Dell vs McGovern (TMDSAS)

Hi all! I’m struggling to decide how to rank these two schools. I know this has been has quite often, I’m just looking for outside opinions so I can decide what is best for me. I’m very grateful to have received a pre-match offer from McGovern, and I know if I rank Dell lower I am effectively withdrawing my application. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting both schools, and to be honest, it only made my decision harder because I am in love with both. I’m not quite sure what I want to specialize in, my interests range from the most competitive (ortho, etc), to the least (peds) and everywhere in between. I don’t want to close any doors in case I do decide to pursue something more competitive.

DELL Pros:

• P/F grading
• 1 year preclinical - I am very unsure of what I would like to specialize in, and I’m banking on clerkships to help me figure it out. I would get that earlier here.
• 3rd year growth year - Would pursue a dual degree or use the opportunity for more research and building resume for residency apps.
• Higher ranked? According to admit, at least…
• The students generally seem really happy. I would like to be happy too.

Cons:

• I’m not familiar with Austin, but I’m very okay with being somewhere new. The drive from home sucks though.
• Slightly higher COL
• Would need to find opportunities on my own, particularly research and mentors. Less support from the school in that regard. I’ve heard people generally say yes, though.

MCGOVERN (prematch) Pros:

• Houston - I love this city so much. Did my undergrad there, and I feel like my time there is not over yet. Being there genuinely brings me so much peace and comfort, more than being home, and the drive from home is not that bad as well. Also, my partner is here, and we wouldn’t be long distance anymore.
• TMC!! - I feel like it’s more established, an amazing place to train.
• Possible financial aid? Not a real factor as I have no way of actually knowing, but I hope I might have a chance of receiving a scholarship because I prematched on the first day.

Cons:

• 2 year preclinical - I just feel like that is super long. My ideal would be 1.5.
• Only P/F for the first semester - I feel like grades are just an additional source of stress, and I know myself well enough to know that I would spend all my time studying because I seek that external validation that grades provide, lol. Not to say that I’d slack off with pass/fail, but I’d feel more comfortable doing other extracurricular activities.

Of note, I am not really considering class size as a factor in my decision because I recognize the pros and cons of both a smaller and larger class size.

I apologize for any incorrect formatting! It is my first time posting on this sub. Would love to hear any thoughts!