UMass v Tufts (MD/MBA considerations)

[Caring4Vets]

Thank you in advance for the help/insight. I am deciding between Tufts and UMass. The caveat to this is that I am strongly considering the dual MD/MBA programs at both schools. I am older so I am less willing to wait to do an MBA after graduation. I have not heard back regarding financial aid packages yet so I am assuming UMass will be half the cost of Tufts.

UMass
Pros

• In-state tuition
• Although this is a top primary care school, my current interests lie in surgery programs (general or plastics)
• People seemed down-to-earth and not spoiled
• US News rankings are better. Should I care?

Cons

• Less prestigious MBA program at UMass Lowell via mainly online courses. This is a new program this coming year. They claim this can be done in 4 years as well but would allow for flexibility to complete in 5 years. If the MBA program was with Isenberg school of Management at Umass Amherst this whole decision would be a no brainer.
• In Worcester (not much going on there but still close to Boston)
• Lower cost of living.
• Seems slightly less strong reputation in surgery

Tufts MD/MBA program
Pros

• Well established MD/MBA. Heller School of Management focuses on healthcare management and social policy which is super inspiring to me.
• In Boston (hometown)
• Strong reputation locally especially within surgery specialties
• Stronger research programs in bioengineering
• Better hospital affiliations

Cons

• Start early June which would significantly limit my waitlist opportunities at Penn, Stanford, Sinai, Mayo (AZ). Is it worth it to wait?
• More expensive tuition
• Higher cost of living

Summary: I have tried to speak with as many surgeons as possible. The consensus seems to be that it doesn't matter where you go to medical school (obviously outside of the top top programs) rather it matters what you do and how well your grades are in school. Since these schools seem very similar I am leaning towards UMass because it is cheaper, however, I am disappointed that the MBA is much less prestigious. Any thoughts are welcomed!

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[pbsdrinkingwhale]

Tufts if you're dedicated to the MBA

 

[noddy1234]

The schools your waitlisted at are all really good and I would be nervous about potentially passing up an offer. However, it's not a given. UMASS grads match at all the big Boston hospitals like MGH, BI and BW so UMASS can also get you where you want to go.

 

[Arsartium]

You have excellent choices. Congratulations.

Surgical residencies tend to include research years during which you can obtain secondary degrees, including a MBA (often fully funded). Furthermore, med school graduates are incredibly competitive applicants to business schools. You could very easily end up doing your MBA at Stanford, Harvard, Penn, etc. Why is it so important to you that you receive your MBA as part of a dual degree program? You cite your age as a reason, but you'll be training in a long surgical residency anyway. Furthermore, your MBA coursework during MD may take time away from other opportunities for enhancing your residency application (e.g. research). From what I understand (very limited, mind you), your dual degree only matters in as much as what you accomplish in terms of projects/research.

And what about your waitlists? You have some very strong possibilities for MD/MBA. Stanford and Penn are obvious, but even Mayo is fostering a partnership with Wharton. Yes, if you work hard, you can get wherever you want to go. But at these other waitlist options even the bottom of the class secures competitive residencies. Just look at Stanford's most recent Match list. And it is P/F all 4 years! (except for dual degree grad courses)

EDIT: Depending on the price differential, I'd plan on UMass and keep options on your waitlist as long as possible.

 

[puahate]

Your WL options are so good. I would wait a bit.