<p>Hey guys. I received acceptances from both VCU gmed and Drexel/Drexel's bs md program and I still can't decide which one to choose :/ I live in California so both of these schools would be OOS.</p>
<p>I'll list the pros/cons of each:</p>
<p>VCU
Pro's
-Received presidential scholarship (in-state tuition+R&B)
-Higher ranked medical school (MCV)
-Can apply out after 4 years of undergrad and still retain seat at MCV.
-Constructing another building at the moment
-Higher possibility (for me) of studying abroad
Cons
-Did not like the feel of Richmond, Virginia when visiting
-VCU undergraduate campus was ehh.
-Eight years
-Lower ranked undergraduate school (170 nationally)</p>
<p>Drexel/Drexel (have not visited the undergraduate campus yet)
Pro's
-Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
-Higher ranked undergraduate school (83 nationally)
-7 years
-Received AJ's scholarship $24,500 (about half tuition)
-Located right next to UPenn
Cons
-Lower ranked medical school
-Binding program (apply out=lost seat)
-More expensive
-Lower possibility of studying abroad</p>
<p>Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Thanks in advanced!
I'll add more things if I think of them.</p>
<p>@inevitable
Very interesting, my D had pretty much the same exact offer as you listed and struggling the something. We are in OC. Let’s see how others will help us on this.</p>
<p>I would go with VCU GMED. The MCAT requirement is lower, plus you can apply out to a different medical school after 4 years UG without losing your spot at VCU Med school .</p>
<p>applying out at VCU will be incredibly tough because you don’t have the academic rigor that top schools are known to have. In my opinion, you should go with your instincts and try to imagine yourself spending 7 or 8 years in a certain place. For me, because drexel is in the city (philly) and i’ll be here for 7 years, it was an ideal place for me. If you feel that you can live in richmond for 8 years and be happy with your choice, go for it. Follow your heart as they say : )</p>
<p>Things to add to your list:</p>
<ul>
<li>Drexel is quarter system. They start late and end late. </li>
<li>safety - VCU campus vs. Drexel </li>
<li>Single rooms with attached bathrooms in VCU dorms</li>
<li>Drexel med school is not close to the hospitals</li>
</ul>
<p>Sorry, I am not helping here :-)!</p>
<p>@coolcamel Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>@MrInformed- I wasn’t going to apply to any top rated medical school, and even so, the academic reputation of a school is just a small factor. I believe with a very high gpa and good LORs and EC’s its very possible. I know someone who went to a cal state (ranked lower than vcu) and ended up with acceptances from harvard, yale, jh, vandy med schools etc. Thank you for your input though :] </p>
<p>@hypermom Haha no, thank you! You are reminding me of some things I forgot since I posted this thread off the top of my head. The vcu dorms are awesome and a pro towards vcu. Yes, I was somewhat concerned that the drexel medical building was one building somewhat away from the city. I will have to look up safety, but I think at both schools students mentioned that if you just make wise choices safety should be of no concern. Plus the escort system.</p>
<p>Quarter system is not necessarily a bad thing. With the new MCAT coming out and the new requirements, it may be better to have more classes to cover MCAT topics.</p>
<p>I think Drexel is better. You get everything done in 7 years. That means less tuition and you start making money faster. That’s a win win. Honestly, undergraduate name is more important to me. What if you decide medicine isn’t your thing? VCU is not a well ranked college and a degree from there won’t help much. Med school name doesn’t matter because you are getting an md regardless and how you do in residency determines where you can get a job. I think Drexel is the better option</p>
<p>Actually, since I only get half tuition no room and board at drexel for 3 years, it still costs more than vcu where I get full in state tuition and room and board. If I’m not completely confident that medicine is my thing at this point I would go to a regular undergraduate like UCLA or UC Berkeley. :/</p>
<p>if i had gotten into ucla i would choose that over anything. stay instate because cali med schools are the most competitive and applying from a cali undergrad looks amazing. UCLA has so much going for it. Also I live around richmond and it isn’t the nicest area, I’m assuming philly is the same. Ultimately, it is your decision and you will have a good undergrad experience. Just be smart about what you choose.</p>
<p>Alright thanks for your input! :]</p>
<p>let us know what you end up choosing :)</p>
<p>Vacal, you’re reasoning is just bad lol. Going to a good cali undergrad does not entitle you to get into a med school, let alone a cali med school</p>
<p>I realize going to a cali undergrad won’t help get into a cali med school, however it will help with med school in general. I have talked to many admission commitees for med schools. They would gladly take a 3.5 at UCLA or UC Berkley over a 3.9 at vcu. If you work your ass off at vcu it isnt as good as going to a cali school.</p>
<p>Yeah, but I’m going to be working my ass off harder to get that 3.5 at Berk and have little time to do the more important parts of the med school app (internship, shadowing, community service, etc.) plus I want to study abroaddd</p>
<p>what did you end up choosing?</p>