UCSF vs. Stanford

[Towelie]

I'm totally stealing this from the UCLA vs. UCSF thread, but I don't care.

I'm curious--which of the two bay area schools do you think is better? If you got into both, which would you go to?

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[szhao]

hypothetically, if i get into both, which is not likely to happen for either, i would go to stanford. my reasoning is because stanford has an undergraduate institution, that is important for me because i am interested in translation of basic science (computer science, mathematics, and etc) into medicine. UCSF, while great for medical and clinical research, does not surpase stanford in terms of location or basic science background.

 

[airshad8]

UCSF is more bang for the buck, and has a higher ranking...Stanford is prettier.

szhao, doesn't UCSF have a strong basic science graduate problem that would meet your needs? I don't know I can't really see Stanford having a UG mean a better basic science program. However, the UG offers a female population to get to know...and that is probably the only 'plus' I see of having a UG around.

I didn't apply to UCSF, but I'd pick it over Stanford.

 

[szhao]

UCSF is more bang for the buck, and has a higher ranking...Stanford is prettier.

szhao, doesn't UCSF have a strong basic science graduate problem that would meet your needs? I don't know I can't really see Stanford having a UG mean a better basic science program. However, the UG offers a female population to get to know...and that is probably the only 'plus' I see of having a UG around.

I didn't apply to UCSF, but I'd pick it over Stanford.

no its basic science is mainly structured around medicine, it have very little or none of computer science, math, or physics haha surprisingly my three majors. it does have biomedical informatics and biomedical engineering, but the stuff i want to do are lets say more unique and deverse, for example 3-D halographic imagining or smart hospitals.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

well I got rejected by both 🙂( ), but I'd pick Stanford. The scholarly concentration idea seems to be very nice for stuff to put on residency apps (Vandy copied it in their 'emphasis program')

 

[szhao]

well I got rejected by both 🙂( ), but I'd pick Stanford. The scholarly concentration idea seems to be very nice for stuff to put on residency apps (Vandy copied it in their 'emphasis program')

really sorry man, at least u got one acceptance

 

[QuantumMechanic]

really sorry man, at least u got one acceptance

I've lived in TN all my life, and guess what state both my damn acceptances are from?

UCLA is my dream...

 

[StartingOverZ]

I'd prefer to pay for in-state public school.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

I'd prefer to pay for in-state public school.

just make sure to check the bottom line after financial aid. I hear Stanford has some of the best aid in the country.

 

[BNSN]

I've lived in TN all my life, and guess what state both my damn acceptances are from?

UCLA is my dream...

Hey, Vandy and Tenn are both great schools...don't be down on yourself 🙂

 

[chaldobruin]

just make sure to check the bottom line after financial aid. I hear Stanford has some of the best aid in the country.

Thats correct, apparently stanford grads have the second lowest debt out of any medical grads in the country- check US News, its like high $60,000s. The lowest is the Uniformed Services Medical School in Maryland. (Debt= $0)

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Hey, Vandy and Tenn are both great schools...don't be down on yourself 🙂

I hadn't seen the ocean in years until I interviewed at UCLA...

 

[Golfing_Doc]

My reason: the combination of great clinical care and research opportinities coupled to the amazing city of SF. You want to be surrounded with amazing people as well as amazing things to do when you're not in school (theaters, shopping, pro sports, golden gate park, Sony Metreon, you name it). If you want rankings, UCSF has the best combined rankings for clinical and primary care in the country (only Baylor is even close ~10 ~10 vs ~5, ~5). Plus, having world class pharmacy, nursing, dental, physical therapy, etc schools nearby means there are lots of intelligent and driven people to meet and hang out with.

However, Stanford represents the 'ivy' league of the west coast with renown undergrad departments and a research intensive med school. Reputation alone (if you don't count their football team) accounts for Stanford even being comparable to UCSF. Plus, it has the palm tree lined boulevards of Palo Alto and the care free northern CA attitude (that appeals to some). However, the clinical sites as a med student do not compare to the UCSF med center, SF General, VA, etc. Although I'll admit that Lucille Packard Children's hospital has a very good reputation.

 

[notdeadyet]

You want to be surrounded with amazing people as well as amazing things to do when you're not in school (theaters, shopping, pro sports, golden gate park, Sony Metreon, you name it).

Just as a heads up, the Metreon is closing down and we just lost the 49ers to Santa Clara. Lots of other good reasons to love SF, though...

 

[photo_girl07]

so...UCSF V. Stanford.

Stanford seemed like a really awesome school for anyone interested in research...and although they are a private school, graduates have v. low debt (as mentioned above). Also, Stanford will support students with $$$ interested in teaching and research (two things that make my world go round) Plus, there is an undergrad institution and Palo Alto is a beautiful place to live (well...its no SF)

I'll be at UCSF in Jan...but from friends, I know that UCSF is also another amazing school with fantastic rotation opportunties. Plus, its SF...I'm so excited and look forward to seeing the school and the opportunities (any tips from UCSF interviewees?)

Just waiting...and wishing...hoping for some NORCAL love, oh yeah 🙂

 

[byong_soo]

i personally would prefer stanford because of great basic science research they have (as someone mentioned above). But UCSF also has a great basic science research.
If you are one of those few lucky/smart ones who are accepted to both schools, then there is really no 'better' school between the two. it would be how you like the environment, whose research fit you better, etc. (more of a personal preference thing)
I wish I were insuch dilemma. hehe

 

[Doctor&Geek]

The Metreon is closing? 🙁

 

[Golfing_Doc]

so...UCSF V. Stanford.

Stanford seemed like a really awesome school for anyone interested in research...and although they are a private school, graduates have v. low debt (as mentioned above). Also, Stanford will support students with $$$ interested in teaching and research (two things that make my world go round) Plus, there is an undergrad institution and Palo Alto is a beautiful place to live (well...its no SF)

I'll be at UCSF in Jan...but from friends, I know that UCSF is also another amazing school with fantastic rotation opportunties. Plus, its SF...I'm so excited and look forward to seeing the school and the opportunities (any tips from UCSF interviewees?)

Just waiting...and wishing...hoping for some NORCAL love, oh yeah 🙂

Just be yourself at UCSF. They start by showing off the amazing views from the library and then from the anatomy lab and then tell you that roughly 250 will be accepted out of the 500 interviewed. (Pretty good odds on paper and sets a good mood for the day.) The day is pretty poorly spaced out for the most part (some breaks and random times for interviews) but maybe it was just that the M1s just finished MTs and not very many people were around to talk to last week with the approaching holidays. It's a special place just to walk around and tour. They are good about showing you where you need to go though (b/c sometimes you may take a shuttle to your interview, i.e. if it's at the VA). The bummer is the 8 week wait!! G'luck!

 

[Towelie]

I would kill to go to either of these schools. 🙂

 

[KaraKiz]

well I got rejected by both 🙂( ), but I'd pick Stanford. The scholarly concentration idea seems to be very nice for stuff to put on residency apps (Vandy copied it in their 'emphasis program')

yo, UCSF has "Areas of Concentration" as well.

 

[diatom85]

ok i agree w/ other people. both are GREAT schools no matter what. education? research? you got it at both places.

i say the deciding factor would be location. palo alto and SF have very different vibes. personally i like the stanford environment better (very chill, but D1 football! i've been missing out on the sports action in college and i want it for grad school...). oh and of course money.

but considering i only have ucsf interview, that's my top choice so far. haha.

 

[notdeadyet]

The Metreon is closing? 🙁

Yeah, but it's a slow death. Sony already pulled out and most of the "cool" stores have closed (e.g. Where the Wild Things Are, How Things Work, Discovery, etc.).

 

[Chulito]

If you want rankings, UCSF has the best combined rankings for clinical and primary care in the country (only Baylor is even close ~10 ~10 vs ~5, ~5).

From US News and World Report 2006:

UCSF: R-4, PC-10
UWSOM: R-7, PC-1

Pretty comparable, I would say, and they are the only two schools consistently in the top 10 on both lists. (I had to give props to my home school.)

Regarding other posters, why are so many people touting Stanford research over UCSF research? Is it primarily because Stanford has a full array of non-medical sciences and UCSF doesn't? Is there something I've missed about Stanford? Stanford, to me, seems lopsided in favor of research over clinical medicine, while UCSF seems much more balanced without losing any of the research quality and opportunity. That is a huge draw for me. I didn't even apply to Stanford. But please educate me, since I may very well have to reapply next year, and I'd like to know whether I should give Stanford another look.

 

[Cirrus83]

I'd go to stanford, but that's only because I've always wanted to "Go to stanford" as a concept. So this isn't really based on a rational comparison.

To be honest I think they're basically a toss up, so I'd suggest just go to whichever one I liked the students or faculty or lunchroom or whatever better at.

Seeing as how I wouldn't have a shot at either school, this is a moot point.

Seriously how many people get into both (and can you adopt me so I have legacy?)

 

[Celeritus]

Just wanted to bump this b/c I'm in a situation where it would be helpful to have some perspective on this comparison. I've thought often about the "stanford vs. UCSF" question and have always come down in favor of UCSF for a variety of reasons - most mentioned so far, at least obliquely (most significantly, San Francisco location and the clinical rotation opps that naturally extend from this).

I've been fortunate to be granted interviews to both schools, and even more fortunate to have been accepted to UCSF a few weeks ago - so as my Stanford interview approaches, I'm debating withdrawing (since USCF is my preferred NorCal option, and it's very expensive for me to travel to CA).

So finally, my question (especially for those who've been to both schools): is there anything particularly glowing about Stanford (wrt USCF) that I may be overlooking - something I should know that may deter me from withdrawing from Stanford sight unseen?

Thanks in advance for any insights you all may have, and good luck to everyone.

 

[Dr_Berk]

UCSF really has everything Stanford has and more...except the undergrad girls maybe. But then I don't hear such good things about Stanford girls 😱 ladies...feel free to prove me wrong by posting pics...haha.

Also consider 4yrs vs. 5yrs

My status for UCSF: rejected presecondary... 🙁
My status for Stanford: awaiting rejection... 😛

 

[Celeritus]

Thanks, Dr Berk. any more thoughts on this? (see my question above). Thanks, everyone.

 

[Towelie]

Stanford is very cheap, they have a small class size (if you like that), probably more research opportunities than UCSF, a fantastic match list (better than UCSF's, in my opinion), and name recognition around the country rather than just on the west coast.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Stanford is very cheap, they have a small class size (if you like that), probably more research opportunities than UCSF, a fantastic match list (better than UCSF's, in my opinion), and name recognition around the country rather than just on the west coast.

seems like you answered your own question. I really doubt that either school has much of an inherent advantage over the other, but I'd go with Stanford.

 

[szhao]

at this point in time, i guess i will put my hopes into ucsf.

 

[ltrain]

Just wanted to bump this b/c I'm in a situation where it would be helpful to have some perspective on this comparison. I've thought often about the "stanford vs. UCSF" question and have always come down in favor of UCSF for a variety of reasons - most mentioned so far, at least obliquely (most significantly, San Francisco location and the clinical rotation opps that naturally extend from this).

I've been fortunate to be granted interviews to both schools, and even more fortunate to have been accepted to UCSF a few weeks ago - so as my Stanford interview approaches, I'm debating withdrawing (since USCF is my preferred NorCal option, and it's very expensive for me to travel to CA).

So finally, my question (especially for those who've been to both schools): is there anything particularly glowing about Stanford (wrt USCF) that I may be overlooking - something I should know that may deter me from withdrawing from Stanford sight unseen?

Thanks in advance for any insights you all may have, and good luck to everyone.

Why don't you go check it out? It will be a few hundred dollars to make the trip, but let's face it...you're about to spend thousands and thousands on med school. If you go interview at least you'll find out if you have a choice to make, and if you do you'll be better prepared to make it. At least for me, visiting schools has been very useful...I always get a vibe to go on.

I didn't apply to Stanford, but I've been to the campus many times. It's a campus. It's in the suburbs. It has a totally different feel from the UCSF urban campus. The location factor is completely subjective, though, as seen by the comments in this thread.

The only thing I'll disagree with from above is the national recognition. While the general public may tend to recognize Stanford more often, this won't be the case in the medical world...both schools will impress.

 

[etf]

this is quite possibly the toughest of the "vs." decisions to make. fortunately (actually, unfortunately) it's a decision that the majority of us (myself included) will never get to make.

 

[docmode]

You should definitely go to the Stanford interview too. The two schools both are excellent but have totally different feels to them. Personally, I like the feel of Stanford better. The atmosphere is what I like. The weather in Stanford is much better too. It is often very chilly and foggy at UCSF and the surroundings are not as safe. FOr residency I think UCSF would be a good choice with its city surroundings but for med school Stanford is fine. The University campus with all of its offerings is a plus for me too. Do yourself a favor and check Stanford out also. At second look you'll see they are quite different yet both great schools that attract quite different people. See where you fit in best!

 

[pyrois]

UCSF is more bang for the buck, and has a higher ranking...Stanford is prettier.

szhao, doesn't UCSF have a strong basic science graduate problem that would meet your needs? I don't know I can't really see Stanford having a UG mean a better basic science program. However, the UG offers a female population to get to know...and that is probably the only 'plus' I see of having a UG around.

I didn't apply to UCSF, but I'd pick it over Stanford.

Average Stanford debt is lower than that of UCSF. Stanford Unit Loan and financial aid are waaay better than UCSF (from sibling experience).

*whoops, totally resurrected a dead thread, sorry

 

[GoinBack2Cali?]

I would kill to go to either of these schools. 🙂

In the mail you will receive an envelope, it wil contain a picture of your target. IMPORTANT, do not disclose their identity to anyone . . .

 

[SeventhSon]

when i interviewed at stanford i got the impression that one reason the student debt is so low is because the students are from such rich families 😎