<p>Okay, so I have been getting feedback from a lot of people on this topic and they all have said "do what you think would be best." The thing is I have no clue what would be best. I have narrowed my college choices down to University of Virginia and University of Richmond. UVA is a school of higher prestige, whereas UR is a school where I would be able to stand out (which is something I need to do in order to get into medical school). UR's pre-med program is supposedly tremendous and 85% of pre-meds get accepted into medical school. But UVA is a better school and would also look good when applying to med school due to its rating. Which do you think is a better choice?</p>
<p>Probably UVA.</p>
<p>Well, UVA does have a medical school. Your proximity to some of the people and programs there may confer some advantages, if even just to affirm it’s actually the path you want. </p>
<p>Of course, there have also been a number of UR grads that have gone on to UVA for med school. </p>
<p>At the of the day it will just depend on how well you do academically. Both schools are launching their share of interested students into medical careers.</p>
<p>And if you are in-state and cost is a factor, is a clear cut choice.</p>
<p>At this point just pick which one you like better. UVA is a better school, but wherever you go it is going to depend on your grades and test scores.</p>
<p>I’m confused. Doesn’t UVA and U of Richmond require notice on May 1st just like most other schools? Did they give you added time?</p>
<p>That question could go for every thread on this forum right now.</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>Well, there are a bunch people that should be a bit sheepish about still posting advice to dead threads, I would agree. But, I have heard that some applicants have asked and received more time to make their final decision. And as the O.P. started this thread just the other day, I thought I would ask.</p>
<p>VCU has an excellent med school as well (MCV) and is about 10 minutes from U of R. UVA is secluded, certainly not anywhere you wanna live for 7-10 years lol. U of R is more for business though. If you wanted med school, VCU is much much cheaper than UVA and you would almost certainly have been accepted into MCV. Go UVA over U of R for med school though</p>
<p>well i understand about UVA med school and stuff, but the main problem is deciding if standing out is a better factor than going to a school with a higher prestige…</p>
<p>Just a thought… Have you considered going to the school with more prestige (UVA) and working so hard that you stand out regardless?
If I knew my Dr. went to the “lesser” of two schools just so they could stand out with potentially lower grades etc. they certainly would no longer be my Dr. And that goes for anybody that I did business with, regardless of the field.
At the end of the day, do you want the rigor of the academics or a cookie and a pat on the back?</p>
<p>irun, I know this doesn’t help much, but honestly you can’t go wrong with either! The size, intimacy and hands on teaching (no TAs) makes a good case for UR. UVA has a bigger, but IMHO, not necessarily better, reputation (but then again I am a biased UR grad). </p>
<p>The pre-med program at UR is fantastic. Navigate through the hype of prestige. Although it has been awhile, I had several close friends who went onto UVA’s and MCV’s med schools. They all have done very well for themselves in the medical field. (Another UR story I get to brag about with my kids is that I was a classmate of an astronaut- Leland Melvin-but that’s for another thread! :)) </p>
<p>I think UR is a gem of a school and if you want a smaller, very reputable place, it could be perfect for you. I am sure you would do great at UVA as well. The big thing is go to the school where you think you will be happiest; the standing out part will take care of itself!
Good luck in your decision!</p>
<p>givemeliberty: it isn’t like I wouldn’t try hard at either school, just at UVA the competition makes it much harder to stand out, whereas UR has fewer students </p>
<p>kandk: your advice helped alot, I am actually leaning more towards UR now because of the size and other reasons.</p>
<p>Understood. Make yourself stand out.</p>
<p>UR is a smaller version of UVirginia. Students are very similar. If you want small than go Richmond. If you larger go U of V. Cant go wrong with either one.</p>
<p>So I’m confused are you in at both schools</p>
<p>I agree with KandKsmom, I’d go to the University Of Richmond because of the smaller size and greater attention you’d get there. If you’re planning on going to medical school, more opportunities to work on projects with professors at a smaller school would give you also an advantage in the admissions process.</p>