UMass vs. Tufts?

[isabellarcher]

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Just got a waitlist acceptance so it's time to make this decision quickly! I LOVED both schools when I interviewed, which makes this hard. Of course, the amazing price at UMass makes it easier. But I was just curious if anyone had any information about either school that might influence my decision!

Thanks for the help/advice in advance!! =)

 

[mdbound1987]

I personally loved Tufts when I interviewed there. The location, facilities, innovative curriculum, and the students are really laid-back/not cut-throat. The only downfall, depending on your personal financial situation of course, is that it's the most expensive school in the country. If you don't mind me asking, did you get off the waitlist at Tufts or UMass? I'm on it at Tufts and am curious if it is moving already. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Suenya]

Everyone I know is really happy at UMass. I don't know anyone from Tufts. Worcester is a meh place to live, but it's also pretty cheap. The price difference without interest is probably >$100k.

UMass was my top choice (the only MA school I would have considered over it was HMS and probably would have gone to UMass. Granted, they were the only ones that interviewed me, but that was my thought process going in too). I'd be interested in what about Tufts appeals to you moreso than UMass. Are you much more of a city person?

 

[JokerMD]

id go to UMass. Its cheaper, and Worcester is not THAT far away from Boston if you really want to go out for a night or whatever...

 

[Toadsworth]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=518768

UMass vs. Tufts thread from 2 app seasons ago. Most people favor UMass. Most of the information is still consistent with the exception of UMass' grading system. It is now pass/fail at least for the first year, which only helps UMass' case.

I would almost certainly choose UMass. Both have equal rep in medicine and will give you similar options going forward. They are only 40 min away from each other, granted Boston is much better. However, an important note that I think people fail to mention: While Tufts has a great hospital. I think it's at a slight disadvantage being in the greater Boston area as it competes with all the Harvard/BU affiliated hospitals for patients. UMass, on the other hand, pretty much serves all of western/central MA and competes with no other institutions. Thus, I think you'd get the most attention and see the widest variety of patients/situations at UMass.

Then of course, there is the money... UMass is likely 100k+ less than Tufts before interest. That's a very large sum of money before interest. Given Tufts' prestige, location, etc., I'd have to love Tufts much much more than UMass (or have some serious financial assistance) to pay the premium to go there.

Good luck choosing, they're both great schools.