Albany vs VCU

[bbdk011]

Hey guys,

Let me preface this by saying I am currently waitlisted at my in-state institution and would attend over both if accepted. I also really value being close to my family so location is a big factor for me. I know it's early but for now I think I am leaning towards one of the IM subspecialties like GI or cards but looking to keep opportunities open for other competitive specialties as well. Also both schools have roughly same cost at $50k-ish. Class size is irrelevant to me and both have pretty similar match lists.

Albany:
Pros:
-very close to home (about an hour)
-students seemed very chill and super friendly environment
-receptive to student feedback
-i am VERY familiar with the area
-looking to stay in northeast for residency so maybe that could be a plus by staying in the area (idk really know if that has any bearing)
-Albany med gets a lot of interesting cases, would be exposed to a lot

Cons:
-no P/F grading
-not a research-heavy institution
-low tier MD (could that have an impact on pursuing more competitive specialties?)
-Students I've talked to have told me that the kids at this school either had no other options, were from Cali, BS/MD, or were from the area so it seems a little bit like a last resort to me
-no undergrad institution connected
-facilities are pretty old and gross

VCU:
Pros:
-R1 research institution so lots of funding $$$
-connected to undergrad so school is well established in terms of administration/opportunities
-option for 1 year funded research year in between M2/M3 or M3/M4
-P/F unranked
-Their curriculum seems very geared towards helping students pass STEP 1, one of the advisors is well known in the step-prep world I think, students speak very highly of the school's STEP prep
-1.5 year condensed curriculum which seems interesting and allows me more time to pursue other EC's and work with my schedule
-Hospital is HUGE and has tons of opportunities (better than Albany), also hospital is much nicer than Albany
-Mid-tier ranking vs Albany's low-tier (i feel like this is insignificant though)
-Buildings are renovated and everything is BRAND NEW
-students seemed very well-rounded and interesting (maybe more so than Albany)

Cons:
-VERY far from home (8 hours)
-since it is a state school, lots of kids will be from around the area and I think on weekends and holidays especially, I will feel very isolated when everyone goes home and I stay on campus
-Not a huge fan of Richmond or living in the South in general, also richmond doesn't seem to be very close to anything else (D.C. is still like 2 hours away)

While I am aware that VCU seems to have more opportunities for me, I just don't think I would be comfortable being so far from home. I am worried that I'll miss my family too much and that would affect my performance in school. I already attended undergrad close to home and I think it heped me deal with stress a ton so I would like to do the same again if I can. What would you guys do in my situation? I am heavily leaning towards Albany right now however was wondering if picking Albany over VCU would have a significant effect on my future residency prospects. If I sound like a dweeb rn feel free to roast me lol

Thanks for the input!

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[870784]

VCU. You won't regret it.

 

[darkpauladin]

Albany is lame — you know they make you buy a a lenova yoga laptop even if you don’t want one right? Lol the student tour guide told me he pawned it off on ebay.

 

[Bryant088]

So there isn't a huge difference in prestige/reputation (Albany's residency director score 2.8 vs VCU's 3.1) or cost here. If you would really be happier at Albany, go there.

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

Albany, be closer to your family

 

[PhDToMed]

VCU is a far better school, however, it seems like your support system is near Albany. Tough choice!

Some things to think about...
1. No P/F grading at Albany = bad! You will be so stressed to perform well. Also, classmates may be more competitive and less willing to share notes.
2. Old facilities at Albany = bad! You want to learn in top-notch facilities (like VCU's) that will prepare you best for real hospital environment.
3. Low-tier ranking, little research opportunities at Albany = bad! May hold you back from some competitive residencies (if you are looking into those).

Some other things to think about...
1. Since you always stayed near your family, it may be fun to switch things up a bit and live farther away to gain new experiences and independence.
2. Half of VCU's class are OOS, so you will have a lot of people to chill/hangout with even when IS students will go home for holidays
3. Richmond is a very affordable, fun and chill city
4. Join some student groups with similar interests as you, and you will have a great support base and won't feel lonely!

If I were you, I would pick VCU, as it is amazing!!!!!!

 

[Birdman15]

VCU is objectively the better school, which may or may not matter as much, depending on what area of medicine you want to go into. If you don't need family super close in order to function, then I'd pick VCU.