u/FloppyZoppy

Currently committed to VT but looking at UACOMP as well. Any opinions?

Hello everyone! Was accepted off the waitlist at UACOM-P yesterday and wanted to ask opinions about these programs and advice on where I should go!

COA is about the same, both schools P/F preclinical and H/HP/P for clinical. Hoping to match back to SoCal for residency but specialty>location.

VTCSOM
Pros
- Small class size (stronger relationships with docs/profs?)
- Integrated research in curriculum (not sure how much I like research, but I recognize it is required to match well so I will do it)
- Case based learning
- Home hospital (Carilion Memorial)
- Roanoke is a smaller city (not as much to do -> less distraction?)
- NBME Preclerkship exams

Cons
- Small class size (not as much networking, alumni network, etc)
- Newer school
- Roanoke is a smaller city (pro and con)
- Far from home (SoCal)
- Only one healthcare system (Carilion)

I do not know as much about UACOM-P so please let me know if I have left out relevant information and please share any other data points you think can help in my decision!

UACOM-P
Pros
- Larger urban city (more to do?)
- More diverse patient population
- Organ block curriculum
- More than one clinical site
- Driving distance to home (SoCal)

Cons
- Larger urban city (more distractions?)
- Larger class size
- Not the only medical school in Phoenix
- No home hospital (but close working relationship with Banner Health and other clinical partners)
- In-house preclerkship exams

Overall, I feel like VTCSOM is a better program, but UACOM-P is a better place to be. At this time, I think I would prefer being in a larger city over a smaller one. Regarding specialties, I am interesting in something partially clinical and partially surgical (for example ENT) but I recognize that this may change. Thank you in advance for all of your help and responses!