UW Madison (tuition-scholarship) vs Duke vs UCSF (in-state)

[the_WNT_pathway]

---

Members don't see this ad.

My goal is to go to Southern California for residency. Not sure what I want to do in medicine yet, so for all intensive purposes assume I'm gunning to be an academic pediatric neurosurgeon. I also like research.

UW Madison - ~$22K/year (with scholarship)
(+) I loved Madison on my visit, and I think going to a big college town would be fun.
(+) Only pay for supplies/living expenses, so stress from money problems is low.

( ) The reaserch seems strong in some areas, although not up to the caliber of the other two.

(-) May not make me as competitive for residencies as Duke or UCSF would (for coming back to Cali). Also can't find match list info.

Duke - ~$87K/year (no need-based aid offered yet)
(+) Great and unique curriculum.
(+) I love Durham. I love the campus. It all feels right to me.
(+) Great match list.
(+) Great research.

( ) I have limited culture experience with the East Cost or the South.

(-) Expensive as all hell.

UCSF - ~$55K/year (with need based aid)
(+) Top 5 institution, fantastic research.
(+) Best clinical facilities of the three.

( ) I'm from the area, and have lived here most of my life. While it would be great to serve the area I'm from, I'm also longing to go somewhere new.
( ) I haven't seen this year's match list. Most years seem good, but it seems like there's a huge primary care focus.

(-) SF on a budget is not so fun. Don’t think I’d be as happy here as I would be in Durham or Madison.
(-) High cost of living. It's hard to live close to the school.

 

[docr3]

I think in your situation USCF is the best choice. 120k difference between USCF and UW Madison makes USCF worth it. Congrats either way and all are great choices! If duke doesn’t give you good aid I wouldn’t even consider it in your case

 

[curbsideconsult]

In what month did you interview at Madison?

 

[Magus5454]

UCSF

 

[liquidcrawler]

.

 

[swgadoo]

I agree. Go to UCSF if you want to do academics, Madison if you want to just be a physician. Also keep in mind that when UCSF says "primary care" they also mean students going into internal medicine that will eventually specialize.

 

[DSM_302.0]

omg ucsf. especially if you want to be a pediatric neurosurgeon. in a league all to itself.
if you grew up in the bay, don't underestimate the culture shock of living somewhere else. i grew up somewhere else, came to the bay for college, stuck around for a decade, and am now turning down scholarship offers elsewhere (including the research triangle) to stay in the bay full cost. the reason it's one of the most expensive places to live in the entire world is because it's one of the most amazing places to live in the entire world. helps that one of the best medical schools in the entire world is also located here.
the research triangle is great! i'm sure i'd love it there and i'd thrive in school. but the opportunity to live in the bay and attend UCSF is one i would regret turning down.

 

[docjo31]

It seems like this decision depends on what your long-term career goals are which can significantly impact this decision. I would also find it really tough to turn down a UCSF acceptance, but also if you think you'd have more fun in Durham or Madison, that also makes sense.

 

[TRT7]

Going to UCSF as a med student provides no guarantee that you will be accepted into their (or any other) neurosurgery program. Look at their match list, and look at their residents: most have MD-PhDs. Wisconsin is a way better than average school. I would certainly save the money, especially if you like Madison. Hey, they are all great choices!