UT San Antonio (UTHSCSA) vs Texas A&M (TAMHSC)

[TessTaylor26]

Hi guys! Sorry for yet another school comparison post, but I'm having a really difficult time deciding on these 2 schools, especially because I just got off the waitlist at Texas A&M so I don't have long to make my final decision (since I'm a Texas resident, I previously matched to UTHSCSA, so now I have the option on which to attend - cost is about equal for both). I would love to attend either, they both seemed like great schools with laid-back, supportive, extremely friendly students and staff. I got great vibes from both on interview day, which is making this decision even tougher.

When going through the Republic of TX thread, it seems as if many people either put UTHSCSA really high, or really low in their rankings, with A&M usually in the middle/high in rankings, so I wanted to see peoples opinions when comparing these 2 specifically. I compared them the following way, anything else I should be thinking about or missing?

Location:
I prefer A&M's Dallas, Houston, and Austin locations to San Antonio, though splitting up the class at A&M after 1 year isn't optimal either.

Curriculum:
both are 1.5 year pre-clinical/2.5 year clinical curriculum (for A&M this will be the 1st year with their new curriculum, UTHSCSA it's their 3rd year with this curriculum).

Hospital Affiliates:
A&M's clinical affiliates with the Methodist Hospital/MD Anderson/St Lukes in Houston, Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Baylor Scott & White in Temple are probably stronger than UTHSCSA considering they're the top hospitals in the state. Not sure if this means they're better for medical students though.

For things that I was told "didn't matter" or "pre-med's shouldn't look at these":
-UTHSCSA is ranked higher than A&M: 55 vs 79
-USMLE Step 1 (though a year old and could change): A&M 228/99% pass > UTHSCSA 225/97% pass
-UTHSCSA has more NIH funding
-A&M has an associated undergrad university of 50,000+ students and we can attend sporting events and use their rec center and facilities
-both school's have pretty good match lists. Most years include some derm, rad onc, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, ortho surgery, plastic surgery, etc....so I'm not too concerned with their residency matching abilities, they both do pretty well.

I'll add more later on if I think of them, any recommendations/suggestions? Is one significantly better than the other? Thanks guys!

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[ecolik-12]

My vote would be for TAMU. Your cost of living is going to be significantly cheaper in college station vs SA. Plus, you can rotate through big name hospitals at TMC, Dallas, Austin etc. Every school in Texas is pretty solid, you cant go wrong with choosing one over the other. Pick the one you feel most comfortable at and go with it!

 

[Lucca]

It really depends on whether you would rather be split up or not. Personally, San Antonio is a far better location than CA but if you are ok with being uprooted in the short term and really want to get the TMC rotation experience if it is available to you then that may be the best option for you. If you visited TAMU and didn't immediately hate everything that is TAMU, Aggieland, and Bryan/Cstat then you will probably enjoy TAMU a whole lot.

Academically the institutions are equivalent in my mind barring research in which I feel UTHSCA wins hands down in biomedical science terms so this may become a location decision for you.

 

[NickNaylor]

IMO I don't think it will matter one way or another - I'd consider the two largely equivalent in terms of caliber. Go with whichever one is cheaper and/or you think will make you happier.

 

[DokterMom]

UTHSCSA is reputed to have "the happiest med students in Texas" and the Mexican food can't be beat. Edit: The "probation" is a non-issue.

On the other hand, A&M has a very strong "love it or hate it" culture. If you love the Aggie culture and would enjoy a lifetime of Aggie jokes, then no other school can offer that.

 

[BillrothI]

I would pick UTHSCSA for two reasons:

1) The pre-clinical curriculum has been in place for several years now, so any potential issues with its implementation should be worked out.

2) IIRC, you take Step 1 immediately after completing the pre-clinical curriculum at UTHSCSA while at A&M you spend a year doing rotations prior to taking Step 1. I would be concerned that a lot of the minutiae that's important on Step 1 might be forgotten after spending a year on the wards.

Hope that helps.

-Bill

 

[TessTaylor26]

Thanks for all the input! I go to undergrad OOS, so I'm not really for or against Aggie culture really haha, it's fine either way since it's campus is at least a little separated from the undergrad campus.

@BillrothI I agree a 3yr old curriculum is preferable to a new curriculum. For A&M we can take step1 immediately after pre-clinical curriculum (at 1.5 years), or after some rotations (at end of M2 year), or late summer (beginning of M3 year), so it's really up to the individual when they wish to take it, which is really helpful!

 

[Calimd2019]

Though neither would be a bad choice, I vote A&M also for the reasons you listed: better rotation cities and better hospitals. Curriculum, match lists, step scores are all comparable so I would pick where you want to live and rotate! Research at UTHSCSA's campus is stronger than TAMHSC's campus in college station, though one would probably say research and connections you make at A&M affiliates MD Anderson, Methodist, Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Baylor Scott and White in Temple are stronger than UTHSCSA.

 

[TXdoc18]

Since all else is equal, I would go A&M mainly for it's TMC connections and hospital/research affiliates. Even if you don't get assigned Houston as your main rotation city at A&M, you can still rotate/research for some time at TMC hospitals easily.

For example, for away rotations at MD Anderson and other TMC hospitals, they state:
"Third and fourth year medical students enrolled at Texas Medical Center affiliate medical schools (University of Texas Medical School-Houston, UTMB-Galveston, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas A&M College of Medicine are currently eligible for clinical and research rotations at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Students enrolled at all other U.S. medical schools (not listed above) may apply for elective clinical rotations at MD Anderson, based on availability, as a “visiting student” through the University of Texas Medical School-Houston. Restrictions and fees apply. "

Though it may or may not be possible to rotate at TMC hospitals from other schools, priority is given to these 4 schools, which I think is a pretty big advantage given the magnitude and opportunity the TMC provides. I think A&M's clinical affiliates are by far superior to UTHSCSA's affiliates. You need to determine how much of an impact splitting the class up will be; for some it's not a big deal, for others they don't like this aspect. Admittedly, I was originally concerned with splitting up the class after 1 year, until I realized I shouldn't base my decision on being with 60 other classmates vs 200, especially since 3 TX schools split their class up and you will still be surrounded by >100 of other M2-M4's whichever campus you select - still plenty of support if that's what you need!

 

[Womb Raider]

Don't go to A&M. You'll be an Aggie for life and that's seriously not something you want. I'd rather go to Howard.

 

[TXdoc18]

Don't go to A&M. You'll be an Aggie for life and that's seriously not something you want. I'd rather go to Howard.

lol interesting enough, the #1 represented undergrad for the past 2 years of classes have been from UT. I'm sure a lot of A&M grads will be at UT's Dell medical school in the coming years also.

 

[Earl Simmons]

My vote is for UTHSCSA!

 

[clairephillips]

What did you end up deciding? I was accepted of the waitlist at A&M this morning and have been agonizing over the decision.

 

[TessTaylor26]

What did you end up deciding? I was accepted of the waitlist at A&M this morning and have been agonizing over the decision.

Awesome, congratulations! It was a tough decision, I honestly think I would have been happy at either school since they're both fantastic. Since both schools are incredibly similar education wise, I ended up choosing A&M for the ability to rotate at TMC, Baylor Dallas, Baylor S&W, or the AIM program if you stay in CS. Even if you are assigned a different city, it seems to be a significant advantage that A&M is still associated with those top hospitals and cities, so easier to rotate and make connections (& match for residency) there. Where do you prefer to live and rotate? Also A&M's 2nd post on the 2015-2016 thread has a lot of good, supportive information that may help convince you to pick A&M or remain at UTHSCSA. Good luck with your decision, you can't go wrong either way!

 

[TXdoc18]

edit, figured it out sorry.

 

[lomm]

Sorry to drag this up but I am trying to decide between the two. Are y'all happy with your decisions?

 

[swivelj]

Sorry to drag this up but I am trying to decide between the two. Are y'all happy with your decisions?

In the exact same situation-- almost gave this a bump myself.

 

[Cookie04]

If Texas A&M is actually affiliated with TMC then I would definitely choose it over San Antonio.... not even a question

edit: so apparently A&M students do rotations at Methodist hospital in Houston, which is ranked as the best hospital in that region. thats a pretty awesome opportunity

Yes but only around 35-40 students get that opportunity. The rest go to Dallas, Bryan/College Station, Austin, or Temple.

 

[lomm]

So would it be worth the gamble to try and get the Houston track or just go to San Antonio?

 

[Efflorescence]

I love Houston and the med center, but I decided that if I can't be there as a UTH or BCM student, I'd rather not be there. I want to be part of a class that largely sticks together for all 4 years, and that's not A&M. My highest pre-match offer so far is UTHSCSA and I think I'd be happy there. I won't have to move after 1st year to a city I may or may not like and I won't have to deal with getting separated from my friends.

 

[Cookie04]

So would it be worth the gamble to try and get the Houston track or just go to San Antonio?

Don't rank A&M as your highest choice if you mainly want to go for the TMC rotations. They will never put you below your 3rd choice for rotations, but there is still no guarantee you will be in Houston.

 

[Efflorescence]

Don't rank A&M as your highest choice if you mainly want to go for the TMC rotations. They will never put you below your 3rd choice for rotations, but there is still no guarantee you will be in Houston.

This is a very good point. At my A&M interview day, we were specifically told that certain people get higher priority for those seats. Things like a spouse living in Houston, kids who are in school, etc. It's great that they're able to accommodate those students, but that means there are even fewer spots for people who don't have significant ties to Houston.

 

[Cawolf]

I am OOS, but if I was ranking, I would choose UTHSCSA after interviewing at both.

I thought A&M had the potential to be nice, but the STMC is pretty darn nice. There is a lot of value in having both University Hospital and the VA physically connected to your medical school.

 

[TessTaylor26]

Sorry to drag this up but I am trying to decide between the two. Are y'all happy with your decisions?

Hi @lomm, to answer your question: yes, I am very happy with my decision to pick A&M! I completely understand the hesitation regarding choosing a school that splits up their class as many Texas schools do, and the uncertainty of which track you will be placed on. Believe me, I had the exact same reservations and I can understand every point made. For me personally, and it might be different for each and every applicant, it came down to the fact that I felt like I fit in and liked A&M's environment a little more. Although I did in fact get my #1 track choice in Houston, I felt like even if I didn't, A&M's clinical affiliates in Houston, Dallas, and Temple are all regarded as better hospitals than UTHSCSA's clinical affiliates, and therefore felt like it made more sense for me personally, regardless of the track I was placed in. Both are great schools with great things to offer, congratulations on having choices! Anything else, ask away.

 

[Fedekz]

TAMU, I'd never give up the chance to be an aggie

 

[Chlorini]

.

 

[TessTaylor26]

Great points, @Chlorini! I truly don't believe there are SIGNIFICANT advantages to attending one Texas school over the other, outside of maybe UTSW and Baylor, since every school in the state is a great option, fortunately. I seriously doubt any PD would be blown away by one's attendance at one Texas medical school versus another (again, maybe excluding UTSW/Baylor), so I agree to pick which school you feel you are more likely to succeed, for whatever reason you may want!

Also, to your other point regarding research, one might consider that although research might be easier at UTHSCSA vs in college station, research opportunities at Baylor Dallas, Scott&White, Houston Methodist and TMC affiliates are also plentiful! Regardless, congratulations on both of your offers!

 

[Chlorini]

Great points, @Chlorini! I truly don't believe there are SIGNIFICANT advantages to attending one Texas school over the other, outside of maybe UTSW and Baylor, since every school in the state is a great option, fortunately. I seriously doubt any PD would be blown away by one's attendance at one Texas medical school versus another (again, maybe excluding UTSW/Baylor), so I agree to pick which school you feel you are more likely to succeed, for whatever reason you may want!

Also, to your other point regarding research, one might consider that although research might be easier at UTHSCSA vs in college station, research opportunities at Baylor Dallas, Scott&White, Houston Methodist and TMC affiliates are also plentiful! Regardless, congratulations on both of your offers!

Yes, I'm sorry I meant research opportunities for me specifically would be easier!

I do have a question--how does parking at Houston Methodist work? When I interviewed at UTH they told us parking was $10 a day!!!

 

[Efflorescence]

I know A&M claims to be non-trad friendly, but I only remember speaking to one at my interview

I had my A&M interview in Temple and almost everyone on my student panel at lunch was married, some with kids. I think the Temple site tends to attract more med students with families because of the low cost of living, etc. However, I can imagine the way A&M is set up now with 1 yr Bryan + 3 yrs (1 of 5 cities), having to move after 1st year with a family is a huge deterrent. It certainly is for me and I'm a single traditional student. I've moved so many times in my life that I just want to stay in the same place for 4 years.

 

[Chlorini]

I had my A&M interview in Temple and almost everyone on my student panel at lunch was married, some with kids. I think the Temple site tends to attract more med students with families because of the low cost of living, etc. However, I can imagine the way A&M is set up now with 1 yr Bryan + 3 yrs (1 of 5 cities), having to move after 1st year with a family is a huge deterrent. It certainly is for me and I'm a single traditional student. I've moved so many times in my life that I just want to stay in the same place for 4 years.

Yeah...I think when it really comes down to it I just don't want to move twice!

Plus, I have my eyes set on a few residencies at UTHSCSA. I like the idea of knowing/interacting with PDs as early as possible. From what I understand, most of A&M's residencies are in Temple which could result in another move for me haha. Temple actually sounds great but my husband has a career and wouldn't be able to find work there :/ Otherwise it would be a much harder choice for me.

 

[YogaBe@r]

I received scholarships to both schools and I'll likely attend UTHSCSA.

I personally felt I connected more with the students at UTHSCSA. I'm a non-trad and UTHSCSA seemed to have a lot of people with kids or other life experiences prior to medical school. I know A&M claims to be non-trad friendly, but I only remember speaking to one at my interview. I also wished we could have spoken to some MS3/MS4s. I wish they would've skyped them in.

Although the chance to work in one of A&M's affiliated hospitals would be great, I don't see that being a huge advantage over UT San Antonio's hospital. I think finding research at UTHSCSA would be much easier and the 4 months to study for STEP is a huge plus in my book. I highly doubt a residency director is going to go "tsk, tsk that Chlorini down at UTHSCSA just didn't get the necessary hospital experience!"

I'm going where I feel I'll be the most successful academically. Both schools are great and have plenty of opportunities. Just go where you feel you'll be the happiest. For me, that's in San Antonio.

I do love the color maroon and I think being an Aggie would be cool, but the added stress of moving my husband and kids twice just doesn't make it worth it for me.

Lmao, you think M3/4s actually have the time to skype some interviewees?

 

[Chlorini]

Lmao, you think M3/4s actually have the time to skype some interviewees?

At Tech Lubbock they skyped from their other locations and at UTHSCSA a huge panel of MS4s came to talk to us, so yes.

 

[lomm]

Yeah I went to a&m and am from San Antonio so I am really having a hard time deciding where I want to live again. Thank you everyone for the advice. I have a feeling I'll be going back and forth until ranks are due

 

[Cawolf]

At Tech Lubbock they skyped from their other locations and at UTHSCSA a huge panel of MS4s came to talk to us, so yes.

The panel at UTHSCSA was excellent. It was one of my only interviews where I got to interact with quite a few MS3/MS4s. It was nice that they led the tour as well.

 

[Cookie04]

Lmao, you think M3/4s actually have the time to skype some interviewees?

UTHSCSA, Texas Tech Lubbock, and Texas Tech El Paso all had Ms3/Ms4 student panels. Plus UTSW had an MS4 panel and they even had the extra time to give us the tours of the medical school and affiliated hospitals...

 

[nsgirl27]

As an M2 at TAMHSC, I can assure you that there are indeed a few M3s and M4s that attend interview day and help - some even come to the social the night before. With all of them split on 5 different clinical campuses, we sure do try to make it work!