USC vs UCF (100k COA difference)

[Jeremy Bearimy]

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Hi y’all, posting for a friend:


So I PTE’d at USC and was accepted off the WL at UCF with 40k total a year. I already got a partial scholarship at USC which puts the tota COA for 4 years at 260k while for UCF it would be 160k.

I personally liked USC a lot better and am confident in my decision in every other means but financial. I’m wondering if anyone familiar with both programs has any input- is it dumb to choose USC over UCF? At this point i am not leaning towards any specialties in particular so the match list at either does not sway me in terms of the types of specialities people match into. It seems USC matches into stronger programs in general though.

 

[tessellations]

I really think this one comes down to the cost benefit analysis. 100k extra is a lot of money, especially when you factor in interest. That's definitely an additional burden to have to take on as you go into residency and beyond. That 260k will accrue a lot of interest over time. That being said, we all value different things in a school. If you feel that your quality of life and career prospects are worth the extra debt and extra frugality you will have to implement post-grad, then I don't think choosing USC is a bad choice. Also if you are at all interested in staying in California for residency, then USC would help there as well.

Very few med school choices are foolish - everyone just values different things in their decision. Do what gives you peace of mind, whether that be personal, lifestyle, career, or financial.

Congrats on the acceptance!

 

[Physnub]

Hi y’all, posting for a friend:


So I PTE’d at USC and was accepted off the WL at UCF with 40k total a year. I already got a partial scholarship at USC which puts the tota COA for 4 years at 260k while for UCF it would be 160k.

I personally liked USC a lot better and am confident in my decision in every other means but financial. I’m wondering if anyone familiar with both programs has any input- is it dumb to choose USC over UCF? At this point i am not leaning towards any specialties in particular so the match list at either does not sway me in terms of the types of specialities people match into. It seems USC matches into stronger programs in general though.

This isn't an answer to your question but how did you find out so quick about the COA after getting off of the waitlist? Is the 40K based off of the information available on the school website as a florida resident?

 

[billnyethepremedguy]

Tough decision, I was accepted at UCF and absolutely loved the school post-interview. The faculty and students seemed very happy, but the specialty you are aiming for is a huge factor in my opinion.

It was only after my interview that I started to question the school, the clinical rotations are extremely weak and that was what made me PTE at a different school. If you want to match into a competitive specialty you need a teaching hospital where the physicians are trained to be both physicians and teachers. In my opinion, going to community hospitals that are scattered all around Florida won't allow you to build those important connections you need when it comes to residency matching and with the Step P/F option the school name matters a LOT more.

100K difference is a lot to swallow but you'll have the school name/ranking on your side when you are applying for residency along with the important connections that USC will give you.

In my opinion, USC will give you the best resources to succeed.

 

[Davidfromcali]

I interviewed at UCF too; it’s a solid school on the come up but there are definitely problems. The lack of an academic medical center totally killed it for me. I think the opportunity to train at Keck and LAC is tough to pass up. Compound that with the fact that Keck will provide an abundance of resources and a brand name that can land you a competitive residency in Cali.

It’s not to say that you couldn’t do that at UCF (I believe they had an ENT match at UCLA this year which is outstanding) but the road to a competitive residency will probably present greater challenges along the way.

It’s a tough call because 100k is substantial. I suppose it depends on career goals. You want to land academic position in a competitive specialty in California than USC hands down. If you’re looking to enter community PC than UCF looks like a better option.

 

[SweetBurger]

100k with accrued interest is a lot man. I interviewed at UCF really liked the program but i wont beat a dead horse as a I agree with others have said. USC is a great choice (check out that cardiology fellowship clown fiesta i dont think it hurts USC rep by any means but interesting to see who is working there lol)

 

[DrivingDoctor]

USC nuff said

 

[supsurfer]

UCF clinical situation seems a mess.

 

[medschoolgorl]

My friend who is in medical school rn gave me some insight, she said if the med schools you are choosing between aren't like top 10-15, then residencies really don't take like reputation into consideration, like it doesn't make much of a difference. She said instead to focus on 1) cost 2) location, where could you see yourself living for FOUR years. Hope this helps!

 

[FatherTime-PhD]

No brainer- USC.

100k is worth it for USC. I don't know much about UCF, but I've done a fair amount of research.

1) Higher ranked
2) Unbeatable clinical experience. LAC is amazing ... and you actually roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty here. Add in Children's and Keck Hospital ... and you're getting an incredibly diverse patient population
3) Keck works hard and plays hard. God, the students here are so chill and social life is important to them. Add in the fact that Dean Arias (who honestly is a STUD) and the rest of the school prioritizes students wellness ... you're going to be well supported and find a healthy work-life balance that frankly medical students need.
4) IMO LA>wherever UCF is lol. Sorry, but miss me w that humidity.