ave Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 Hello hello, So I was lucky enough to get off the wait list at the UoA but am already registered at Mac. I'm super stuck. So, I'm going to lay out the facts and if any one has an opinion, experience, or thought...that would be greatly appreciated. - Am (slightly) older and have been working...think the self-directed learning of Mac would be slightly better for me - Have no clue what I want to specialize in (UoA) - All my family & friends & partner are in Edmonton (UoA) - Went to the UoA (so for me, Mac wins this one then...for a change) - However, I've been out of town for 3 years so haven't really been home for a while I think it's one of those fun situations where no decision is bad and no decision is "better"...but if you want to throw in your 2 cents, please do. cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronjw Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 What does your partner say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ave Posted June 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 Wants the UoA obviously but won't say anything because the decision "should be mine to make"...as in doesn't want to force me to make a decision that I would regret either which way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronjw Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 You got into two medical schools and are on your way to achieving your goal of becoming a Doctor. Where that happens really doesnt matter because both schools are good and will fulfill your needs to your end goal. This is a decision that impacts both of you so she definitely has a voice in the situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EoE Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 I would stick with Edmonton because you have your support network there. I assume you know Edmonton too, like where the grocery store and pharmacy and all that is, so it will make the business of med school that much easier to deal with. Also, you will get the same degree at the end of the day so I would do what you want (ie there is probably to be no major reason to choose one school over the other academics-wise, so go where you would be happiest). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anxious_101 Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 But if you go to U of A, you'll have to put up with jabs about Philip Baker Just kidding! I think choosing to go where you family and friends are is a big plus. I was fortunate to be accepted to all five Ontario schools this year, and ultimately chose to stay close to family and friends. In your case, the 3-year no summers off versus 4 years with summers off is also something to consider. Most people prefer the summers off I think since you can network and work in labs to build up your case for residency matching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psychoswim Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 4 years does also give you an extra year to figure out what you want to specialize in I imagine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BluePin Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 I'm not a medical student, however, my partner and I have arranged that if/when I get into (a canadian) school, she chooses which one based on what will be best for her at the time. Both schools obviously fit your needs to such a degree that you can't decided between them. Go to the one that best suits her/his needs. Happy wife, happy life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igeorgex Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 I'm going to agree that you should probably stick to UofA. being separated from your support network will impact you more than you realize, especially during such a stressful time as medical school. it will be hard to balance a long-distance relationship if your partner does not want to move with you, and not having any time off (3 straight years) will mean you won't even get to see everyone from Edmonton for more than a week at a time. you're only losing a $1000 deposit. in the grand scheme, that's peanuts. and 4 years will give you an opportunity to really find out which specialty is for you! congrats and good luck with your decision! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatonekid Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 I'm going to agree that you should probably stick to UofA. being separated from your support network will impact you more than you realize, especially during such a stressful time as medical school. it will be hard to balance a long-distance relationship if your partner does not want to move with you, and not having any time off (3 straight years) will mean you won't even get to see everyone from Edmonton for more than a week at a time. you're only losing a $1000 deposit. in the grand scheme, that's peanuts. and 4 years will give you an opportunity to really find out which specialty is for you! congrats and good luck with your decision! These were basically my thoughts as well. OP, I would pick UofA because of the support network, but that's just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medaholic Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 think the OP has already reasoned choosing UofA. support network, closer to home, more time to decide on specialty. both programs are great, wouldn't go wrong choosing either Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloh Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 It's all already been said, but you're very likely to lose your partner if you don't pick uofa. Count on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madskillz99 Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 I was actually in this same boat in mid May: I was accepted to Mac and UAlberta. For the same reasons suggested in this thread, I decided to stay with Mac because as an Ontario student this is where my support network is. One point that should be considered is the 3 year vs. 4 year difference in program length. Although UAlberta is cheaper on paper, you will start earning sooner if you go to Mac. But at the end of the day I would stay with UAlberta in your case; it is a great school that I had trouble turning down. And don't under-emphasize the importance of some consistency amidst a lot of change that is bound to happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ave Posted June 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 I literally changed my mind about 10 times in the past 12 hours...and then sat down and talked to a few friends here at the UoA and fam and made decision to stay. so there you are. thanks for all the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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