UNC (in-state) vs UVA (out of state)

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frayedreams

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Hi friends!!

So I've been blessed with these two great options. Let's get into it. One thing to keep in mind is that I've requested a 1-year deferral from both schools, results pending.

UNC

Pros:
  • near family
  • way lower CoA
  • amazing MD/MPH program, started a new MD/masters in education as well, which I'm super interested in
Cons
  • have a sort of "been there done that" feeling towards chapel hill
  • their match rate dropped to 93% this year which I don't know what to make of
  • strong primary care focus, but worried it might be slightly limiting

UVA
Pros
  • Hook scholars program (really cool to me as someone with an arts/humanities background)
  • Excited about maybe living in a new area, Charlotesville seems chill
  • Best friend is going, closer to other friends in the DC area
  • seems like it's lowkey more diverse... as a POC that is important to me

Cons
  • higher CoA
  • a bit lower ranked than UNC but honestly idrk how much that matters
  • further from family

Another thing is that I'm on the waitlist for Columbia (and probably also Washu) - I definitely won't be able to defer if I get in off the waitlist at either place, but I'm not sure how hard to try to get off the WL if that makes sense.. was planning on sending a letter of intent/update to Columbia (about to submit a pub as first author), but again, this is all very speculative. It'll definitely cost a million dollars more, but I feel like I should try and shoot my shot.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

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I would choose UNC due to proximity to home as well as it being cheaper. You have Research Triangle, so you can still become a strong candidate for more competitive residencies there.

You can send an update/letter of intent to Columbia if you want. Worth a shot. WL movement will occur over the next few months
 
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I would choose UNC due to proximity to home as well as it being cheaper. You have Research Triangle, so you can still become a strong candidate for more competitive residencies there.

You can send an update/letter of intent to Columbia if you want. Worth a shot. WL movement will occur over the next few months
oooo ty for the advice!! do you think that it's a better career decision to go with Columbia over UNC if I get in off the WL? weighing factors like tuition/CoL against the ~coumbia~ prestige.. but I feel like UNC is also pretty sick so idrk
 
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oooo ty for the advice!! do you think that it's a better career decision to go with Columbia over UNC if I get in off the WL? weighing factors like tuition/CoL against the ~coumbia~ prestige.. but I feel like UNC is also pretty sick so idrk
Depends how much more expensive it is and what your goals are. If you plan on practicing in NC for example, I don’t see too much of a purpose for Columbia. Also you mentioned asking for the 1 year deferral and how you won’t be able to do that at coming off a WL. If that’s important or necessary for you, probably better to go to UNC.

Prestige helps but UNC is a known school and residency match is up to how you do as a medical student.
 
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Go to UNC.
Both are great schools with a variety of strong departments that will set you up for whatever field you desire. Your future self will thank you later for paying significantly less in loans.
 
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