UCSF vs. Mt. Sinai vs. Case Western

[brainrottt]

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Hi everyone,

I’m incredibly fortunate to have received acceptances to some amazing programs! Since I’m the first in my family to pursue medicine, I don’t really have anyone in my immediate circle to discuss these options with—so I’d love to hear any feedback or insights you might have.

I’m currently interested in pediatrics and neurology, but I’m open to exploring other specialties down the line. I would preferably like to match to the New England area after med school. Here’s what I’m considering:

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UCSF (Still waiting on financial aid)

Pros:

• T5 program​
• Big city environment with great public transportation—no need to worry about getting a car immediately​
• Pass/Fail all 4 years​
• 1.5-year preclinical (which feels like a happy medium)​
• Strong research focus and reputation​
• Opportunity to explore a new area since I’ve always lived on the East Coast​
• Heard the culture is chill and collaborative​
• Amazing weather​

Cons:

• Very far from my support system on the East Coast (but could match back for residency?)​
• High cost of living​
• No subsidized housing​

​

Mt. Sinai (Financial aid package = $58K/year)

Pros:

• T20 program​
• A few hours' drive from home​
• Pass/Fail and 1.5-year preclinical​
• Great location—lots of food and things to do​
• Offers subsidized housing​

Cons:

• Not as prestigious in medicine as UCSF​
• NYC feels a bit overwhelming based on past visits—but maybe it gets better with time?​
• Cost of attendance is ~$99K, so I’d still need to take out loans since my family can’t provide significant financial support. (Does anyone know if Sinai negotiates financial aid?)​

​

Case Western (Still waiting on financial aid)

Pros:

• Pass/Fail​
• Strong research opportunities​
• Multiple hospitals to rotate through​

Cons:

• Not a great location—public transportation isn’t ideal​
• Highest COA​
• Harsh winters​
• 2-year preclinical (longer than I’d like)​
• On the East Coast, but still not very close to home​
• Not as prestigious as the other two programs​

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If anyone has thoughts on the culture, matching outcomes, or overall vibe at any of these schools, I’d really appreciate your input!

 

[deleted1180326]

disclaimer: sinai WL

I would wait to see how the UCSF financial aid package turns out, knowing that you can switch to in-state tuition after M1 year! If it is cheaper or only marginally more expensive, I would go to UCSF!! Strong program and P/F for clinicals is amazing!

Idk much about these programs, unfortunately, but I have a friend at UCSF who loves it, finds lots of balance, and overall seems really happy!

 

[brainrottt]

disclaimer: sinai WL

I would wait to see how the UCSF financial aid package turns out, knowing that you can switch to in-state tuition after M1 year! If it is cheaper or only marginally more expensive, I would go to UCSF!! Strong program and P/F for clinicals is amazing!

Idk much about these programs, unfortunately, but I have a friend at UCSF who loves it, finds lots of balance, and overall seems really happy!

Thank you for your input! I didn't realize I could make that switch to in-state tuition because their website says, "If you are in California solely for educational purposes, you will not be considered to have established a residence for tuition purposes, regardless of the length of your stay." But if anyone else has experience doing that after moving from the East Coast, I would love to know!

 

[deleted1180326]

Thank you for your input! I didn't realize I could make that switch to in-state tuition because their website says, "If you are in California solely for educational purposes, you will not be considered to have established a residence for tuition purposes, regardless of the length of your stay." But if anyone else has experience doing that after moving from the East Coast, I would love to know!

I think its all about intention! Ie, if you switch your voter registration, license, etc to show that you are living in Cali, it counts! California Residency | UCSF Office of the Registrar

"Demonstrating Intent
Your intent to be a California resident is judged by your actions. You must show, by the actions you take after you move to California, that you are present in California because you intend to reside here indefinitely, as opposed to being in California to go to school. Acts that may indicate your intent to make California your permanent home include, but are not limited to: establishing a home in California in which your personal belonging are kept; designating California as your permanent address on all records; registering to vote and voting in California elections; registering your vehicle in California and obtaining a California driver license; filing income tax returns in California and other states in a manner consistent with your claim of residence in California; remaining in California during non-instructional periods; establishing bank accounts in California; and the absence of these and any other indications of residence in other states or countries during any period for which you claim California residence."

 

[brainrottt]

That’s very helpful, thank you so much!!

 

[Mr. Macrophage]

Based on your pros and cons, unless Case Western is substantially cheaper, I wouldn’t be considering them. You just don’t seem quite as excited about them as you do Sinai and UCSF.

If you wanted to stay in California for residency, I would definitely be leaning UCSF. It has insane inbreeding and is even known as “U Can Stay Forever”. However, Sinai has a fantastic reputation as well, especially in the northeast. With regional bias in mind, I don’t think there is a prestige or match list difference between the two programs. It’s hard to know for sure, as UCSF refuses to publicly release their 2024 or 2025 match list.

As the curriculums are equal, I would attend second look for both programs and focus on the vibes of the students, admin, and surrounding area. Where do you see yourself fitting in more? You should also of course focus on the financial aspects. If one program ends up being much cheaper than the others, I’d pick that one!

 

[brainrottt]

Thank you, Mr. Macrophage! Yes, I’m definitely planning to attend second looks at both Sinai and UCSF to see if that helps me fall in love with one program over the other. My mentors have advised me to explore life on the West Coast—if I love it, it’ll be easier to stay, but if not, I hope that attending UCSF will still keep doors open on the East Coast so I can eventually move closer to family for residency.
Also, congratulations on such a successful cycle. Wishing you the best of luck in medical school!