Case vs. VCU vs. Michigan
Started by ddman
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HermeytheElf
Now that is just not true...if you're looking for excitement around the dental school, there's crack houses and prostitutes a plenty. And if you're really a thrill seeker, you can head over to Church Hill after dark for a nice evening stroll. Also, if you enjoy good clean fun, I hear that Civil War reenactments are a blast.
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Haha. Not to mention racism, people who think evolution is a joke, and yes...let's not forget all the crack and crime.
Of course I received my MS from VCU in Biology but I have no idea what this post is about. I havent run into anyone that was a religious fundamentalist. Everyone I spoke to believed in evolution if it came up and Richmond is not part of the bible belt. Seriously, VCU is probably the most northern, southern school geographically. Richmond is quite similar to where I am from up north except maybe things run at a tad bit slower pace. You are close enough to DC to make an evening of it. In summary... VCU is not very southern at all in my opinion (not that there is anything wrong with southern schools...just seems like a lot of people from the north are in Richmond.) Of course the city could use to renovate a bit...but all in all I think the experience there is GREAT and the weather too. As far as crime, I lived in the west end and I felt VERY safe...little crime out that way.
Here is one recommendation about living in Richmond. Do not live in the west end if you want to have a life other than suburbian life..
Oh come on...no one looking for a city life should move to Richmond. If you are looking to live like that, move to Boston, NYC etc. I <3 suburban life! I like to visit the city, but I think living in a city would make me sick. All a matter of perspective. I go for safe, bright and open over closed, small and crowded. 🙂 The west end was perfect for me over my 2 years spent there.
The west end is the only place I've felt safe in Richmond.
Richmond has been ranked very high in crime for the past 10 years or so.
Third...Virginia is part of the bible belt, along with W. Virginia and Kentucky. So sorry, wrong again. I was even asked what my wife's religion was at the university of kentucky. I guarantee you I'm going to get that religious fundamentalist in a lot of trouble.
I've met quite a few people that told me they think "evolution is filled with holes" to which I reply...of course it's filled with holes...you're trying to piece together millions of years of natural history.
kom...im not arguing with you...though seriously, I didn't run into much religion in my 2 years and many at the university were surprisingly liberal. I thought that would be the one thing I'd escape by going to VA 😉 I just think that Richmond is a very nice place to live in general. I guess everyone has different ideas though. I'll respect yours.
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It has its good qualities. Low cost of living, weather, and probably some other things I've overlooked.
I think at any university people tend to be more liberal. Also, I think that the city of Richmond is run down and overall, very aesthetically displeasing.
Oh, location. Richmond's location is great though. Like you said, you're only a couple hours away from DC, the ocean, and the hills...(mountains according to Virginian's) to the West.
Now, Charlottesville is a beautiful city don't you think?
Charlottesville is nice! Actually, I couldn't agree with you more about Richmond being aesthetically unappealing. They seems so enthralled with their own history that they can't bear to rip some buildings down and put in something new. Looks like about half the buildings now wouldn't meet the code.
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HermeytheElf
If you are instate for either VCU or Michigan, I would definitely go with your state school. However, if you are out of state and will be spending an enormous amount of money for tuition no matter where you go, I'd pick Michigan over VCU and VCU over Case. Michigan gets a significant amount of research funding which will make it easier to do some research while you're in dental school in case you want to specialize. The only downside is dealing with the weather in Ann Arbor.
Do they look into your research experience in addition to your board scores if you want to specialize?
Congratulations, all very good schools. If you don't have a strong preference, go with the least expensive option. Best wishes.🙂
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HermeytheElf
I believe they look at boards and class rank first, but doing research can boost your application if you're close with another applicant. It also helps you get those letters of rec since you'll be working for a professor. Hint: Work for a professor in the department you want to specialize in...if they already know you and like you, they're more likely to take you. Or so I'm told.
