UT Southwestern Vs Minnesota

[Angella]

I have acceptances from University of Minnesota ? Twin Cities and from University of Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX. I am not sure which one is better. Can anyone give me any pros and cons about the schools or anything else to help me decide. Any ideas? Anyone currently studying at Southwestern or U Of M who can share any ideas?
The tution and cost of living is same in both places.
Do any of these schools prepare their students better for boards? how is their Clinical training?
Decisions, decisions and decisions!!!.

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[XCanadianRagwee]

I'd pick Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN to Dallas Ft. Worth, TX anyday

I absolutely love it up there in the north. I wish I could be in your shoes right now.

 

[Adcadet]

Well, I've been at Minnesota for a while now, and will be a first year med student in the fall. I know next to nothing about UT-SW, unfortunately. If you have specific questions about Minnesota, I'd be happy to give you my take and/or point you to those who know more than I do.

Interested in primary care? Minnesota is one of the best places in the nation for primary care (at least according to USNews, who puts UM-TC at #9 for primary care). Between RPAP and other programs, I think you'll be well-prepared for a career in primary care.

Interested in research? The medical school is in the heart of the huge U of M campus and the Academic Health Center, so there is tons of research going on that you can get involved with (and often paid to do).

Interested in straight clinical medicine? Here's one thing I think is really cool about Minnesota: you get 24 weeks to do electives, and you get 26 weeks of free time during years 3 and 4. Basically, 6 months to do whatever you want. Interested in peds and think you might want to do your residency at Childrens Hospital or Philadelphia? Go there and do a clerkship. Interested in research? Do some. Want to sit on the beach? Go for it. (OK, I suspect you'll have to do something medically-related, but you get the idea). When the head of the curriculum (Dr. Thompson, I believe) explained this at my interview day I wasn't all that interested. But the more I think about what he said, the more I think it's a wonderful opportunity.

 

[nrddct]

I've worked at the research part of the campus and its pretty nice. Southwestern is probably pretty highly ranked for their research and very hard to gain acceptance to so CONGRATS. I've heard that its ultracompetive here and also have heard instances of students having their books stolen before tests! However, this is all hearsay. I suggest you visit the campus again to judge for yourself.

BTW I've lived in dallas most of my life and I can tell you IT SUCKS.

 

[bujji13]

Angella,

I'm a little biased, since Im a texan, but I would go with UTSW. I would say they definitely have the edge reputation and residency-wise, since it is a top-20 school. UTSW has great clinical training/hospitals, and a good number of grads specialize (good if that's what youre interested in doing). Research opps are abundant. UMinn would probably be a better pick though if you see yourself in primary care.

As far as location/weather, Dallas is definitely preferable for most people. But if you have family, etc. in MN or prefer the endless cold/snow....

Since the cost is the same for both places, I'd say just choose based on residency preference and location preference.

 

[Adcadet]

Originally posted by bujji13

As far as location/weather, Dallas is definitely preferable for most people. But if you have family, etc. in MN or prefer the endless cold/snow....

Hey, we get a few days of +20 degree F weather in June and July up here! 😉

If "oppressive heat" isn't your thing but the full "four season" experience is, then MN is great.

 

[bujji13]

If "oppressive heat" isn't your thing but the full "four season" experience is, then MN is great.

Ok, fair enough. 😀

 

[Dynastar]

I'd choose Minnesota because I'm on the waitlist at SW and I could use the spot 🙂

Thanks!

 

[amk934]

I'm in the opposite position compared to Dynastar...choose UTSW, please!

 

[Angella]

Thanks everyone. It helps alot.

 

[Angella]

Hey nrddct
What don't you like about Dallas. Or what are the challenges you face?

 

[Tamomo]

I've lived in Dallas pretty much my entire life. You have to understand that Texas in general is like moving to a different country. You really need to stay in Dallas for a week and just check it out to see if you like it. UTSW is a good school but so are the rest of the TX schools; the biggest difference b/w UTSW and Baylor to the other schools is research.

With that being said, I would choose the Twin Cities I have heard great things about there. Every year my undergrad univ. sends several people to UTSW and all of them, with the exception of one, are people I would rather not see again much less in another classroom environment. UTSW is totally about numbers, trust me I know quite a few of their students, and if this is only from my school I am sure they get the most competitive, anal, "pre-med syndrome" students around that have a 3.7+ and a 32+. The research there is top-notch and so is the clinical experience but the students are very cookie-cutter; it will be another stressful environment....not very communal.

Make your decision wisely and factor in city life and student body....oh yeah, there class is pretty big too, about 220.

 

[bujji13]

Originally posted by Tamomo
You have to understand that Texas in general is like moving to a different country......

Huh?

UTSW is totally about numbers, trust me I know quite a few of their students, and if this is only from my school I am sure they get the most competitive, anal, "pre-med syndrome" students around that have a 3.7+ and a 32+. The research there is top-notch and so is the clinical experience but the students are very cookie-cutter; it will be another stressful environment....not very communal......

This reminds me of the equally ridiculous blanket statements posted about WashU a little while back. What is so downright nazi about batting an A- average and getting a score in the 30's on the MCAT? Maybe you and Premed2003 should set up your own med school, since you're obviously too experienced, unique, and well-rounded to deal with the rest of us anal, numbers-obsessed cookie-cutting devil worshippers.