hours) which would be nice in case I need a dog sitter or help d/t rotations or a demanding schedule
• Know current students that go here and everyone seems really happy and collaborative
• Study groups/ strong admin support/ access to resources from previous classes
• Lectures are recorded and optional attendance (can watch asynchronously)
• Strong mentorship/ preceptorship built into the curriculum

Cons

• Already lived in Gainesville for four years for undergrad and feel like I've outgrown the town (college town vs. city) 🙁
• Clerkship years are graded

Summary: Both are really great options with strong match lists and I'm grateful to have the choice. I went to UF for undergrad so I'm not very excited about the thought of moving back to Gainesville for four years. I've lived in Florida my whole life so this may be my chance to leave and have that life experience. LA seems like it would be a fun adventure and would push me out of my comfort zone, but cost is a huge factor. I'm also not as familiar with the DGSOM curriculum. For reference, I am undecided on speciality so that doesn't help narrow it down. Both also have really good anatomy programs. Please help! 🙂

 

[happycamper222]

Please comment why you’re voting!

 

[Invisible_sun332]

UCLA definitely isn't worth 220k more. Up to you if you really can't see yourself being happy at UF, but it's a pretty great school and the marginal prestige jump just doesn't seem like it's worth it.

 

[Basalganglia4life]

UCLA is a great school, (and full disclosure I’m on the waitlist), but it is certainly not worth 220 K at 8 to 9%. UF is still a great school that is near your friends and family

 

[deleted1190683]

Ask UCLA for more money

 

[Yhwach]

Tough, try to negotiate, but if this were me, I would pick UCLA. I don't know if you want something competitive, but the UCLA name will help. I also don't think I would even like FL. Of course, if you have family there, it's different.

 

[johnr42700]

The difference in CoA is absolutely massive and accumulates with debt. I hear the desire for a new environment, but I would really think about how important it is for you to be around your friends and family during challenging times. Both schools are fantastic, but I think UF is the clear choice.

 

[Ziriyab]

UCLA because of flexibility for residency and you admitted you wanted a new challenge. I find that as adequate justification to move out to LA where it is sunny. Keep in mind I don’t exactly know how graduate loans will look like in 4 years though.