USD SSOM vs UNMC (Need to decide by 5/19)

[tomcat700]

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I am in the fortunate position to have had multiple offers. However, I've been struggling to decide between two of my choices. Match rates into competitive specialties seem to be a wash between the programs, with UNMC typically matching into more prestigious locations.

USD SSOM - $50,000 est COA (Lower Tier)
Pros

• Cost - I have been awarded some sizable scholarships, the first year would be ~$2,000 followed by ~$12,000 each subsequent year
• My girlfriend will also be in the program
• Close relationships with faculty
• Closer to family (~30 minutes away)
• Familiarity with the area and local physicians
• FARM program (year long clinical rotation in a rural area for primary care specialties, housing is provided for the year and would decrease the COA by ~$12,000 for the year, 1-on-1 interaction with attendings at these sites (no residents or fellows) who would be able to provide more personal letters of rec)

Cons

• Smaller program
• Fewer research opportunities
• Fewer exposure to subspecialties
• VERY limited facilities
• Multiple moves required (First 1.5 years at one facility, last 2.5 years across two other facilities in different towns)
• The community leaves much to be desired, not a lot to do in the off time

UNMC - $150,000 est COA (Mid Tier)
Pros

• Access to subspecialties (Nebraska Medicine and UNMC share the location)
• Access to research opportunities
• Superior facilities
• Higher ranked
• All four years would be at the same facility (would not have to move)
• Graduates seem to match into more prestigious residency locations
• The community offers more to do in off time
• The program has always been my “dream school”

Cons

• Cost - will need to take out approximately $35,000 per year (scholarships have not been awarded and will not be before I need to make a decision)
• Two hours away from family (Not necessarily a huge con)
• More competition for resources

Summary: Need to decide whether to go to USD SSOM (cheaper) or UNMC (my top choice).

 

[ConfusedPremed3000]

One thing to keep in mind is that you can always reach out to physicians and researchers in other med schools (very common and even recommended) and remote/virtual research exists. Also, during summer after M1, you can definitely try to do research at another institution and make those connections to keep for the rest of med school!

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

South Dakota is much cheaper, so I'd go there. But 150k isn't huge either, so going there wouldn't break the bank. You should know whether you will marry or continue a relationship with your girlfriend in some way (long distance, take a break, etc.) and factor that into your decision. Girlfriends come and go, but medicine is forever.

 

[tomcat700]

Looking for some final advice before I make my decision. Is it worth it to save the cost and go to the much lower/unranked school or pay the extra money for potentially better odds at a more competitive match?

 

[BigDawg101]

I would say that you have to ask yourself a couple of important questions, mainly the career/specialty you see yourself in. If you have any inkling of wanting a surgical subspecialty or ending up practicing in a more urban location, I would strongly advise you to take UNMC. It's a solid school that will not close any doors. Sanford is very rural and primary-care focused, and given the time you've spent there and connections you've established, I'm sure you have an idea of whether or not you want to end up back in a rural/primary-care oriented space as a physician. Two hours is a manageable commute and definitely not a make-or-break, and UNMC is worth the price, especially with your support system not too far away.

If you (1) know you want to marry the girlfriend definitively within the next year or two (have y'all talked about engagement, marriage etc.), (2) know want to be a rural, primary-care physician, or (3) know you want to practice in South Dakota ONLY and remain near your family, then I would take Sanford. The 100k is a sizable cost difference, and if any of these statements are true for you, I would save your money and go to Sanford, as it will make you the most happy and help you achieve your goals. If none of these statements are definitive for you, I would go to UNMC, as it will afford a much better medical school experience overall. Best of luck and let us know what you decide!

 

[DoneDone3451]

usd

 

[tomcat700]

usd

What would be your rationale why?

 

[DoneDone3451]

What would be your rationale why?

Money, GF, Family close by. You can still match well from a smaller MD school.