UCLA vs UVA

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I went to UVA for medical school and can't say enough good things about it. It is an awesome medical school and have gotten better since I left. There have been a lot of changes to the school and all because of comments/advice/recs made by the students that have graduated. The Dean really listens to the input of the students and make changes to improve things. People are very laid back, there is a ton of outdoors activity, the corner and downtown have very nice bars/restaurants, it is a great place to study for 4 years. The undergrad campus is next to the medical school and it is one of the most beautiful campus I have ever seen. The people are not cut throat and you will do very well matching.

If you search my previous posts, there are a lot on the subject of UVA medical school. I don't know much about UCLA.... bottomline is that you can't go wrong with UCLA or UVA.
 
forevrundecided said:
UVA
+Looks like it may be a bit cheaper
+Really felt like a good fit to me
+Love the college town feel (but maybe I'd get sick of it) - I love Cville. I've been here for 6 years, and I like that I don't need a car to do anything except get out of town.
+Social scene seems more fun and my "style". -Can't comment you your style specifically, but it seems like we have a fairly diverse population of interests. Lots of athletic people. Some partyers. Some people highly interested in research. My roommate is an MD/PhD and he's always going to some med school social event when he's not studying.
+Pre-clinical curriculum really suits me well
+Very good board scores(I think better than UCLA actually)
+ Extra time for clinical rotations
- No fabulous student housing. -I love the housing situation here. Housing is cheap. It's very easy to find housing within walking distance to the med school. Almost all neighborhoods are safe. The med students seem very cohesive despite not living together.
- No urban area to provide diversified patient population. -Well if you're looking for urban, Richmond and D.C. are close. If you're looking for a diversified population of patients, there's a huge range. I run with the volunteer rescue squad (which is awesome, it's staffed by about 70% students) and we see patients out in the county that probably don't even know what the internet is. We also see retired professors and doctors that know their s***, but just have health problems. There's always the students, but they're usually healthy except for the occasional alcohol overdose. The physician observations I've been on have been a lot of people traveling from throughout Virginia to come to UVa docs.
- Hospitals aren't nearly as esteemed as UCLA
- Might not be quite as laid back as UCLA?? -Students are absolutely in the library a lot, but they're all active. Like I said earlier, they play sports (med school flag football league, they beat my soccer team in intramurals, I'm very bitter), and there's also a lot of social events.
- Weather isnt as nice as LA -It's no sunny California, but we only get about 5-10 inches of snow each winter, and it never sticks around for longer than 2-3 days. Summer is sometimes torture though. It's a little hot (~85-90), but really humid. Thunderstorms almost every day in the summer are fun to watch. They last for about 30-60 min most days.
-Far away from family and probably want to return to west coast later in my life

Would I be crazy to choose UVA over UCLA? Am I putting too much emphasis on fit? What other factors do you guys think I should be taking into consideration?
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I don't have much of a comment on UCLA. I've never been there, but I do love cville.

Edit: Oh almost forgot. High restaurant/population ratio. I saw a stat that either said it's the highest in Virginia or the country. I can't remember. Also, the med school is building a new lecture hall/anatomy lab that should be ready in the fall of 2010. It's going to be much better than the current lecture hall. I don't know much about the current anatomy lab though.
 
Bryson17 said:
I don't have much of a comment on UCLA. I've never been there, but I do love cville.

Edit: Oh almost forgot. High restaurant/population ratio. I saw a stat that either said it's the highest in Virginia or the country. I can't remember. Also, the med school is building a new lecture hall/anatomy lab that should be ready in the fall of 2010. It's going to be much better than the current lecture hall. I don't know much about the current anatomy lab though.
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The restaurant/bar scene in cville is pretty tough to beat. One "bad" thing (I think it's a good thing) - no clubs, cville is too classy for that.
 
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scarletgirl777 said:
HOW is a bar classier than a club?
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This is a joke right? Blaring techno/rap music versus cool, collected atmosphere? The bars in charlottesville are not smoke-filled dens of evil, most are legitimate restaurants that become legitimate social centers after 10 PM.
 
AdmiralChz said:
This is a joke right? Blaring techno/rap music versus cool, collected atmosphere? The bars in charlottesville are not smoke-filled dens of evil, most are legitimate restaurants that become legitimate social centers after 10 PM.
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I'm sure if cville had more clubs than bars, you'd be saying "no bars, cville is too classy for that."
 
The reason there's no clubs here is Virginia law. Every bar that serves alcohol has to make at least 50% of its profit from food. A very nice bar recently closed down b/c they made too much money on alcohol (O'Neils for those who know it). That being said, there's been some new club-like places that have opened up, but they're nothing like big city clubs. They're fancy yuppy eateries by day, then dance havens/bars by night (Three, X-lounge, Rapture...). There's also a private dance club. Open till like 5:00 a.m. or something. You have to be a member or guest to go. I don't know, I've never been, but I've heard stories.

Those pics of LA make me salivate.... I'm applying to USC. Maybe I'll get an interview.
 
Tough choice. UCLA is probably a better school academically and research-wise, but UVA has a more socially-adjusted student body. Tough choice, but a good one to have.
 
majahops said:
Tough choice. UCLA is probably a better school academically and research-wise, but UVA has a more socially-adjusted student body. Tough choice, but a good one to have.
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Ohh Slam. What experiences do you have with UCLA students being socially maladjusted? The students I met seemed pretty normal. I think every med school has got some really awkward students. UVA is definitely no exception
 
majahops said:
Tough choice. UCLA is probably a better school academically and research-wise, but UVA has a more socially-adjusted student body. Tough choice, but a good one to have.
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I know nothing about the people at UVa, but I know people from the class of 2012 at UCLA, and they're very well socially adjusted, and the class does a lot of socializing/partying. Maybe you just met one of few students who aren't very social, but you're definitely over-generalizing here.
 
Okay guys, I'm COMPLETELY stuck. I've never felt so unsure about a decision in my life. Both schools seem so different but EQUAL. I hope to god that this decision doesn't come down to a coin toss. I've changed my mind at least 8 times in the past week or two. I've revised my thoughts on the schools in the original post.

I was more impressed with UCLA but felt more comfortable at UVA, and that I may have more fun there. Classmates at UCLA were cool, the city and school offers all kinds of opportunities and they have a huge, diverse, interesting population in LA. I love the hispanic population and the overall craziness in los angeles. Westwood, the UCLA campus, and the housing are all incredibly beautiful. UCLA's hospitals run the show in LA and one could find their niche in a million different areas.

I would be completely sold on UCLA but while I was there things seemed a bit... lonely. There weren't as many social activities and students didn't seem to know their classmates as well. The weyburn housing seemed really quiet. I could be wrong but it just didn't seem as fun of a school as UVA. Learning medicine is hard, and I don't know if I could make it without feeling really close with my classmates. UCLA 2013'ers, tell me how damn good a time were going to have!

A secondary concern is the amount of PBL. I'm confident that I wouldn't get much out of it. The amount of PBL plus the write-up every week would amount to 8 hours. That's a sizeable amount of time that could be better spent. However, this factor is not a deal breaker

UVA doesn't have the opportunities but it seemed more close, friendly and fun.

I've talked to a million students at both schools but I really can't put one school ahead of the other. I don't know what to do.
 
I cant really attest as a student of one of these schools but I have some inside perspective on UVA. I attended there for undergrad and it was the best years of my life so far. But that was undergrad. When it came down to medical school, I was accepted to UVA but turned it down to attend a school with a lesser reputation in a bigger city. Why? If you intend on practicing urban medicine or just seeing a more varied population, you are going to see very little at UVA. Charlottesville, as beautiful and pristine as it is, is in a bubble. Their clinical rotations are in mainly rural regions, and though they do produce exceptional doctors, that urban experience is sorely lacking. THats something that you will probably find at UCLA, and with family being on the west coast, those long flights during the few breaks you have in medical school can be hard and it might be easier to be close to home. Not to mention, flying out of charlottesville is a hassle in itself and very expensive. It really should be more personal for you in what you are looking to get out of 4 years and what your priorities are. Dont even worry about reputation or match lists or crap like that. These are both comparably great schools, in great locations. Do what you gotta do.
 
Uva!
 
DaBears5 said:
I cant really attest as a student of one of these schools but I have some inside perspective on UVA. I attended there for undergrad and it was the best years of my life so far. But that was undergrad. When it came down to medical school, I was accepted to UVA but turned it down to attend a school with a lesser reputation in a bigger city. Why? If you intend on practicing urban medicine or just seeing a more varied population, you are going to see very little at UVA. Charlottesville, as beautiful and pristine as it is, is in a bubble. Their clinical rotations are in mainly rural regions, and though they do produce exceptional doctors, that urban experience is sorely lacking. THats something that you will probably find at UCLA, and with family being on the west coast, those long flights during the few breaks you have in medical school can be hard and it might be easier to be close to home. Not to mention, flying out of charlottesville is a hassle in itself and very expensive. It really should be more personal for you in what you are looking to get out of 4 years and what your priorities are. Dont even worry about reputation or match lists or crap like that. These are both comparably great schools, in great locations. Do what you gotta do.
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This is very good advice. Thank you very much! I have the same concerns about UVA's clinical training too. It just seemed so fun there 🙂
 
DaBears5 said:
I cant really attest as a student of one of these schools but I have some inside perspective on UVA. I attended there for undergrad and it was the best years of my life so far. But that was undergrad. When it came down to medical school, I was accepted to UVA but turned it down to attend a school with a lesser reputation in a bigger city. Why? If you intend on practicing urban medicine or just seeing a more varied population, you are going to see very little at UVA. Charlottesville, as beautiful and pristine as it is, is in a bubble. Their clinical rotations are in mainly rural regions, and though they do produce exceptional doctors, that urban experience is sorely lacking. THats something that you will probably find at UCLA, and with family being on the west coast, those long flights during the few breaks you have in medical school can be hard and it might be easier to be close to home. Not to mention, flying out of charlottesville is a hassle in itself and very expensive. It really should be more personal for you in what you are looking to get out of 4 years and what your priorities are. Dont even worry about reputation or match lists or crap like that. These are both comparably great schools, in great locations. Do what you gotta do.
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Richmond is an hour away and Washington Dulles is 2, so I disagree.
 
DaBears5 said:
.
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However, the first two years are spent in the classroom, and fourth year, from what I understand, is mostly screwing around and away rotations. Med students probably know so little during third year that seeing ANY kind of patients might be sufficient? It's all new to them anyway. Right? I would think that patient diversity in residency would TRUMP pacient diversity in medical school. Yay or nay?
 
forevrundecided said:
However, the first two years are spent in the classroom, and fourth year, from what I understand, is mostly screwing around and away rotations. Med students probably know so little during third year that seeing ANY kind of patients might be sufficient? It's all new to them anyway. Right? I would think that patient diversity in residency would TRUMP pacient diversity in medical school. Yay or nay?
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Now you are thinking - the above poster who turned down UVA for more "urban" medical experiences is wrong about how important this factor should be, if it should even be a consideration in picking med school in the first place.

If you really feel like you are missing out on big city mayhem, then do an away rotation at Wayne State...

Don't over think med school. If cost is not your deciding factor, or nearness to family or a SO, then go with your gut...go to UVA.
 
flip26 said:
Charlottesville is consistently at the top of those "best places to live" lists, and has been rated #1 many times. It scores high for families, for work, for schools, for access to culture, outdoor activities, climate, and health care...
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Sounds like a place for old people with families :laugh: i don't go to either school, but this is my advice:
I would go to LA, since you can meet more hot slutty girls. Plus, it is a pass, no pass school. You don't have to study as hard, and you will have much more time to meet people, esp hot slutty blonde girls. If you are a TRUE NERD, which means you will never likely to get a hot girl, then go ahead and pick UVa.
 
HPSPpayissues said:
Sounds like a place for old people with families :laugh: i don't go to either school, but this is my advice:
I would go to LA, since you can meet more hot slutty girls. Plus, it is a pass, no pass school. You don't have to study as hard, and you will have much more time to meet people, esp hot slutty blonde girls. If you are a TRUE NERD, which means you will never likely to get a hot girl, then go ahead and pick UVa.
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haha who are you? funny stuff. Charlottesville definitely DOES seem to have its share of hot slutty girls. But I digress.

Both are pass/no pass BTW. UCLA does have secret little scary written evaluations all over the place though..
 
why so much emphasis on having "fun"? lol

We are going to med school to learn medicine.....not to party. I would focus on some more tangible aspects of the school/area. But in terms of the comfort factor, I think that's incredibly important....

In terms of the range and depth of clinical exposure, UVA isn't close to UCLA. Besides, UCLA isn't exactly in the middle of nowhere either....its in Westwood on the Westside of LA. Not exactly the most boring place in America. 👍

IMO, UCLA trumps UVA on all accounts...socially, education, name, etc. BUT, comfort is really important so go where you'll fit in best

As to the # of hours spent in class, classroom contact is limited to 24 hrs a week.......I doubt other schools give you that much independent time to pursue other interests. As far as I understand it, PBL is M/F from 8-10 plus a write-up due Wednesday. Lecture and small groups take up the rest of the time. Tu/W/Th class starts at 10am....not bad
 
apparently pre-meds think med students regularly pick up hot slutty girls
 
bobdogsam43 said:
why so much emphasis on having "fun"? lol

We are going to med school to learn medicine.....not to party. I would focus on some more tangible aspects of the school/area. But in terms of the comfort factor, I think that's incredibly important....

In terms of the range and depth of clinical exposure, UVA isn't close to UCLA. Besides, UCLA isn't exactly in the middle of nowhere either....its in Westwood on the Westside of LA. Not exactly the most boring place in America. 👍

IMO, UCLA trumps UVA on all accounts...socially, education, name, etc. BUT, comfort is really important so go where you'll fit in best

As to the # of hours spent in class, classroom contact is limited to 24 hrs a week.......I doubt other schools give you that much independent time to pursue other interests. As far as I understand it, PBL is M/F from 8-10 plus a write-up due Wednesday. Lecture and small groups take up the rest of the time. Tu/W/Th class starts at 10am....not bad
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Seriously? That's all there is man. You only live life once. Both schools grant MD degrees. Once that is surpassed, I start to look for other things
 
forevrundecided said:
Seriously? That's all there is man. You only live life once. Both schools grant MD degrees. Once that is surpassed, I start to look for other things
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Charlottseville is great for undergrads and retirees, not med students who want a full range of clinical exposure at a top tertiary medical center.
 
UCLA is awesome. Few places like Westwood. Very lively. ONLY downside is traffic and parking. If you're ok with big cities then you'd be in heaven. Lots of activities and nightlife happening (maybe a bad thing because it can be distracting if you let yourself). The people are very open-minded and friendly.
 
wcbcruzer said:
UCLA is awesome. Few places like Westwood. Very lively. ONLY downside is traffic and parking. If you're ok with big cities then you'd be in heaven. Lots of activities and nightlife happening (maybe a bad thing because it can be distracting if you let yourself). The people are very open-minded and friendly.
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I agree. Westwood and UCLA are awesome. Probably more awesome than Charlottesvile. If it was any other school than UVA I would choose it in a heartbeat. I just had a feeling there. It's kind of a head vs heart decision. ughh👎
 
Bryson17 said:
Richmond is an hour away and Washington Dulles is 2, so I disagree.
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If you dont have a car or someone to drive you to the airport, getting to Richmond or Dulles or even just getting back to Charlottesville is a hassle . There is no public transpo route AT ALL. I would know, I've done it many a time over the course of 4 years. It still would be much easier flying out of LAX.

And as for urban medicine not making a difference until your 4th year? I wholly disagree. I have had more opportunity to get good clinical experience just by working in the free clinics that are common place in urban settings and I'm only in my first year. I wouldnt have received much of that opportunity in Charlottesville. So at least I will be a little more prepared for my 3rd year rotations than someone who has barely had any clinical contact in the first two years. Its not about the "mayhem" its about the diverse clinical population you will see and the trends in health disparities you would get a better grasp of because of that diversity. You will get more of that in the LA area than Charlottesville and surrounding rural VA.
 
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