UVA ($0 COA) vs Duke (Full COA)

[deleted1197021]

Hi friends,

I am grateful to be choosing between two amazing schools. I am a VA resident so I am happy both are so close to home! I am interested in ortho and I love the outdoors and working out. I am looking for a friendly chill environment that will still help me become a great doctor. For finances, at both schools I will receive a small stipend for rent because of veterans benefits I receive. I am VERY much leaning towards UVA but just wanted to confirm what I am thinking.

UVA
Pros:
- Because of some specific state benefits I get a tuition waiver so $0 tuition
- 50 minutes from my parents
- about 2 hrs from most of my friends
- pass/fail all 4 years now
- I went to second look and was super impressed - everyone is so kind and friendly and really made me feel welcome
- Would LOVE to match back to UVA for residency

Cons:
- a little less research than Duke
- AOA

Duke
Pros:
- AMAZING research
- Third year just to do research!
- T5 ish school might help match ortho?
- Full pass fail, no AOA

Con:
- I received 0 financial aid... only hope is merit scholarship
- A little farther from home - about 4 hours, so further from support system

Duke 2nd look isn't for another few weeks so I haven't gotten a vibe of the campus yet!

I am SO GRATEFUL to be making this decision!!!! I am definitely leaning towards UVA very heavily.

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[PLsPLsPLs]

UVA and dont look back lmao

 

[deleted1197021]

UVA and dont look back lmao

This is overwhelmingly the answer I am getting LOL - I feel super fortunate!

 

[feeling_tireddddd]

UVA really won't hold you back from matching ortho - fantastic institution!!! Definitely UVA. Congrats!!

 

[Mr. Macrophage]

Congrats on UVA!!!

 

[Hollow Knight]

UVA bro. Especially with the current political stuff going on, getting a full ride to medical school is absolutely huge. You'll be able to start a private practice if you want without $400,000+ from Duke hanging over your head.

 

[Brownies_15]

I have gotten into both of these schools and would 100% choose UVA in this case! I have heard nothing but phenomenal things about UVA and the cost is no joke!!

 

[harmonious_gazelle]

go with UVA!! Congrats on your scholarships!!! You're going to be a superstar doc one day. Minimizing load burden is so important and UVA is such an amazing, amazing school.

 

[deleted1197021]

go with UVA!! Congrats on your scholarships!!! You're going to be a superstar doc one day. Minimizing load burden is so important and UVA is such an amazing, amazing school.

Aw thank you sm!!

 

[truthwarrior]

Duke is amazing but UVA w full COA can simply not be beat. uva uva uva!

 

[urgoldfishgal]

As an UVA med student, UVA has tons of research opportunities. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the number of opportunities we have. UVA also has partnerships with other institutions. Giving up $0 tuition for a *slightly* better school would be a poor financial decision. Also, if you're really interested in ortho, many people match every year. 2 years ago, 10% of the entire class matched into ortho alone which is crazy.

 

[deleted1197021]

As an UVA med student, UVA has tons of research opportunities. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the number of opportunities we have. UVA also has partnerships with other institutions. Giving up $0 tuition for a *slightly* better school would be a poor financial decision. Also, if you're really interested in ortho, many people match every year. 2 years ago, 10% of the entire class matched into ortho alone which is crazy.

Thank you so much!! I pretty much made my final decision at this point that I'm going to be a hoo 😀

 

[doctorz-5ever-!!]

Duke is amazing but UVA w full COA can simply not be beat. uva uva uva!

Seconding this !!

 

[Yhwach]

UVA