UVM vs. UToledo

[Ja3ger]

UVM vs. UToledo

OOS at both. Aid/scholarships are unknown.

UVM: Absolutely loved everything about the school except the cost (~$304k total as per MSAR). Love Burlington. Not too far away from a huge support network.

UToledo: Pleasantly surprised by this school, but liked UVM more. Toledo as a city is...questionable. Total CoA is ~242k as per MSAR, assuming I get IS-tuition after the first year. Close to small support network.

Anyway, which school would you choose, and which school do you think I should choose (just brainstorming here)?

Thanks!

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[Jennyfishy]

Would you be able to attend 2nd look for both schools? Aside from the money issue, it sounds like you're already leaning towards UVM in terms of liking the location + future satisfaction/happiness. What else are you looking for in terms of a med school?

 

[Ja3ger]

Would you be able to attend 2nd look for both schools? Aside from the money issue, it sounds like you're already leaning towards UVM in terms of liking the location + future satisfaction/happiness. What else are you looking for in terms of a med school?

Yes, I can safely say that I like UVM and its location more than UToledo. While my perception is that UVM is generally a better/more reputable school, I wanted to hear some more opinions. As for what I'm looking for, I'd really like a friendly/cooperative student body without a competitive/stressful atmosphere. At the same time, I'd like a solid preparation/curriculum for the boards; less required lecture time is also a plus. I also plan to specialize, or at least keep those options as open as possible.

 

[Ismet]

Moving to school-specific discussions

 

[Long Way to Go]

What is not too far away for Burlington? Surrounding it is basically nothing at all. Great school, lovely area, but it's a pretty big trek to any major area. I think the US Census Bureau counts it as "Suburban" and not "Urban" even.

List every pro you can for each, and see if the ones for UVM are equivalent to an additional $2,500 a month for each of the four years you'll be at school. ($2.5k/month * 48 months = $120k, which is what you'll have to pay with interest for that additional $60k on a ten year payment plan)

 

[Ja3ger]

What is not too far away for Burlington? Surrounding it is basically nothing at all. Great school, lovely area, but it's a pretty big trek to any major area. I think the US Census Bureau counts it as "Suburban" and not "Urban" even.

List every pro you can for each, and see if the ones for UVM are equivalent to an additional $2,500 a month for each of the four years you'll be at school. ($2.5k/month * 48 months = $120k, which is what you'll have to pay with interest for that additional $60k on a ten year payment plan)

Close enough to drive easily on weekends 🙂

I know little about debt and interest levels, but do most med students really end up paying twice the amount of their original debt? Can anyone else chime in?

 

[newborn11]

Toledo's close-knit learning environment is very appealing, but UVM is ranked higher according to US News. Toledo has quite a few students coming from the post-bac program so remember to take that into consideration as well. I agree with the posters above that you should weigh the pros and cons of each school and decide (i.e. consider how important reputation, research opportunities, and ranking are to you). Also remember to wait for the need-based aid notifications before making a decision (you have 5 months+ to decide so there's really no rush). If I were you, I'd keep both acceptances and decide in May (you might have another acceptance by then).

 

[Jennyfishy]

Yes, I can safely say that I like UVM and its location more than UToledo. While my perception is that UVM is generally a better/more reputable school, I wanted to hear some more opinions. As for what I'm looking for, I'd really like a friendly/cooperative student body without a competitive/stressful atmosphere. At the same time, I'd like a solid preparation/curriculum for the boards; less required lecture time is also a plus. I also plan to specialize, or at least keep those options as open as possible.

If it only comes down to money determining your decision, I agree with what others have said. A little extra debt can be more easily justified by a fin. Aid package come April, abundance of educational opportunity, and personal growth/happiness. Nearly every US MD school will provide the education necessary to prepare for boards, but they are not equal in what they have to offer in clinical prep and research, ECs, student life (and so forth).

Tl; dr Pro and con + weighing what you value more is the way to go! Didn't realize I rehashed what others said until I already wrote it. 😛

 

[Long Way to Go]

Close enough to drive easily on weekends 🙂

I know little about debt and interest levels, but do most med students really end up paying twice the amount of their original debt? Can anyone else chime in?

It's pretty easy to calculate. You know the rate you are going to be borrowing at (Grad PLUS loans are fixed at 7.9%) and can therefore plug it straight into an amortization schedule calculator, such as the one at http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/mortgages/amortization-calculator.aspx

Make sure you take into account your unsubsidized Stafford loans (6.8%) and the fact that you won't really be able to afford to pay back all that much during residency (where the loan still compounds).