UMD vs. Hackensack (full tuition scholarship)

[mrk9069]

So I was all set to happily attend UMD and was going about withdrawing other acceptances when Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall came back with a full tuition scholarship offer. Now I have a really difficult decision on my hands and I would appreciate some insight from internet strangers! For background: NJ resident, interested in a more competitive specialty (derm, anesthesia, surgery?)

Maryland pros:
-prefer Baltimore to Hackensack
-in state tuition after first year
-established program
-strong research opportunities from day 1
-most rotations at UMMC and rotation at shock trauma!!
-I have friends who go there and there are many more people my age/better social quality of life

Maryland cons:
-out of state tuition first year and total cost much higher
-not really concerned about grades/more traditional curriculum but it merits a mention

Hackensack pros:
-FREE
-brand new facility, opportunity to help shape new medical school

Hackensack cons:
-brand new medical school with no data on step scores/match list... I would be part of the second class to graduate
-debatable if I can do research until fourth year which may hinder residency apps
-smaller class size with more non traditional/older students which may affect social life
-unsure if all rotations will be at Hackensack itself (great hospital) or at the smaller sites around the state

My gut tells me Maryland, but free tuition is incredibly hard to pass up. Unsure if taking this risk will pay off or if it’s just too risky. Thank you in advance for any advice.

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[lalalallala]

Do you have any idea about what speciality you want?

 

[almondflower]

Hackensack

 

[noddy1234]

Maryland is a very well established school while Hackensack is a brand new MD as you mentioned. You wanting to match into a competitive specialty is probably the most important piece here. At Maryland you most definitely could, while at Hackensack, who knows? Honestly, no one on SDN knows either.
Maryland = expensive but safe bet for competitive specialties
Hackensack = free but no idea on prospect for competitive specialties

Which one matters more to you is the question.

 

[lalalallala]

Maryland is a very well established school while Hackensack is a brand new MD as you mentioned. You wanting to match into a competitive specialty is probably the most important piece here. At Maryland you most definitely could, while at Hackensack, who knows? Honestly, no one on SDN knows either.
Maryland = expensive but safe bet for competitive specialties
Hackensack = free but no idea on prospect for competitive specialties

Which one matters more to you is the question.

Also there's the social factor. I do think that happiness matters and is worth some monetary difference - although full tuition is a large difference