UNLV vs. University of Minnesota (Duluth)

[anxiouslybrowsing101]

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UNLV
Pros

• Closer to family members in NV, CA.
• Cheaper COA, considered in-state after first year. Potentially about $30,000 cheaper considering all 4 years.
• Potentially better career opportunities for my partner in Nevada.
• Great outdoor activities around Vegas (I like the desert).
• Lots to do in Vegas as well (I like the strip/downtown).
• Cheap flights to visit family/friends.
• I have never lived in a city before and think it could be a cool experience
• Potentially easier to match to programs in the Western US.

Cons

• Newer school with fewer home GME programs than University of Minnesota.
• Lower research funding levels potentially limiting research opportunities.
• I have read that the healthcare system in Nevada is not great and do not want this to impact the quality of my training.
• Hot summer weather.
• I hate commuting and every time I visit Vegas, I end up spending a ton of time in my car.

University of Minnesota (Duluth)
Pros

• Part of University of Minnesota, more established program, lots of home GME programs potentially offering better connections.
• Heavy focus on primary care/Indigenous health which I am interested in.
• Duluth looks super cute and very similar to places I have lived before, I know I like living in a smaller city.
• Closer to my partner's family.
• Great outdoor recreation and it would be cool to live in a place with completely different ecology than I am used to (I have been living in the Southwestern US for about 7 years).

Cons

• I have never been to Minnesota and have heard the winters are a different beast.
• Far from my friends and family, difficult to visit loved ones living on the West coast/Southwestern US.
• Potentially $30,000 more expensive (total over 4 years).
• While I like primary care now, I am concerned that if I became interested in a different specialty during medical school, the Duluth campus would be more limited in the options available to me as it does focus so heavily on students interested in primary care. I want to make sure I keep my options as open as possible.

Summary: Burning hot or freezing cold? I am overjoyed to have 2 acceptances to programs I really like but they really do feel like polar opposites. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

 

[deleted1199010]

I can confirm that Duluth is insanely cute and while the winters are cold, Minnesotans don’t let it stop outdoor activity and enjoyment. It’s a true 4 season state.

With Duluth perks + UMN being a well established program, with good connections if you change your mind on primary care, I’d say it’s worth the price difference. (For context I’m WLed at UMN twin cities)

 

[The OTC]

Disclaimer: A to UNLV

I think UNLV is a solid institution with a pretty strong match list for being newer. It will be a brand name program in the near future but I don’t think that substantial growth (plans for children’s hospital and new UNLV hospital in the coming years) will benefit us during our time as med students. There was also a recent announcement of their dean stepping down (still at UNLV but in a different role) so there may be some changes there.

Minnesota is a household name and will greatly open your residency options, especially for competitive specialties and residency locations. Having more home programs is also HUGE for connections. $30k is not insignificant but it’s close enough to rationalize choosing the better school.

all that being said, no one would fault you if you want to be close to loved ones by going to UNLV. Choose the place you will thrive mentally and professionally

 

[DoneDone3451]

Minnesota