Hey everyone, I am having a bit of trouble deciding between these two schools and would appreciate any insight!
A bit of background: I am from Illinois so the COA for both schools would be fairly similar, so it isn't really that much of a factor here. I am interested in sports medicine/surgery but also not 100% sure.
Iowa
Pros:
- Higher ranking (not sure how much this matters)
- Known for a strong orthopedics residency (could be great for networking)
- Smaller class size
- Great hospital system that is directly on campus
- Possibly more research opportunities
- 1.5 year preclinical (a slightly better fit with my learning style)
Cons:
- Iowa city (My undergrad was in a similar campus town environment, didn't mind it but wouldn't mind something in the city either)
- 3+ hours from home
- H/HP/P/F grading for preclinicals
- Somewhat strange Step 1 timing (taken during mid of M3 year)
- I would probably need a car
UICOM
Pros:
- Living in chicago (decent amount of friends around and more to do + diversity)
- 1 hour from my home
- Better chance to match in Chicago? (might be true for Iowa too though)
- P/F grading
Cons:
- Lower ranking
- Large class size (200+)
- Lottery system for clinicals
- Block system curriculum (not sure how I feel about this)
Overall, I have heard that both schools have great programs that will prepare me well, which is why this decision is so difficult for me. Thanks in advance!
A bit of background: I am from Illinois so the COA for both schools would be fairly similar, so it isn't really that much of a factor here. I am interested in sports medicine/surgery but also not 100% sure.
Iowa
Pros:
- Higher ranking (not sure how much this matters)
- Known for a strong orthopedics residency (could be great for networking)
- Smaller class size
- Great hospital system that is directly on campus
- Possibly more research opportunities
- 1.5 year preclinical (a slightly better fit with my learning style)
Cons:
- Iowa city (My undergrad was in a similar campus town environment, didn't mind it but wouldn't mind something in the city either)
- 3+ hours from home
- H/HP/P/F grading for preclinicals
- Somewhat strange Step 1 timing (taken during mid of M3 year)
- I would probably need a car
UICOM
Pros:
- Living in chicago (decent amount of friends around and more to do + diversity)
- 1 hour from my home
- Better chance to match in Chicago? (might be true for Iowa too though)
- P/F grading
Cons:
- Lower ranking
- Large class size (200+)
- Lottery system for clinicals
- Block system curriculum (not sure how I feel about this)
Overall, I have heard that both schools have great programs that will prepare me well, which is why this decision is so difficult for me. Thanks in advance!