George Mason v. Virginia Commonwealth?

College Search & Selection
1

I never realized how hard picking between colleges would be! I’m extremely torn between George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. I’m going to study Medicine, Pre-medical major.

VCU: I like the city feel, but I am also kind of scared because Richmond is well known for crime. I know this college has a awesome medical center, but I’m only going for my undergraduates for right now, so that’s not a huge concern right now. Also, VCU has a good social scene for students, which is where you get that whole “college experience” from. I also would possibly be able to live at home if I attend this university, but it is more expensive than GMU.

GMU: I’ve heard that the social scene for George Mason is a drag. There’s is hardly any college experience that you’ll get, but academics are okay. Also, this is a higher ranked school. Tuition is lower than VCU, but going to this univeristy, I would have to live on campus. From what I’ve heard, this is a pretty safe campus, so that makes me lean towards this a little more.

Don’t know what to do!!!
Someone help!

2

If you are serious about trying to become a doctor, you need ready access to medical facilities where you can accumulate the volunteer hours you will need, do VCU might be a better choice. But talk with the pre-med advisors at both places to find out more about their programs.

To help determine which place will be less expensive, run your numbers here: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/awardletteradvanced.phtml

3

Ramennoodle, you really have to trust your gut instinct here if there is one college that is pulling you more than the other. Having said that, GMU’s social scene is not nearly as dead as some people make it out to be. A lot of people are thinking of the GMU of ten or more years ago. There are about 8,000 students living on campus now. You can’t have that many college students in one place and have no social scene. But VCU’s hospital may be an advantage for your field. Go to the admitted students day for both colleges and see which one feels right. Good luck!