UT Tyler vs University of Tennessee

[ana chh]

I am a Texas resident with a 512 MCAT score and a 3.94 GPA. My two options are:

1. UT Tyler (new, pre-accredited program, entering its third year)
   • Tuition: $22k/year, with a scholarship covering the first year, reducing overall costs significantly
   • Class size: ~40
   • Limited resources, research opportunities, and experience
   • Primary care-focused
2. University of Tennessee (well-established program)
   • Tuition: ~$60k/year, requiring loans
   • Class size: ~172
   • Strong resources and research opportunities

My goal is to match into a competitive residency, such as oncology or dermatology, but I am not exactly sure which one yet, ideally in Texas, but I am open to other locations. I understand that USMLE scores play a significant role in residency matching, but I am uncertain about how much the accreditation status and limited track record of UT Tyler might impact my chances.
Would attending UT Tyler pose a significant risk for matching into a competitive residency, or how much weight do factors like school establishment and resources hold in this decision? The difference in tuition is substantial, and while my parents can support me financially, I am trying to assess whether the higher cost at Tennessee might be worth it.

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[ClashRoyaleKing]

If you want to enter a competitive specialty, you should go to the University of Tennessee. Tyler hasn't graduated a class yet, and they do not have a match list to help assess their competitiveness. I thought that Tyler was focused on primary care/underserved care in Eastern Texas (I could be wrong)—is that what you're interested in?

I feel like in this economic/political environment in the US right now, going to the cheaper school is a really smart idea. But if you are pretty set on those specialities, Tyler might not be in the cards for you to attend. Keep in mind that many medical students change their mind about specialty!

I'm not in med school yet and don't know too much about either of these schools, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

 

[etxnerd]

I'm a little biased as I am a current student, but I'll point out that if you want to stay in the East Texas area, UT Tyler has an IM residency, a Hematology/Oncology fellowship, and is getting a dermatology residency program soon (it has been put in motion, not sure when it would start, look up "US Dermatology Partners Tyler Residency" or something like that).

I can also validate your concern: the academic and career advisors have told my classmates who are interested in more competitive specialties(Ortho, Derm, ENT, Ophtho) they may be at a slight disadvantage, but those advisors work closely with them to help compensate with extracurriculars, figuring out how they can get the best step score, etc.

I can't speak anything to Tennessee's pros or cons.
I'm happy to answer more questions about UT Tyler though if it helps you make a decision either way (assuming you haven't yet, I know I'm a bit late to this thread). PM preferred for transparency.