UVA vs Iowa (full-tuition scholarship)

[LightningMaximus11]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi everyone! Would love any insight in making this decision before April 30th. Also on 6 WLs at T10/20 schools but unsure of my chances to get off one.

A little about me: I am in state at Iowa, interested in ENT and global health, and would like to match in the east/south. Fortunate to have parental support to help pay for med school, but will still need to take out some amount of loans if I choose UVA.

Iowa
Pros:

• Full-tuition (40k/year) scholarship
• Closer to family
• Distinction track in global health
• Strong ENT department

Cons:

• H/NH/P/F preclinical and clincal
• Iowa city is not the most exciting
• Harsh winters for someone who dislikes the cold
• Lower ranked

Virginia
Pros:

• P/F preclinical and clinical
• Higher ranked; stronger match list
• Better weather
• More diverse student body
• Surrounded by nature/outdoor activities
• Flexible exam schedule, student culture seemed great

Cons:

• 68k/year tuition (272k across 4 years); did not get any merit scholarship even after leveraging iowa scholarship
• Charlottesville is also small

I would appreciate any thoughts!

 

[YellowSalamander]

Iowa is the obvious choice here! There is no meaningful difference in prestige between Iowa and UVA. In fact, Iowa has T10 residency programs in ENT, Ophthalmology, and Pathology. T20 program in Dermatology and Orthopedic Surgery. Don't take on almost 300k in debt at 9% interest for marginal differences in weather etc.

 

[thefirerisen]

I agree that Iowa is the move here with the scholarship. There is a significant "prestige" difference between these schools but not worth the 272k obviously.