USC (Keck) vs. UCI SOM

[Caveman7]

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There are a few threads on this subject, some as recent as 2012. However, I wanted to revive the topic through my perspective. I want to begin by saying that I am grateful for receiving two acceptances from Cali schools and I realize that my situation is a lucky situation to be in. I also want to thank anyone who can offer me insight between the two schools. I also haven't received financial aid packages, but I'm pretty sure USC or UCI won't give out too much money at all.

Soo..
I grew up in Orange County and went to UC Irvine for my undergraduate. I commuted all four years and I am itching to move out. I like everything about USC, except for its high COA. If money wasn't a concern, I would probably choose Keck for the new environment (I like LA actually), the clinical exposure, and the USC networking. However, I estimated that if I attended UCI (243k total), I could potentially save up to 80-100k, based off tuition differences and probably living at home the final 2 years (my house is close to the hospital). At the same time, I love the UC system and hope to obtain residency within the UC system. I ultimately want to become an academic physician for a UC. I'm not sure how much of a difference it would make coming from a UC versus USC in terms of getting a UC residency.

At the end of the day, I am struggling to choose between a potentially higher level of happiness at USC as well as its aforementioned benefits and the potential 100k I can save going to UCI. Don't get me wrong, UCI is a great school, but 8 years in Irvine is 8 years too long. Thanks for reading.

TL DR Is going to USC and probably being happier worth the extra 100k?

 

[pyrrion89]

potentially higher level of happiness at USC

Remember that debt accrues interest and you'll have to pay it off with post-tax dollars... It will be more than $100k. Doesn't seem worth it to me, especially for "potential" extra happiness.

 

[surfdoc29]

Something else to consider is the curriculum difference. USC is organ systems based, P/F, with no mandatory lectures. UCI I believe is more traditional curriculum, with H/P/F, and 80% requires lecture attendance. Also, the LAC hospital is incredible, and you will get excellent clinical training there. Have to weigh all that vs difference in cost though.

 

[solitarius]

Don't get me wrong, UCI is a great school, but 8 years in Irvine is 8 years too long.

lol, what kind of person do you think enjoys living in Irvine?

 

[Caveman7]

Something else to consider is the curriculum difference. USC is organ systems based, P/F, with no mandatory lectures. UCI I believe is more traditional curriculum, with H/P/F, and 80% requires lecture attendance. Also, the LAC hospital is incredible, and you will get excellent clinical training there. Have to weigh all that vs difference in cost though.

Yeah, I really like USC, but I wish there was someway to figure out if its worth the extra load of debt.

lol, what kind of person do you think enjoys living in Irvine?

Your sarcasm is noted. Many people love living in Irvine because it's such a planned city, safe, and clean. After a while, you just want to get away though. I've always liked urban environments.

 

[juliuspepperwood]

Attending UCI might help you get a residency at UCI, but I think scores/interviewing would be much more of a factor if you want to do your residency at a different UC. From what you've said I assume you would hate to do school in Irvine then live there for residency as well.

I think you know what you want to do.

 

[Acosi]

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[drbillybob]

It seems to me that OP is asking if getting out of his comfort zone will be better for his training, even if this relocation will cost him 150k or so in the long run, after interest and all that wonderful stuff.

I've heard from friends of mine I met in college (went to a UC - w00t) that Orange County, and Irvine in particular, are cultural bubbles without much character or diversity of thought and experience. There's a reason that UCI is known as a commuter school: There are a lot of cookie-cutter kids that live their lives how their parents tell them to and never really think outside their little boxes.

Whether it's worth the ~150k in extra cash after interest, though, is something I don't know. Has anyone else had to make the decision between these two schools for the same reasons as OP? Maybe it's time to leave the cave...

 

[juliuspepperwood]

What do you mean scores/interviewing would be much more of a factor if you want to do your residency at a different UC? I am in a similar situation as the OP in deciding.

From what I have heard/seen at one UC, people doing their rotations in the department they will be applying to and getting to know everyone can help them out. When it comes time to interview new residency applicants I haven't heard anything about weight being given to someone being from a different UC compared to somewhere across the country.

This isn't by any means guaranteed for every UC and every situation, just what I have gotten from what I have seen and people I know.

 

[Nymphicus]

When I interviewed, I personally liked USC a lot more than UCI. However, you have to decide if the difference between schools is worth the cost for you.