University of Miami vs. University of Florida for MD programs

[sunnysarah]

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Hi Everyone!

I'm trying to decide between UM and UF for medical school. I've look through the past threads, but they are all out of date, and I was hoping for some new insights.

 

[deleted357625]

Hi Everyone!

I'm trying to decide between UM and UF for medical school. I've look through the past threads, but they are all out of date, and I was hoping for some new insights.

UM= my dream school

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

Choose whichever is most affordable, and if it's pretty close choose based upon location. Both Shands and JMH will give you great clinical training.

UM= my dream school

Back off my top school betch. . It's harder for non-Fl residents though, so you might not want to apply

 

[WhizoMD]

Isn't UF pass/fail now? That would be a factor if it were me.
Also, as far as location goes, you have two distinct environments to choose from here, so maybe consider that.

 

[sunnysarah]

Both schools are pass/fail I believe.
And UM's tuition is not much more than UF's, but the cost of living in Miami is greater.

But what about research, clinical exposure, and academics? Any thoughts?

 

[Sammich117]

I've heard that most of the students who go to UF are completely miserable. That played a big factor into why I didn't go to my interview there.

 

[muhali3]

I'd choose based on location. If you enjoy a more metropolitan area, go to Miami. If you like a college-town environment, go to Gainesville.

 

[searun]

What about Dartmouth. If you like to hike and catch trout that is a really good school.

 

[Charles_Carmichael]

Moved to school-specific forum.

 

[Manbearpig]

Both schools are pass/fail I believe.
And UM's tuition is not much more than UF's, but the cost of living in Miami is greater.

But what about research, clinical exposure, and academics? Any thoughts?

UM puts percent score on the transcript, so not true P/F. Also, I believe their curriculum is very traditional and doesn't include much early clinical experience.

I would choose UF hand-down. I know students at both places, and they are all happy. It is what you make of it. I've also had extensive experience with each institution, and simply liked the culture (students, docs, nurses, and administration included) at UF a bit more, though there are definitely bad apples at both places.

Research would depend on what you're interested in. But I feel UF would be better on that front as well (in broader terms). Unless you were gunning for a residency spot at Bascom Palmer (they reserve 2 spots for UM med students I believe).

In any case, it comes down to personal preference. And I hate the city of Miami, which makes the decision easy for me. Traffic absolutely terrible and the city is expensive. Think about going through life as a med student at each place, and I think you'll have your answer.

And just as a final thought, JMH may operate much differently if Gov. Rick Scott has his way

 

[nabelleosp]

Why don't you opt for UM... Its a great system, even my cousin is learning there..

 

[docjlud]

ShAnds is amazing...... If you have not seen the new cancer hospital, you have to go take a look at it..... Though im sure u probably did on interview day....

Also the true p/f is huge and is part of the reason i chose UF...

 

[Neatloaf]

I've heard that most of the students who go to UF are completely miserable. That played a big factor into why I didn't go to my interview there.

For the record, this simply isn't true. I bought into that rhetoric too, but decided to matriculate anyway. Thankfully, my class is great. The professors are great and Gainesville is a very livable city. Can't ask for much else.

But more to the point, both schools offer comparable educations, and as to which is superior, it is a matter of preference.

 

[Manbearpig]

For the record, this simply isn't true. I bought into that rhetoric too, but decided to matriculate anyway. Thankfully, my class is great. The professors are great and Gainesville is a very livable city. Can't ask for much else.

But more to the point, both schools offer comparable educations, and as to which is superior, it is a matter of preference.

This a million times. Between the two, it is pure preference and what caters best to your needs/desires.

 

[Neatloaf]

To be fair though, orange and blue is objectively more palatable than orange and green.

 

[sunnysarah]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Since the two schools are similar it's a tough choice. I'm honestly leaning towards UM because I'm from Naples and it's closer to home than UF. I've been in Atlanta for my undergrad, so I'm glad to head back to South Florida. I'm also a huge hurricane fan and I do NOT like the gators (in sports that is...I know the med education is great). But I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision and not missing out on a great opportunity at UF. I also did a summer program at UM, so I already know the campus and some doctors. But once again I'm trying to keep an open mind. May 15th is quickly approaching, so hopefully I'll make the right choice...I can't really go wrong, can I? Thanks again for all of the help!!!

 

[mcapmed]

I believe your making the right choice when you answer the question "Where would I be happy?" Both schools are excellent. You can not go wrong with either. GL!

 

[Neatloaf]

I can't really go wrong, can I?

Absolutely not. It's been said before, but it's worth saying again; both schools are excellent and will allow you to achieve your goals to the fullest. Congrats on your acceptance.