Timetocrunch
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- Jul 14, 2024
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So I am stuck deciding between these two right now. I am still waiting to hear back from a few schools I interviewed at but think even if I get in at those schools I will still be choosing from UIC or VT. I was hoping people could share their opinions and if any current or former students could comment on what they think of their time in the program. At the moment I think I am most interested in Neurosurgery then a close second Orthopedics, followed pretty far behind by Optho and EM.
UIC (Chicago)
Pros
-In Chicago, I am in state and live blocks from the campus.
-My partner and I both have family here and a good life.
-Slightly cheaper COA ($356,780 ) than VT for me as it’s in state and we have relatively cheap rent
-matches well, although there aren’t tons of Neurosurgery matches.
Cons
-Large class size, and tons of other medical students in the city means research/specialty specific opportunities may be limited
-Doesn’t seem as personal as VT and research isn’t as heavily emphasized.
-Cost of living in Chicago is on the rise.
VT
Pro’s
-Small class size
-they seem to really care about their students
-matches better than I think most people realize.
-Opportunities for specialty specific experiences seem less competitive.
-I really liked the students and atmosphere on Interview Day (my second favorite interview behind Western Michigan who were truly outstanding).
Con’s
-Roanoke is a small town. ( I know it’s a city but it doesn’t feel like it)
-Afraid my partner wouldn’t be as happy
-farther from family/support system.
-slightly higher COA (378,958)
- they seem to match a lot in Virginia and the South. I would like to come back to Chicago for residency and/or as an attending.
What do yall think? I am not really against Roanoke as a move might be good for me and my partner. She is totally down to go just don't want to take her away from her family to follow my dreams. Especially when we most likely will have to move for residency again and that could be anywhere in the country.
UIC (Chicago)
Pros
-In Chicago, I am in state and live blocks from the campus.
-My partner and I both have family here and a good life.
-Slightly cheaper COA ($356,780 ) than VT for me as it’s in state and we have relatively cheap rent
-matches well, although there aren’t tons of Neurosurgery matches.
Cons
-Large class size, and tons of other medical students in the city means research/specialty specific opportunities may be limited
-Doesn’t seem as personal as VT and research isn’t as heavily emphasized.
-Cost of living in Chicago is on the rise.
VT
Pro’s
-Small class size
-they seem to really care about their students
-matches better than I think most people realize.
-Opportunities for specialty specific experiences seem less competitive.
-I really liked the students and atmosphere on Interview Day (my second favorite interview behind Western Michigan who were truly outstanding).
Con’s
-Roanoke is a small town. ( I know it’s a city but it doesn’t feel like it)
-Afraid my partner wouldn’t be as happy
-farther from family/support system.
-slightly higher COA (378,958)
- they seem to match a lot in Virginia and the South. I would like to come back to Chicago for residency and/or as an attending.
What do yall think? I am not really against Roanoke as a move might be good for me and my partner. She is totally down to go just don't want to take her away from her family to follow my dreams. Especially when we most likely will have to move for residency again and that could be anywhere in the country.
