UCSD or Chicago for next 4 years? (UCSD is undergrad school)

[ucsdhibiscus]

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I grew up in Vegas and came to UCSD for undergrad because I love San Diego. I graduated about a year ago - some time off to apply and have fun. Now I'm down to U of Chicago and UCSD as my two choices to medical school. Here are some of my ideas...

- Chicago would be a great new experience.
- But I know I love SD so why leave? I love the weather, the city, and the activities to do.
- I will have the comforts of 'home' and friends while I'm stressed out during med school (and not having to learn a new city).
- UCSD is ranked just above Chicago in US News.
- Both schools are more lecture based first year, with organ based lecture/pbl second year
- Chicago uses standardized patients first year. UCSD learns the info first year (with some practice) and works with real patients second year.

I would appreciate any input! I just go back and forth between both options. 😕 Thanks!

 

[RySerr21]

san diego all the way baby. i'm biased tho cuz im a san diego native 🙂. but really tho, i couldnt imagine turning down a chance to live in san diego and get a fabulous education. of course i know there are other factors.....but yea...go san diego!

 

[thedookie]

Unless you're paying instate tuition, I would go to UChicago. Why pay private tuition for public education? Also, the facilities at UChicago are better and in my opinion, Chicago is the best city to live in (nightlife, sports, etc).

 

[EpiPEN]

so it seems you listed a bunch of reasons to go to UCSD and very little reason to go to chicago U.

I think the choice is obvious here

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Which ever Cheapest.

 

[lord_jeebus]

There seems to be a lot of UCSD threads this year!

The cheaper one is the correct answer. Even if you're out of state for UCSD now, you should be in-state in a year or two if you play your cards right (ie. look up the criteria for in-state tuition and do what needs to be done to meet them).

"I know I love San Diego so why leave?" - I had originally planned on going to a big national name for residency, but this thought is keeping me here for residency, and quite likely for life.

 

[neurofreak]

Which ever Cheapest.

👍

Although if they both come out to be the same cost (due to financial aid and whatnot), then i'd probably choose Chicago. It's a great school and the opportunities/personal attention you would get are probably better than that of a public school. And I'm speaking as someone who's gone to public school my whole life.

Plus, I'd be great to experience something new, live in a different city for 4 years, and come back to CA afterwards.

 

[lord_jeebus]

I should add that -

Going to UCSD puts you at a major advantage for almost all if not all UCSD residency programs. The connections you make in a UCSD residency programs puts you at a major advantage for jobs in San Diego. Consider your goals - if "a career in San Diego" is one, coming to UCSD makes sense even if it costs more.

When I went on interviews around the country, residents at several programs all over the country would brag about how a couple of guys were able to get a good job in San Diego (before learning I went to UCSD). These same residents would then tell me I would be out of my mind not to stay at UCSD for residency. National names are great when you don't know where you want to be, but if you do know, it is to your advantage to stay there.

Doing an away rotation here will not give you nearly the same edge when applying for residency.

 

[searun]

Chicago is a better city and Chicago is a better school, but if UCSD is substantially cheaper, then do the Cali thing. If money is not an issue, do yourself a favor, and go to Chicago.

 

[Monkey House]

Maybe its just me, but I did not find the area around U Chicago a place I would want to live. The train station for the school was something out of a horror movie and there were no stores or places to eat that I could find. Granted the school is great, but I do not think that the living arrangements are that awesome and border on scary.

 

[nevercold]

Chicago is a better city and Chicago is a better school, but if UCSD is substantially cheaper, then do the Cali thing. If money is not an issue, do yourself a favor, and go to Chicago.

Hmm. I think the OP pointed out that UCSD was actually one spot higher in this year's US News & World Report rankings. The rankings aren't all that good to go by, but I think it at least suggests that you can't assert that UChicago is the better school so easily. I think you could also make quite a case for San Diego being the better city, unless of course you don't like mountains, beaches, or sunshine and 60-80 degrees in addition to the urban amenities.

 

[go lakers]

if you have IS tuition, go to ucsd.

if not, go to uchicago... esp because i'm on the waitlist @ sd 🙂

 

[searun]

There is a reason why Chicago is called "the Second City." Because it is the second best city after New York. No one have ever referred to San Diego as the Second City or even second runner up. There is a reason for that.

 

[MarathonsRcool]

wow, chicago all the way. im all about school pride and everything, so i always support the schools with more tradition, pride etc...and u chicago has amazing tradition. the uc's in general lack tradition, unless you are talking about la and berk. thats just my say...take it for what its worth, which isnt much.

 

[Monkey House]

wow, chicago all the way. im all about school pride and everything, so i always support the schools with more tradition, pride etc...and u chicago has amazing tradition. the uc's in general lack tradition, unless you are talking about la and berk. thats just my say...take it for what its worth, which isnt much.

1962 - University of California Regents approve medical school for San Diego campus.

UCSD SOM has only been around for 56 years.

Chicago started medicine in 1898....110 years ago.

So of course the school with 110 years has more tradition....this is just common sense. Now lets look at what school has done more with its time. Chicago has been around almost twice as long as UCSD but is it twice as good a school? Most people would say no ... even that pesky US News would say no too.

 

[MarathonsRcool]

1962 - University of California Regents approve medical school for San Diego campus.

UCSD SOM has only been around for 56 years.

Chicago started medicine in 1898....110 years ago.

So of course the school with 110 years has more tradition....this is just common sense. Now lets look at what school has done more with its time. Chicago has been around almost twice as long as UCSD but is it twice as good a school? Most people would say no ... even that pesky US News would say no too.

umm, why are you attacking me? i know chicago has been around longer. so has harvard, that why it has more tradition than both. the school spirit and sense of pride amongst the alumni is what i am talking about. u know, i actually was a ucsd undergrad for 2 years b4 transferring out to columbia. there was really no school pride, the campus was dead. thats all im saying. and i am talking about the school in general, not just the med school. not once have i walked around and heard a "go tritons" while wearing my ucsd gear, but the pride and tradition of being a columbia grad is apparent when i walk around and hear "go lions".or a random handshake from an alumni just walking around....same im sure for chicago.but if you dont care about this type of thing, then good for you. but i do.. call me esoteric, elitist, whatever..i am who i am and i enjoy being part of such tradition.

 

[lord_jeebus]

There is a reason why Chicago is called "the Second City." Because it is the second best city after New York. No one have ever referred to San Diego as the Second City or even second runner up. There is a reason for that.

Google "America's finest city" 😀

 

[Doctor Doogie]

UChicago, better city, better facilities and it has a better reputation (world wide).

 

[searun]

Google "America's finest city" 😀

New York is America's greatest city, obviously. But Chicago deserves its props. We are not talking about a Chamber of Commerce award here, we are discussing culture, financial institutions, art, education, and historical significance, not sunshine and golf courses and country clubs and bikinis. Please.

 

[ihatescience]

New York is America's greatest city, obviously. But Chicago deserves its props. We are not talking about a Chamber of Commerce award here, we are discussing culture, financial institutions, art, education, and historical significance, not sunshine and golf courses and country clubs and bikinis. Please.

Beaches + skimpy suits >>>>> culture, financial institutions, art, education, and historical significance [IMO]

My take is UCSD-- amazing location and amazing school.

 

[remo]

Chicago is a cool city and all....but after your 64th day in a row of sub-freezing temps and gray skies you might miss sunny La Jolla and the 45 min flight to Vegas.

 

[MarathonsRcool]

ahhh socal. i think the most educated conversation i had while there outside to confines of campus was which whitening strips worked best, which artificial tan was most authentic and how the fit of my jeans are so amazing....gah, i was about to shoot myself after the first week.

 

[Monkey House]

ahhh socal. i think the most educated conversation i had while there outside to confines of campus was which whitening strips worked best, which artificial tan was most authentic and how the fit of my jeans are so amazing....gah, i was about to shoot myself after the first week.

clearly, you understand what a balanced view you got? =D

 

[deOxysnOoks]

i'm kind of in the same boat as the op
i've been in so cal all my life so i kind of wanted to try something different for the next 4 years

i like change so i really can't see myself at my undergrad institution (UCLA) for med school even though it has a great program

why don't you wait for the financial aid packages to come down? also, you should go to both second looks. ucsd is this weekend, so maybe i'll see you there!

 

[MarathonsRcool]

clearly, you understand what a balanced view you got? =D

haha, yeah

 

[RySerr21]

There is a reason why Chicago is called "the Second City." Because it is the second best city after New York. No one have ever referred to San Diego as the Second City or even second runner up. There is a reason for that.

"America's Finest City"............San Diego, CA.

 

[EpiPEN]

"America's Finest City"............San Diego, CA.

Don't bother with it ryserr21, searun is a lost cause on this subject (though I still think he's an okay guy... in a completely non homosexual kind of way 😀 ). The rest of the people in the world don't need convincing to see the truth.

 

[searun]

Don't bother with it ryserr21, searun is a lost cause on this subject (though I still think he's an okay guy... in a completely non homosexual kind of way 😀 ). The rest of the people in the world don't need convincing to see the truth.

Actually, I am kidding about San Diego. I just like to play Devil's Advocate sometimes. I certainly concede that San Diego has alluring charms and UCSD is a fine school. Personally, I would prefer New York City, Boston, or Chicago, but that is just me. I certainly understand why people would be attracted to going to med school in San Diego.

 

[killinsound]

san diego has one of the best climates in the nation. (unless you like the cold)

if you have friends and family here, and you already love it here, i don't see a reason to go to UChicago. The rankings are SO close that it doesnt matter which way you choose. These schools' reputition will not keep you out of any residencies.

 

[copperfrog09]

so it seems you listed a bunch of reasons to go to UCSD and very little reason to go to chicago U.

I think the choice is obvious here

I saw the same thing.. every support for UChicago has been provided by someone other than the OP. Sounds like you have already made up your mind, you ust don't know it yet. Go with your gut.

 

[EpiPEN]

Actually, I am kidding about San Diego. I just like to play Devil's Advocate sometimes. I certainly concede that San Diego has alluring charms and UCSD is a fine school. Personally, I would prefer New York City, Boston, or Chicago, but that is just me. I certainly understand why people would be attracted to going to med school in San Diego.

Aw... don't turn soft on me now Searun, who am I going to get into these time consuming but ultimately pointless forum arguments with? 😀

 

[ucsdhibiscus]

I keep going back and forth.

I love San Diego and can definitely see myself living here for a long long time. But Chicago would definitely be an experience. Just not sure if I want the experience now? I could always move for residency or when I'm a doctor and have more time to enjoy a city. So I guess its staying where I know I love and enjoy myself on the beach while in medical school or have a new experience but freeze my butt off.

I think the finances will be close, I got a good scholarship from Chicago but their tuition is higher and UCSD also gave me some good scholarships plus good loans. Although I haven't figured out the exact numbers yet.

 

[ucsdhibiscus]

i'm kind of in the same boat as the op
also, you should go to both second looks. ucsd is this weekend, so maybe i'll see you there!

I'll be there this weekend!

 

[Ella Shepherd]

I grew up in Vegas and came to UCSD for undergrad because I love San Diego. I graduated about a year ago - some time off to apply and have fun. Now I'm down to U of Chicago and UCSD as my two choices to medical school. Here are some of my ideas...

- Chicago would be a great new experience.
- But I know I love SD so why leave? I love the weather, the city, and the activities to do.
- I will have the comforts of 'home' and friends while I'm stressed out during med school (and not having to learn a new city).
- UCSD is ranked just above Chicago in US News.
- Both schools are more lecture based first year, with organ based lecture/pbl second year
- Chicago uses standardized patients first year. UCSD learns the info first year (with some practice) and works with real patients second year.

I would appreciate any input! I just go back and forth between both options. 😕 Thanks!

Go to UCSD! 😀 I love San Diego and you love it, too. Both are great schools but I think you should stay in the city you love. Go to UCSD. 😀