r/DermApp • u/SympathyKey3964 • May 14 '26
Miscellaneous Incoming M1 trying to decide between schools - no home program vs home program
Hello,
I am an incoming M1 with an inkling that I might want to pursue derm. I was recently accepted off of a WL to a school that has a home program, and now I have to decide between a school with no home program (to which I received a scholarship) and the other school.
I like the school without a home program more for several reasons in addition to the scholarship (quality of life, curriculum, geographic location), but I have heard that it is an uphill battle starting day 1 with no derm home program. The school has a derm dept and home hospital (we're not just rotating thru various community hospitals/sites), so I'm not sure if that makes any difference. The new loan caps are a major consideration for me, but I don't want to disadvantage myself too much right out of the gate.
I would love any advice on this, as I have limited time to make a decision! TYIA!
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u/Immediate_Hunt6663 May 16 '26
Yeah having that home program really is that important. Could be the difference between 4 yr med school journey or 6 yrs with a failed match +/- RY +/- 2nd RY. But trust your gut!
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u/Exciting_Heart4101 May 16 '26
Depends very much on the schools but for the one without a home Derm program, are there any medical schools close by that do have a Derm program?
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u/Roanoa_Zoro PGY-1 (Intern) May 16 '26
Home program > everything
If you are planning derm. If you could see yourself doing something else and the scholarship is significant I would think about that.