USC Keck Vs UCR

[Edrice]

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• UCR
  • Pros
    • COA is lower (75-80kish). I received a 10k scholarship for first year as well
    • UC system so good name/education
    • Grew up in Riverside
    • Seems like a tightknit community
    • Small class size
    • Mission resonates with me
    • In better area
    • Has Psych, IM, FM home programs but nothing apart from that
    • Match list seems solid w/ few students competitive specialties (ortho, plastics, derm, etc)
    • Medical spanish program is really interesting
  • Cons
    • Newer school
    • Primary care focused (only a con because I have 0 clue what I want to do)
    • More driving to get to clinical sites
    • Does not have its own hospital so more travel for rotations
    • Less research
• USC
  • Pros
    • Prestige/name factor
    • Love LA more than Riverside
    • Facilities and resources+has its own hospital
    • Research and connections can help with competitive specialties
    • Matches well
    • LAC/USC offers good opportunities to learn a lot and see crazy stuff
    • Weather is better in LA than Riverside (yes, theres actually a difference in weather LOL)
  • Cons
    • COA is high (100-105k)
    • Larger class size
    • Recent scandals regarding some departments
    • Area is worse

Both P/F (tho USC has AOA that they're trying to get rid of). Both are similar distances to family/friends. Both have awful traffic. Both essentially guarantee to remain in CA for my career. My trouble is I have no idea what I am interested in pursuing career-wise. I feel like USC leaves more opportunities to pursue more specialties. ~100k difference overall seems a lot but also not a lot in the long run. Im leaning USC, cost is pretty much the only thing holding me back.

 

[Entadus]

I agree it comes down to $$$ versus how much exposure you want to subspecialties (fellowships etc). I don't think you can go "wrong" either way. Personally I would probably try and save money since $100k is a good way towards a down payment on a home, which will be a big barrier to entry given the crazy SoCal housing market and the high amount of loan burden you will be facing.

 

[EricMD2022]

It is more than a money issue. You are talking about a well-established medical school and a new medical school without its own hospital. The main teaching hospital that UCR used is a community hospital. My choice is a no-brainer USC all the way.

 

[Edrice]

It is more than a money issue. You are talking about a well-established medical school and a new medical school without its own hospital. The main teaching hospital that UCR used is a community hospital. My choice is a no-brainer USC all the way.

Yeah thats another big thing. I really dont wanna be driving around to their hospitals.

Thanks for the help