Yale vs. UCSF vs. UCLA (PRIME-LA)

[Rakoda]

Hi everyone! I feel super lucky and blessed to have been accepted to 6 schools (including USC, UCSD and UCI), I have narrowed down my options to these 3. Now I want to hear others opinions about these institutions since I am sure there are others with ideas/opinions I haven't heard yet.

I am interested in orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery, pediatrics, and basically most things. I want a school that will have the most options for whichever specialty I decide to pursue, and I also want one that won't break the bank. Also matching into California is important to me since I ultimately want to practice here. A positive + collaborative school is very important to me, since I don't really like cutthroat environments.

My application is very service oriented, and I want to be able to continue combining medicine and service throughout my career. I am from Northern California, which plays into this decision making a lot since it would be nice to be close to my family, and also my gf is applying to law school right now and being close to her means staying in California.

I would love to hear your thoughts and thanks for taking the time to read!

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[Brownies_15]

With what you've said, UCSF/UCLA sound like theyre the best options for you. I would wait on UCSF's financial aid offer and go from there?

 

[harmonious_gazelle]

UCLA seems like it provides amazing opportunities aligned with your goals, while still letting you stay close to your partner and friend. I don't think you should see going to UCLA as settling -- it's an amazing medical school and will get you wherever you want to go as long as you keep up the work you've been putting in so far.

 

[Rakoda]

With what you've said, UCSF/UCLA sound like theyre the best options for you. I would wait on UCSF's financial aid offer and go from there?

I think after I put it into words, I came to the same consensus. I am still waiting on UCSF's financial aid package but I am scared that it won't be anything compared to UCLA and Yale (I'm probably being dramatic). If you had to choose between the two, which one would you choose and why?

 

[Rakoda]

UCLA seems like it provides amazing opportunities aligned with your goals, while still letting you stay close to your partner and friend. I don't think you should see going to UCLA as settling -- it's an amazing medical school and will get you wherever you want to go as long as you keep up the work you've been putting in so far.

I also agree with that, I've seen a lot of research/clinical opportunities that would allow me to get involved with the community and stay true to my goals. UCLA was always my dream ever since getting rejected from undergrad, and I never thought I would get into UCSF, and if I had to choose one right know it would be UCLA simply due to finances, but it may change based on some other factors like whether or not my gf gets into Berkeley or off of the UCLA waitlist.

 

[harmonious_gazelle]

I also agree with that, I've seen a lot of research/clinical opportunities that would allow me to get involved with the community and stay true to my goals. UCLA was always my dream ever since getting rejected from undergrad, and I never thought I would get into UCSF, and if I had to choose one right know it would be UCLA simply due to finances, but it may change based on some other factors like whether or not my gf gets into Berkeley or off of the UCLA waitlist.

Best of luck to you and your partner, hope everything works out well in the end!!

 

[Brownies_15]

I think after I put it into words, I came to the same consensus. I am still waiting on UCSF's financial aid package but I am scared that it won't be anything compared to UCLA and Yale (I'm probably being dramatic). If you had to choose between the two, which one would you choose and why?

Btwn UCSF/UCLA? --I would chose which ever is cheaper.

Btwn UCLA/Yale--Likely Yale, bc im from the northeast lol

 

[Rakoda]

Best of luck to you and your partner, hope everything works out well in the end!!

Thanks I really appreciate it!

 

[Rakoda]

Btwn UCSF/UCLA? --I would chose which ever is cheaper.

Btwn UCLA/Yale--Likely Yale, bc im from the northeast lol

Thanks for your insight!

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

Yale student here - for your circumstance, I say go with UCLA. Congratulations on having such amazing options!

 

[Rakoda]

Update, Gf got into UC Berkeley which is amazing! This changes things up quite a bit.

 

[Rakoda]

Yale student here - for your circumstance, I say go with UCLA. Congratulations on having such amazing options!

Thanks! Now with my gfs Berkeley acceptance it makes things even tougher😂

 

[Brownies_15]

Update, Gf got into UC Berkeley which is amazing! This changes things up quite a bit.

I've heard that UCSF's financial aid is usually better than yale👀

 

[Rakoda]

I've heard that UCSF's financial aid is usually better than yale👀

Oh really? that would be amazing

 

[neymarpluto]

Kind of dealing with a similar situation but I am probably going to UCSF. I worked in Geffen and have also visited UCSF a few times. Living wise Geffen would be the best in my experience. SF is good and stuff but the weather in LA and the environment of westwood is simply unbeatable. You have access to many hiking places, the beach and also great food options. On the other hand Geffen's quality of education, reputation, clinical training and research is not as good as UCSF (although still great). For me this difference is enough to push me to choose UCSF. Yale is out for me based on your pros and cons. For now, I would wait for UCSF financial aid and then choose. Hopefully, they give us those packages soon.

 

[Rakoda]

Kind of dealing with a similar situation but I am probably going to UCSF. I worked in Geffen and have also visited UCSF a few times. Living wise Geffen would be the best in my experience. SF is good and stuff but the weather in LA and the environment of westwood is simply unbeatable. You have access to many hiking places, the beach and also great food options. On the other hand Geffen's quality of education, reputation, clinical training and research is not as good as UCSF (although still great). For me this difference is enough to push me to choose UCSF. Yale is out for me based on your pros and cons. For now, I would wait for UCSF financial aid and then choose. Hopefully, they give us those packages soon.

I also agree with a lot of what you are saying, I am an avid outdoorsman and UCSF definitely has less options compared to UCLA, but it is about investing in my future and career. I'd love to chat some more about your decisions, DM me if you're down

 

[jvquarterback]

UCSF most likely. The extra year at UCLA is very costly and isn't worth the scholarship with PRIME unless you really want that specific PRIME program.

Congrats to your GF. The commute can be rough between UCB and SF. Any word on Hastings or UCLA? Hard to pass up Berkeley for law school.