So after re-visiting Davis yesterday, I am still very torn. CytokineStorm was nice enough to meet with me and helped answer a lot of my questions (thanks CytokineStorm!!!! and your friend)....but overall....I still like USC better.
After visiting Davis, I know I'll be happier at USC. There are quite a few reasons but some of them are....
Curriculum: USC is systems based both 1st and 2nd year and has the opportunity to do medical spanish. Davis is only systems based in the second year. USC video and audio records lectures. Davis only audio. USC has an itegrated course to help with board prep...
Clinical years: Each 3rd yr clerkship at USC is only 6 weeks so they are able to add in a surgery specialty. Davis clerkships are 8 weeks each. Both schools have the same amount of elective time.
Location: LA>Sacramento (for me)
But is that worth a ~$100,000 (if you include interest payments) difference? Oy vey!
Overall, after examining (almost) everything about each school, the only things I like about Davis over USC are
1. the cost
2. No commute. I could bike ride to campus or walk. That would be nice!
I know Davis is a great school. And I am sure I would meet wonderful people and be able to build up a support system there. Ultimately, I don't think I will be unhappy at Davis, I will just be happier at USC.
I spoke to USC financial aid, and they do not match financial aid packages. However, it appears I'll be eligible to apply for a $16,000-$20,000 scholarship for my second year. There is no guarantee I would get it (although they said it wasnt very competitive), but if I do, I would get it my 2nd, 3rd and 4th years.
Davis also took away $9000 from that $13000 scholarship so they are only offering me $4000.
3 hours left to make my decision. Crap!
And thanks to all who have given advice! Keep it coming