UTMB v. UVA

[deleted1096018]

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Hey everyone! I have been accepted into both UVA and UTMB, and I was hoping to get some second opinions before I make a final decision. Please do not Quote.

University of Virginia
Pros:

• Stronger match list the past few years
• the INOVA campus looks like an incredible opportunity to learn
• Very supportive staff based on my initial interactions
• Students seem very happy at UVA
• P/F curriculum in pre-clinicals and post-clerkships
• Charlottesville looks very pretty

Cons

• Way more expensive. I have not received my financial aid package yet so I do not know what sort of help I would have in paying the cost of attendance (~70k/year)
• Far from home. Most of my friends are in Texas so I feel I would not have a strong support system initially
• I do not see myself staying in Virginia to practice. I hope to move back to Texas at some point

UTMB
Pros:

• Much cheaper. In-state tuition + Merit scholarship makes this school less expensive than my undergrad education
• closer to friends in the Houston and Austin area
• Higher odds of being in Texas for residency and beyond
• P/F for pre-clinicals
• Students seem very happy there

Cons:

• Weaker match lists. I do not know if I will be able to build a competitive residency application, especially considering P/F step 1
• I do not like Galveston all that much. Not saying it is a bad area by any means, just not my scene
• clinical education does not seem as strong as UVA

Ultimately, I think I will be happy at either school. Students at both seem genuinely happy to be there, which is very reassuring. My biggest concern with UTMB is that it could limit my options for residency programs, however it is significantly cheaper. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[123OkayGoogle]

Didn’t you say you wanted to match in Texas? I don’t understand why you’re worried about your residency options being limited by going to utmb given that they match well in Texas. I’d pick UTMB. Cheaper and good school. Also match lists don’t tell the whole story

 

[Banco]

UVA is more prestigious yes, but interpreting match lists like this is not going to help you. From the pros you've listed, UTMB is the clear choice. It's so much cheaper, support system, and you'll have no problem achieving your ultimate goal (residency in TX). You building a competitive residency application is 99% on you - UTMB will not "limit" you. Go to UTMB.