UF vs UCF (20k cheaper)

[dnalwoh]

Loved both interview days and just went to second looks -- overall I feel like my heart is at UF but better financial aid package at UCF. Posted earlier in the cycle, but have more information now.

UF
Pros

• Shands is a great academic facility
• Established student run clinics that I'm interested in
• Amazing community -- felt so welcomed by everyone, loved the vibe of the class
• Gainesville has been home for the past several years
• Pass/fail
• Probably better clinical experiences/better 3rd and 4th year opportunities
• Great research opportunities
• Great match lists
• Comparatively, there's more diversity in healthcare here than in Lake Nona

Cons

• No scholarship // $$$
• I've heard that students feel more stressed when it comes to step studying since the curriculum is less step-focused
• It seems like administration is taking a long time to communicate with students

UCF
Pros

• $12,000/year scholarship -- cost was already 7k cheaper so there's nearly a 20k difference per year
• Amazing step scores/match lists
• Nemours is awesome- I have pediatric interest
• Close to home -- my parents live nearby
• separate campus from undergrad
• I've heard the first two years are more comprehensive here
• Dean German/all the administration are incredible

Cons

• Just lost relationship with Orlando Health/Florida Hospital -- as a result, will likely have to travel farther for clinical rotations, most will be at smaller clinics
• A/B/C/F
• Didn't feel like I vibed as well with the students at Second Look

Summary: Feel like I could very well end up in the same position to succeed from both programs, might be happier at UF but the financial aid at UCF is hard to turn down.

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[Hirro]

Hey, sorry to hear you didn't feel as good as you did during the UCF Second Look!

I was there and had a great time. No idea if I met you since there were so many other students there! That said, I think that, based on what you just described, you'll be happy at either location. Like the M1 said during their student panel, I'm also not really worried about the rotation sites so I don't feel you should be too worried about it. There are tons of options if you're trying to keep all sites local (though spots may be more competitive? possibly? Might want to ask Rel to be sure).

I think that, at the end of the day, you need to ask yourself: are you willing to give up 20k/yr to stay in Gainesville and ensure you're absolutely comfortable with your environment (both school, classmate(s), and city-wise). Once you know the answer to that, I think the decision will come pretty easy to you. Best of luck!