Hello! I have been fortunate enough to be accepted at several medical schools, and am having difficulties deciding between these two schools. For some context, I am a Nebraska resident, but do have strong ties to Texas. I have been accepted at both UNMC and have a pre-match OOS offer at UTMB. For further context, I am married, and my wife and I are expecting our first child.
UNMC
Pros
Cons
UTMB
Pros
Cons
Summary: Overall, I think both schools seem like great options, and I think either one would be a solid pick for me. UNMC feels like a safe option close to home, with relatively few downsides aside from being primary-care-focused. UTMB on the other hand is far from family but seems like a great program with interesting resources that no other schools I interviewed with provide. Any and all thoughts, opinions, and advice are welcome, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my lengthy post.
UNMC
Pros
- Home - I graduated high school here, and my family currently lives in Omaha
- In-state tuition
- Solid simulation center and significant resources for students
- Good residency match and USMLE pass rates
- Located in a large city
- Seems to have a relaxed student culture
- Safe area, and housing seems reasonably priced and easy to find
Cons
- Seems to have a heavy emphasis on primary care (at this point I am more interested in entering a specialty) - may have fewer resources for students who want to specialize
- The climate is not ideal for much of the year and for health reasons, the cold would be difficult for us
UTMB
Pros
- Cheap tuition - even the out-of-state cost is almost as low as UNMC's in-state tuition cost
- Scholarly emphasis seems like a great opportunity and a good way to stand out in residency programs
- Essentially all rotation sites are local, and would not likely need to move the family for clinical years
- Significant support for specialization - advisors provided to assist you in choosing a specialty and networking/succeeding in matching from day 1
- Better climate
- True P/F curriculum with standardized retired USMLE questions on exams
- The anatomy program seems incredibly solid and multifaceted - incorporating radiology and practicing procedures throughout
- Unique research and clinical experiences only available at a few programs throughout the country\
- From my interview day, the culture seems very collaborative and friendly
Cons
- I have heard anecdotally that Galveston may not be an especially safe place for a young family with a newborn
- Housing in areas that the internet has deemed "safer" is pricey and not very close to campus
- Being out-of-state may limit the availability of some financial aid and loan types (though I am currently in contact with their financial aid office to find out whether this will actually be an issue or not)
- Far from family
Summary: Overall, I think both schools seem like great options, and I think either one would be a solid pick for me. UNMC feels like a safe option close to home, with relatively few downsides aside from being primary-care-focused. UTMB on the other hand is far from family but seems like a great program with interesting resources that no other schools I interviewed with provide. Any and all thoughts, opinions, and advice are welcome, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my lengthy post.
