Hi, I have gotten into two of these schools and I am waiting to hear back from the third, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. All three have similar characteristics that I am looking for in a program and it has been hard for me to make a decision. Right now I am looking to specialize in oncology / hematology so I want to be able to make a decision that would help me reach that goal. Any insight would incredibly helpful!
UC - San Diego
Pros
Indiana University
Pros
UC - Irvine
Pros
I really like all these schools, so any advice or new perspectives into these programs would be appreciated!
UC - San Diego
Pros
- Near my family / have only lived in the Southwest so I know the region for the most part
- Great research opportunities
- Free clinic opportunities
- Value system and school focus
- Only medical school in that region therefore it would be really valuable if I make good connections there
- I could see myself living and wanting to stay in that area
- OOS tuition / living expenses
- Hard to get a good answer regarding the actual med school community and support system in place for the students
Indiana University
Pros
- The campus placement system means that I will have a small class size (trying to go to Bloomington campus if I can) which means closer relationships with mentors
- Have talked to some students and they love it. Everyone had really good things to say about their experience their
- Scholarly concentrations fit my interests really well
- I feel like I could also make really good connections at this school and really excel here
- Values / community / mission
- Plenty of volunteer and leadership opportunities
- The school has been very open with their communication which I really like
- I have never been to the midwest or lived in a very small town.
- My closet family lives in the Northwest US
- OOS tuition .. but living in a smaller town means less expensive living costs
- Being at a campus aside from Indianapolis (main campus) might make some parts of medical school difficult
- Super large class size, but it is separated across the campuses
UC - Irvine
Pros
- Family in the area that I can live with
- Community / values / mission
- Lots of networking and research opportunities in my area of interest
- Opportunities for work within the community
- I really like the curriculum
- Best interview experience by far
- Tuition expenses
- Living expenses if I do not live with family
I really like all these schools, so any advice or new perspectives into these programs would be appreciated!