UTSW vs Dell (after Dell's first step scores released)

[VivaElBirdos]

I was fortunate to pre-match into these two schools. Has the comparison changed since the release of Dell's Step 1 scores? (244 average) They have higher Step averages, lower tuition and much smaller class size (50 vs 244). However, UTSW seems to be the safe bet with their established reputation, strong residency programs and prior match lists. Curious to hear other's opinions and see if the stance on Dell is evolving as new information comes out.

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[VivaElBirdos]

I agree, although I am pretty sure Dell gives a 25% scholarship to the first 4 classes so it would be ~20k cheaper over 4 years, not enough to base my decision around it.

 

[deleted958249]

Hey @VivaElBirdos, congratulations on those excellent prematches. I’m in a similar dilemma and actually started a forum a few days back also trying to gain some clarity.
How to Choose The Right School
Both are great schools, I think it’ll come down to where you plan on focusing your career down the road as you outlined. UTSW is a clinical/research powerhouse, while Dell does seem to have more of a primary/internal med focus.

 

[VivaElBirdos]

That is a great thread with a lot of good info, thank you for the link!

 

[esob]

# of UTSW alumni in the workplace will be significantly greater for the entirety of your career. Dell seems like a nice school but the chances of benefitting in the future for someone who is a fellow alum is much greater for a UTSW grad than for a Dell grad.

 

[Skittsie13]

UTSW's Step score average this year was 239, I don't think that's significantly different from 244 for it to outweigh research, residency programs, etc.

 

[CarpeDiem1993]

Sorry, where are you guys finding these average step scores??

 

[esob]

Sorry, where are you guys finding these average step scores??

The easiest place to find them is on US New's subscription service.

 

[Eurycea]

UTSW's Step score average this year was 239, I don't think that's significantly different from 244 for it to outweigh research, residency programs, etc.

On SDN it seems to outweigh everything lol