UM vs UF

Moving to Pre-Allo. Trying to decide which medical school to attend is a pre-med issue. Allopathic medical students read and respond to posts on Pre-Allo.

 

Former UF grad here.... I personally ended up choosing UF over UM, when i had the choice way back when. My take on UF is here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=2994598#post2994598 and reasons I ended up choosing UF over UM: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=4704765#post4704765

 

UF is a better school with higher rank, and is cheaper for in stater.

 

I don't know where UM ranks, but I doubt the difference between the two is signficant enough to be major decision factor.

Gainesville vs Miami --> Miami wins EVERY time.

 

From the point of money, and straight rankings UF is better. That being said. it really is a gut feeling with you. They both will help you with your goals. You will most likely be able to do at least a couple of rotations down in Miami if you really wanted to. I, personally, would choose UF. The money is the biggest reason....UF is pretty darn cheap for in-state...and heck...3 championships in a year span isn't bad either.

 

True--- Florida collegiate athletics has really been these last couple of yrs if you arent a Gator.

 

I'd choose UM...havent ever visited the facilities at UF.

I've been to UM a number of times and the faculty are really helpful and friendly. The students seem really at ease and not super stressed. The facilities seemes great.

 

One of the major factors in choosing between the two schools should be the impression you got when you went on your interview. Did you like the faculty you met? What about the students, did they seem content? Will you feel the pressure of a lot of competition at that school? I have heard horror stories about the fierce competition at UF. While at UM a lot of students are very laid back. In my class there is almost too much sharing of information between students-- too many people want to be helpful. Another question to ask is, "What makes each program shine?" One huge weight in favor of UM is the experience students get at Jackson Memorial Hospital. There just aren't many other hospitals in the US that compare to it-- UF's hospitals certainely do not compare. Another issue to consider is your personal learning/ studying style. Do you learn better from lectures or from small groups where you problem solve. UM has a mix of both, with the majority of teaching done in lectures. Another highlight is that our lectures are videotaped and uploaded to MP3 files. Some schools have a transcribing system set up by the students where each person will take their turn to write down every single word said by the professor. For some lectures this may be okay. But what about when a professor is literally pointing to a small detail on a slide that is critical to understanding a concept. If you can't see this in real time because you missed the lecture, or say you want to see it again, video is the best option. Plus you can also play the MP3 files on your iPods. Step 1 preparation is another difference between the two schools. I hear that UF really teaches to the boards to ensure their students do well (which is one reason they are ranked better than UM). UM does not believe in limiting your education to what will be tested on a minimal comprehension exam. While the weight of your Step 1 test scores is becoming increasingly more significant, your level of experience or letters of recommendation will sometimes be the deciding factor that opens the door to a residency program. Either way, UM still produces students that get top matches for residencies. Lastly, if you want patient experience from the beginning of your first year, you will definitely get it at UM.

All in all, go where you feel you will enjoy spending the next four years of your life. If you choose to go to a school where you will be miserable, the money won't make a difference to you.

Best wishes in your decision making.

 

Ekk I am also making this choice as well and the thing is w/ the money UM is giving me it will actually make it cheaper than going to UF...but of course UF is still a great school too, soo ???

 

Disagree with that statement. I am almost positive board scores are not factored into rankings. I also don't think the step 1 is a "minimal comprehension exam"..... if it was everybody would do well on it wouldn't they?

I agree that Jackson Memorial has alot going on... which UF hospitals may not. But I'm not sure being thrown into a hospital (which I know is what happens at Jackson Memorial) without sufficient teaching alongside you is that good for a student in the long run.

 

I'd choose UF. I've spent the last four years here, and I really don't like Gainesville, but then again I can't stand the city of Miami. Go to where you think the curriculum fits your learning style, and to where the school's strengths meet your interests.

In response to an earlier post, UF does tape classes and make them available online (though I think it's only audio). Also, the students here have been raving about their comaraderie, so I'm not sure how true the competition horror stories are (at least anymore). Finally, hospital-wise, Miami has the advantage, but at UF you would do some rotations in Jacksonville which does provide a similar city experience.

If you're interested in doing research, I'd probably choose UF. If not, I think both schools produce outstanding clinicians, so choose where you'd be happy. Good luck.

 

I too was deciding between UF and UM. Did you go to UFs second look? I just got back and after this weekend I'll be choosing UF. There are several reasons why I chose UF and Ill briefly mention a few of them here.

The faculty at UF are excellent in their field and excellent teachers. At the interview, at the second look the faculty (PhD and MD) came to speak. They took the time to come talk to us while at UM I never got to meet any of the faculty.

Price...For what I feel is a comparable 4yr education, I dont need to spend an extra 80k.

UM is also disadvantaged by not having a 2nd look. All the students I met this weekend were great and i can tell it will be a great class.

PM if you want, Ive been talking to several people Re: this for several months.

Bottom line...Go where you feel the most comfortable. Good Luck

 

Last year I chose UM over UF and felt it was a no-brainer. If you have no gut instinct like that, I'd imagine it's pretty tough to make a call. After a year in med school, all my friends that had applied last year will tell you a very similar story about their schools across the country-- some teachers are great, some are terrible. Some subjects are well organized and interesting, and some are a mess. Some clinical is worthwhile, some a giant waste of time. Some of your classmates (McMD) are total losers, some are great. They're probably not going to mention all those specifics at second look.

One thing I wouldnt look at is ranking (and this is coming from a complete rankings ***** last year). This isn't UF vs Hopkins here. No one outside, or inside of Florida knows or cares about the difference. I would imagine you could get linked up with the right people either way.

If money is an issue, often times UM will give UF acceptees comparable tuition, but if not, UF might be a better choice.

My feeling was based on the fact that medicine at UF seemed a bit more of an academic exercise (they toured us through the completely empty emergency room at UF, and at UM toured us through the 48 hour wait emergency room) and I flattered myself doctor of the people. That and I didn't want to turn 30 in gainesville. After a year at UM you honestly couldnt pay me enough to go to another medical school, even though there are elements of the ridiculous at UM I could live without.

That probably sorts nothing out, but for the record many in my class turned down UF, and I'm sure many at UF turned down UM. Tough call. They're both good. Except UF sucks. Just kidding. (seriously, it's the worst)

 

Agreed--- Step 1 is certainly not a minimal comprehension exam, and UF does a good job teaching the basic sci material and students do well on Step 1 as a result of this. The faculty is really committed to teaching and making sure you understand the material.

While Shands Jax is not the mammoth of a hospital that JMH is, it gives you a very urban experience in and of itself (its the urban teaching hospital in jacksonville). Lots of procedures and autonomy as a med student (The ER is crazy busy--- and runs a highly regarded residency).

 

My list of pros and cons from thinking about this same decision last year:

Miami:
-preferred the location (not a huge fan of the college town thing)
-smaller class (FAU campus)
-older class (more non-trads)
-seemed like an overall more diverse class to me
-cheaper (I had a scholarship)

UF:
-better school for research (although Miami is getting tons of $$ nowadays)
-safer area, which should especially not be discounted if you're a single female
-MUCH cheaper cost of living (also not to be discounted, since you're probably borrowing living expense $$)
-students seem really happy and motivated
-AWESOME technology (Stan)

In the end, Miami was so much cheaper for me that I decided I couldn't justify spending the money to go to UF. But I have to say that if money were no object, I'm not sure I'd have made the same decision. The irony is that I went to my UF interview with a bit of a chip on my shoulder and expecting to hate it. Instead, it was probably the best interview I had anywhere, and I was majorly impressed with everything about the school. I will probably reapply there for residency.

Best of to you with your decision, and don't sweat it too much. You have two great choices here; you can't go wrong with either school.

 

First of all
Congrats in your decision, i was also at second look and i'm definitely going to UF.

To the OP
I did't have to make that decision but when picking between my schools it came down to gut feeling.
you can't go wrong either way.
but you should go to UF, but I will say

I'm little biased

 

Great thread, I'm at this same decision point myself... I have an interest in research but I'm from Miami and they're offering a 20K scholarship. Also, I just found out from my folks back home that my UF fin aid letter just got there and they offerin 'bout 7K/semester... AH! I feel like everything's drawing me back to Miami but I feel I'd have slightly better research op's (and probably better board prep) @ UF.. decisions decisions

 

My decision ended today when I got UFs award letter. UF BABY! Finally someone is showing me some love. If UF is giving you 14K a yr, thats almost all your tuition right there. Not a bad deal but go with your gut as everyone and their mother always says on sdn.

 

I knew I was going to UF, now, with my award letter, there is no question.
GO GATORS!!
I think the future gators are hijacking this thread.