<p>I know that someone has already mentioned the Drexel vs VCu problem. BUt I realized that Nobody is able to put much information about VCU. Is that because it is not as well known or because nobody wants to go there. If there is anybody who has any information on VCU and its program, that would be great. I really want to know more about VCU. I've heared many positives about Drexel but nothing much about VCU.</p>
<p>What would you like to know?</p>
<p>I want to know how the curriculum at VCU is. How many people drop out usually? IF the students are happy with the program and if its a fun place to be. I mean 8 years in a place is a pretty long time. Do you know of anybody currently in the VCU program.</p>
<p>i do and personally she had a bad experience as far as "funness" of the area and the city and the school, the only thign thats keeping her sane is like 2 or 3 of her close knit friends; the only thing i would be wary is that it might have been only her or a few select friends that didnt' find the college that fun or dind't find things to do so i would not base ur decision on what she thinks; personally i think its a great school but as far as social life, i couldn't really comment</p>
<p>Yes, I personally do know somebody in the VCU program as well, and he is enjoying it. Rishug is right; it does depend on the individual. My friend for instance loves it there...but that doesn't mean everyone does...However, Richmond is a great city overall, but its not comparable to NY, Philly, LA or Miami, for obvious reasons. I mean if you want to compare Drexel and VCU in that aspect, Philly is obviously going to have an advantage over Richmond.</p>
<p>The curriculum is as hard as you want it to be. At VCU, you can choose any major you want to take (History, Music, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, English, Psych etc.) However, there are a number of courses that you have to fit into your undergrad, like 1st year Calc, Physics with lab etc. Then you have to choose 4 of 6 courses that include Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Animal Histology etc. (the more hardcore classes that prepare you for Med School) Other than those 10 some-odd courses, you are free to choose anything else you want. </p>
<p>When I talked to Dr. Anne Chandler, she said that in the last 5 years of VCU's gmed program, 3 people dropped out of the program. This figures into a fraction of a percent. So your prospects of finishing are virtually guaranteed. In order to matriculate you need to maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA (3.4 in the 4 of 6 'hardcore' classes I mentioned earlier) with no grade below a C. You also need to perform 120 hours of healthcare-related community service or paid work every year (June 30th-July 1st) for the duration of your undergrad studies. Other than that, there are no other requirements. You don't need to write the MCAT at all unless you want to apply out. Drexel requires that you get a 27 on the MCAT (with no section lower than a 9), and if a section is lower than a 9, you must have an overall score of 30. At VCU, you don't have to deal with the pressure of studying for and writing the MCAT's. You also don't lose the guarantee if you choose to apply out, so if you end up not getting in anywhere else, VCU med is still guaranteed. VCU is ranked I believe 65th or so among American Med Schools, which is not bad at all. Compared to Drexel Med for example, which is not in the top 100. That may help with residency placing as well, although its not a given. However, programs like Drexel let you save a year, while VCU is an 8-year program. So that is another thing to consider when you make your decision. VCU also has 99% step one pass rate for board exams after med school, which demonstrates the quality of VCU's med school. You also graduate with an Honors degree from VCU after your undergrad, which is nice. VCU's medical centre is the 4th largest medical campus in the U.S., and is a Carnegie research-institution, making it one of the top Research hospitals in the U.S., both giving VCU an edge over Drexel in that respect. </p>
<p>There are a lot of pro's and con's to both VCU and Drexel. It depends on what you are looking for in a school. I personally chose VCU and I got to spend a couple of days there rooming with a friend. I personally loved the school! Wherever you choose though, you have the luxury of guaranteed acceptance into Med school and the prospect of a bright future.</p>
<p>DCOM's resdiency placement is SOLIDdddddd</p>
<p>no one's disputing that...I merely said that VCU med's higher ranking may give you an advantage...but again its not a given...</p>