2 answers
Heidy
Student
Appleton, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
252 views
What are the pros and cons of focusing on going to Medical school at your undergraduate school, where you already have strong connections with the professors, versus spending your summers at different schools to foster new relationships and have better chances to be accepted at different medical schools? #Fall25?
I am interested in going to Medical school to earn a degree in pediatrics and hope to go to UW-Madison for my undergrad.
Login to comment
2 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
253
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. I'm from California-born and raised and never thought I would leave. In 2001, I moved to Nevada. Because I was always in California, I never learned about the benefits outside of California.
The pros of staying in the same school. You have your network of people. You know the area. I want to warn you though that the people who teach in undergraduate are different from the people that teach in medical school.
The cons. If you are with the same people, you lose the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas. You lose the opportunity to see another city. Remember that medical school is 4 years. It's a chance to visit another city that you are not married to...ie no matter how bad it is, you will be leaving in 4 years. Honestly, you will be working so much in medical school that it may not even matter where you go to school.
It is so hard to get into medical school so just apply everywhere and wherever you are accepted, then start making a decision then.
The pros of staying in the same school. You have your network of people. You know the area. I want to warn you though that the people who teach in undergraduate are different from the people that teach in medical school.
The cons. If you are with the same people, you lose the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas. You lose the opportunity to see another city. Remember that medical school is 4 years. It's a chance to visit another city that you are not married to...ie no matter how bad it is, you will be leaving in 4 years. Honestly, you will be working so much in medical school that it may not even matter where you go to school.
It is so hard to get into medical school so just apply everywhere and wherever you are accepted, then start making a decision then.
Ahmad Masood, MD
Physician, Doctor
4
Answers
Shasta Lake, California
Updated
Ahmad’s Answer
Hi Heidy,
It's a great question! While there are some 7-year combined undergrad and medical school programs, most doctors suggest doing them separately, possibly at different universities. This approach can be more beneficial.
For example, my son went to NYU for undergrad and Dartmouth for medical school. He enjoyed experiencing different campuses and built a stronger network by doing so.
While staying in one place has its perks, I recommend building a strong network in college and keeping in touch with your colleagues, advisors, and professors after graduation. Also, use your college alumni network to your advantage.
With this approach, you won't miss out if you choose a different school for medical studies.
Hope this helps! Best wishes!
It's a great question! While there are some 7-year combined undergrad and medical school programs, most doctors suggest doing them separately, possibly at different universities. This approach can be more beneficial.
For example, my son went to NYU for undergrad and Dartmouth for medical school. He enjoyed experiencing different campuses and built a stronger network by doing so.
While staying in one place has its perks, I recommend building a strong network in college and keeping in touch with your colleagues, advisors, and professors after graduation. Also, use your college alumni network to your advantage.
With this approach, you won't miss out if you choose a different school for medical studies.
Hope this helps! Best wishes!