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Hi everyone! I matched at TCOM earlier this cycle, so for the past few months I’ve been fully in the mindset of attending there. But I recently got off the waitlist at UTMB and I am extremely grateful, and now I’m unsure what to do.
I know the common advice is MD over DO and I do understand the advantages of only having to take one board exam pathway instead of two, less stigma/judgment overall, and easier time matching for more competitive specialties. The thing is I don’t know what specialty I want yet but I know I don’t want to do anything competitive.
What makes this hard is that TCOM is closer to home, my support system is nearby, and I wouldn’t have to completely uproot my life. Financially, TCOM would also be significantly cheaper for me since my living expenses would basically be covered, while I’d get less financial aid at UTMB.
I’m also hesitant about Galveston as a location. I’ve never lived in a smaller island town before, and the idea of suddenly moving there and figuring out housing/life logistics on short notice feels pretty overwhelming, especially being farther from a bigger city and my support system. The summer and winter breaks seem shorter from what I saw online and there’s the faster preclinical curriculum at UTMB.
Again I am very grateful to be in this position but if anyone has any experience with either of the schools and has any input about deciding between them it would really be appreciated!
I know the common advice is MD over DO and I do understand the advantages of only having to take one board exam pathway instead of two, less stigma/judgment overall, and easier time matching for more competitive specialties. The thing is I don’t know what specialty I want yet but I know I don’t want to do anything competitive.
What makes this hard is that TCOM is closer to home, my support system is nearby, and I wouldn’t have to completely uproot my life. Financially, TCOM would also be significantly cheaper for me since my living expenses would basically be covered, while I’d get less financial aid at UTMB.
I’m also hesitant about Galveston as a location. I’ve never lived in a smaller island town before, and the idea of suddenly moving there and figuring out housing/life logistics on short notice feels pretty overwhelming, especially being farther from a bigger city and my support system. The summer and winter breaks seem shorter from what I saw online and there’s the faster preclinical curriculum at UTMB.
Again I am very grateful to be in this position but if anyone has any experience with either of the schools and has any input about deciding between them it would really be appreciated!
