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Hello everyone! At this point in the cycle, I am pretty set on how I want to rank my schools for the upcoming TMDSAS match. However, one area I am still struggling with is how to rank UTSW and UTMB (pre-matched). I think my circumstances require a deeper dive into this question so any advice, guidance, or thoughts are greatly appreciated!
UTSW
Pros
Cons
UTMB
Pros
Cons
Summary: Overall, either school will be a great option, but it really comes down to location vs opportunities for me. UTMB and Galveston are much better location-wise for me, but they simply lack some of the opportunities that UTSW and Dallas hold. I could also rank UTSW above UTMB and let the match process play out since there is a low chance of matching to UTSW without a pre-match. Sorry for the long post; any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
UTSW
Pros
- Strong resources for competitive specialties (which I am interested in pursuing)
- Condensed campus that does not require too much further traveling
- More prestigious and nationally/internationally known
- In a big city, Dallas, with more access to opportunities
- I have a few family friends who have gone here
- Condensed pre-clinical curriculum
- Academic mentoring with the college approach
Cons
- Potentially competitive and toxic students
- Seems to be incredibly scientifically focused and is lacking in medical humanities and social determinants of health in terms of their medical education
- Personally extremely unfamiliar with Dallas and the surrounding area
- Further from home
UTMB
Pros
- Extremely familiar with the area, especially Galveston, League City, and Clear Lake
- Lots of family and support really, really close to the school
- Very Familiar with UTMB and the institution
- P/F all 4 years
- Relaxed student environment
- Still good options for competitive specialties
- Pre-Clinical Curriculum allows for more free time (only mornings are usually filled with required activities)
- Strong medical humanities option
Cons
- At the interview, the med students seemed a little wary about the lack of opportunities for students pursuing competitive specialties (a med student interested in plastic surgery said they took a research year to strengthen their application)
- Galveston is a little more secluded compared to Dallas
Summary: Overall, either school will be a great option, but it really comes down to location vs opportunities for me. UTMB and Galveston are much better location-wise for me, but they simply lack some of the opportunities that UTSW and Dallas hold. I could also rank UTSW above UTMB and let the match process play out since there is a low chance of matching to UTSW without a pre-match. Sorry for the long post; any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.