Albert Einstein vs. VCU

[confusedhokie]

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I know there have been quite a few of these so far, but I'd really appreciate an outsiders perspective, given the April 30th deadline that is coming up fast. I have looked at other threads on this topic, but there was really only one, and that was several years ago, so I just wanted a more up to date comparison. Thanks!

Albert Einstein:
+Strong hospital system (Montefiore) and huge patient population
+True Pass/Fail for the first two years
+Better reputation for residency? (I'd like to do surgery of some kind, but understand that this may change)
+Cheap housing guaranteed for all four years ($500 for rent and all utilities)
+$20,000 scholarship for the first year
-New York City scares the s*** out of me, and I'm not sure how difficult it would be for me to adapt
-Lived in Virginia my whole life, so long way away from family/support
-Cost of living/attendance is pretty crazy ($80,000 COA)
-Hospital is 5 miles from the school (5 miles in NYC is not the same as 5 miles elsewhere)

VCU
+Really loved the school (brand new medical education building) and felt comfortable there
+Hospital is literally attached to medical education building
+Personalized board prep
+In state tuition (but the $20,000 scholarship from Einstein makes VCU the more expensive choice, for the first year at least)
+Only an hour from my family/smaller city
-Weaker reputation?
-Not the safest area

I haven't received financial aid information from either of these schools yet, so I'm forced to assume I'll be paying the full COA at either school (except for the first year at Einstein, where I received the scholarship). COA at VCU is $62,000 and COA at Einstein is $78,000 (the scholarship the first year brings that down to $58,000). With all of these variables and my desire to go into surgery (maybe), which would be the better option? I really appreciate the input, as I have to make a decision within the next 2-3 days. Thank you!

 

[InterstellarStudent]

Went to school at VCU and I can tell you that if you aren't doing anything you shouldn't be doing VCU is a safe place! At VCU you will be worshipped by undergrads and everyone in MCV campus too so thats a plus haha.

 

[cyberchicken001]

I know there have been quite a few of these so far, but I'd really appreciate an outsiders perspective, given the April 30th deadline that is coming up fast. I have looked at other threads on this topic, but there was really only one, and that was several years ago, so I just wanted a more up to date comparison. Thanks!

Albert Einstein:
+Strong hospital system (Montefiore) and huge patient population
+True Pass/Fail for the first two years
+Better reputation for residency? (I'd like to do surgery of some kind, but understand that this may change)
+Cheap housing guaranteed for all four years ($500 for rent and all utilities)
+$20,000 scholarship for the first year
-New York City scares the s*** out of me, and I'm not sure how difficult it would be for me to adapt
-Lived in Virginia my whole life, so long way away from family/support
-Cost of living/attendance is pretty crazy ($80,000 COA)
-Hospital is 5 miles from the school (5 miles in NYC is not the same as 5 miles elsewhere)

VCU
+Really loved the school (brand new medical education building) and felt comfortable there
+Hospital is literally attached to medical education building
+Personalized board prep
+In state tuition (but the $20,000 scholarship from Einstein makes VCU the more expensive choice, for the first year at least)
+Only an hour from my family/smaller city
-Weaker reputation?
-Not the safest area

I haven't received financial aid information from either of these schools yet, so I'm forced to assume I'll be paying the full COA at either school (except for the first year at Einstein, where I received the scholarship). COA at VCU is $62,000 and COA at Einstein is $78,000 (the scholarship the first year brings that down to $58,000). With all of these variables and my desire to go into surgery (maybe), which would be the better option? I really appreciate the input, as I have to make a decision within the next 2-3 days. Thank you!

Just to clarify for you, there are multiple clinical sites that students rotate through. One of them, the main Montefiore campus, is ~5 miles away and I assume that's the one you're referring to. However, there are two other hospitals, Jacobi and Weiler, which are on the Einstein campus, and many of your clinical sessions will be there.

Also, I think Einstein is in a pretty safe quiet part of NYC, so if safety is a major concern for you I wouldn't be that worried.

 

[ridethecliche]

Seems the pricetag is pretty similar. The only reason you should go to VCU is if you want to give me a better shot at getting off AE's waitlist.

 

[PrettyIvy]

In terms of VCU, the area where the medical school is located isn't bad at all. I lived by MCV the past 2 years and have never had any issues, even when I have had to walk back from there to my apartment past midnight. Also, the amount they determine for the COA is extremely generous. They allow ~31K for expenses outside of the tuition, which I highly doubt you would fully use (even if you get your own apartment) considering Richmond isn't that expensive of a city.

 

[deleted642280]

I interviewed for residency at Einstein, and I thought it was a great place. I'm from the midwest, so the idea of moving to the city also was a little scary for me, but it's well worth the benefits you get from living/going to school at an institution like that. Think ahead towards the residency match-- it's getting harder and harder for schools to match their medical students, and that will likely get worse with no additional GME funding on the horizon. If you liked the program, go with the bigger name and do yourself a favor in the match. That being said, I have generally found that the best decisions I have made involved just trusting my gut.

 

[confusedhokie]

Thanks for the responses guys! I guess what I'm ultimately trying to decide is whether Einstein has a good enough name and program to justify ultimately spending more money vs. attending VCU's solid program where I felt really comfortable. I'm trying make this decision while also considering my career goals. Do you all have any thoughts on that?

 

[ridethecliche]

Thanks for the responses guys! I guess what I'm ultimately trying to decide is whether Einstein has a good enough name and program to justify ultimately spending more money vs. attending VCU's solid program where I felt really comfortable. I'm trying make this decision while also considering my career goals. Do you all have any thoughts on that?

Only you can decide that.

Einstein is a research powerhouse and VCU is a good school without such laurels as those are not the goals of the institution. I would say that the reputation of the two institutions isn't really comparable. However, if being closer to family and in a more comfortable environment are more important to you then you should go to VCU. While AE is in a more suburby feeling part of NYC, it's still in NYC and some people will just never warm up to it.

You also said that Einstein was cheaper... so I'm confused.

 

[confusedhokie]

Only you can decide that.

Einstein is a research powerhouse and VCU is a good school without such laurels as those are not the goals of the institution. I would say that the reputation of the two institutions isn't really comparable. However, if being closer to family and in a more comfortable environment are more important to you then you should go to VCU. While AE is in a more suburby feeling part of NYC, it's still in NYC and some people will just never warm up to it.

You also said that Einstein was cheaper... so I'm confused.

The scholarship from Einstein is only for the first year.

 

[ridethecliche]

The scholarship from Einstein is only for the first year.

No chance of continuity?

Honestly, it sounds like you like VCU more but are confused because you feel like you're expected to like Einstein more. If you're not going to feel comfortable there, then don't go.

 

[argama]

Went to school at VCU and I can tell you that if you aren't doing anything you shouldn't be doing VCU is a safe place! At VCU you will be worshipped by undergrads and everyone in MCV campus too so thats a plus haha.

is that really true? Lol

 

[InterstellarStudent]

is that really true? Lol

pretty much...regarding the second half only to premeds though

 

[amad01]

Go to VCU so RTC and I can be classmates at AE. We won't even ask for the 20k scholly.