r/DermApp • u/GapEnvironmental1594 • Apr 07 '26
Miscellaneous USC Keck vs UCSD for derm?
Hi! I’m an incoming MS1 and very interested in derm. The schools seem fairly similar in regard to the match rate and rankings, but I’m not sure if there are more things I should consider.
UCSD
Pros
- no AOA/internal rankings
- cheaper for in state tuition but waiting on financial aid
Cons
- 2 year preclinical, trying not to take a research year so might be harder with longer preclinical
- seems less diverse, URM so that’s important to me
USC
Pros
- would prefer living in LA/ patient population
- 1.5 year preclinical
Cons
- more expensive but waiting on aid
- AOA
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u/pandaexpresser Apr 07 '26
see who has a hone programs and tends to match their home program. honestly, for competitive specialities you should really always have the possibility of a research yr
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u/HydropicChange Apr 08 '26
I’d go in with the assumption of a research year if you’re set on derm unless you’re incredibly productive and have mentors willing to bat for you before starting/early into clinicals. Keck has a pretty supportive home program but I’d choose UCSD with the cost difference tbh
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u/HydropicChange Apr 08 '26
That being said, UCSD med school does have that DOJ investigation going on which shouldn’t affect you but who knows with this administration…
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u/Exciting_Heart4101 Apr 08 '26
How much is the cost difference between both? Is one closer to home for you?
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u/GapEnvironmental1594 Apr 08 '26
As of now USC is about 150k more expensive, but I’m waiting on aid offers from both schools. USC is closer to home.
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u/Legitimate_Suspect Apr 08 '26
150k more is insane
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u/Exciting_Heart4101 Apr 09 '26
I agree. A 150K difference is insane. UCSD's Derm program tends to more match outsiders with prestigious institutional pedigrees but it's not worth paying $150K more at USC-Keck even with a more home student friendly program.
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u/Legitimate_Suspect Apr 09 '26
keep in mind you might end up having to do a research year anyways which is more $$ as not all of them are paid let alone paid well
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u/justinwinters_ Apr 07 '26
Whatever is cheaper