USC (Keck) vs. Case Western vs. Dartmouth (Geisel)

[calm_em]

Hi everyone!

I am floored to have received acceptances to such wonderful programs. I value everyone's contributions on these forums, and in advance for your input here.

A little bit about me: I am a CA applicant with interests in academic medicine, research, and healthy equity. I am particularly interested in EM/IM, but understand that those interests may well change in medical school. Also imagine myself wanting to match on the West Coast.

USC

Pros:

• Very close to family/support system
• LAC+USC is unrivaled for emergency medicine
• Diverse, resource-deserving patient population
• P/F pre-clinical
• 1.5 + 2.5 curriculum?
• Students seemed really happy
• Generally strong clinical rotation sites
• Graduates match well in California

Cons:

• High cost of living in LA
• Recent scandals give me pause, but likely don't affect the students

Case Western

Pros:

• Stunning, new health education campus
• Clinical exposure is top-notch (Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth)
• Staff seemed very supportive and students were friendly/happy
• Really liked the PBL curriculum
• A lot of protected research time in 3rd year
• Very strong match list
• Lower cost of living
• Highest ranked on the list

Cons:

• Far away from family
• Weather would be an adjustment
• Not sure about matching prospects on the West Coast

Dartmouth

Pros:

• Tight-knit, friendly community of students/faculty
• DHMC is the #1 referral center in NH, so exposure to complex pathology
• Recent change to 1.5 + 2.5 curriculum
• Ability to rotate in other states, particularly in CA
• Strong focus on public health
• Lower cost of living
• Impressive match list

Cons:

• Also far away from family
• Again, weather would be an adjustment
• Not sure if rural setting would keep me happy for 4 years

Summary: I could say many more great things about each of these programs. Leaning towards Keck for EM exposure, proximity to support system, and desire to match on West Coast. Adored everything about Case Western except distance from family.

Thank you everyone!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[SleazySalesMed]

There doesn't really seem to be any reason for you to go anywhere else but USC lol

 

[pianoguy123]

I would keep in mind LAC-USC is one of the best hospitals in the country and a significant portion of their class matches back there.

 

[calm_em]

There doesn't really seem to be any reason for you to go anywhere else but USC lol

I would keep in mind LAC-USC is one of the best hospitals in the country and a significant portion of their class matches back there.

I appreciate your feedback, both of you! Will update when I've made a decision