Columbia vs. VCU (IS)

[axiumgod]

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Hey y'all, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a few of my top choices, and I have since narrowed down my choices to Columbia and VCU. Cost is a big factor for me, but it isn't the only factor going into my decision. I am interested in specializing, but not dead set on anything. Any insights you have are much appreciated!

Columbia-
Pros:
-Integrated curriculum with med students
-World-renowned faculty
-Brand new facilities
-High specialization rates
-In NYC

Cons:
-Cost

VCU-
Pros:
-Cheaper (in-state)
-Have good connections in research dpt already
-Richmond is enjoyable
-Stronger clinical education

Cons:
-Older facilities
-Less focus on specializing (based on what current students said, couldn't find actual data though)

 

[DebtForLife]

VCU definitely

 

[deleted903013]

Cost is a big factor for me

Easily VCU.

 

[Pre_Dent2024]

Columbia if you want to specialize. Personally I’d go in state if I was unsure though

 

[nightowl54]

If VCU is in-state, then I'd just go with that.

However, if you are really dead set on Columbia, I would research some scholarships (since Columbia doesn't give out that many) that you might be eligible for on: Scholarships.com - Free College Scholarship Search Financial Aid Grants Scholarships College Scholarship Scholarships One of our financial aid officers recommended this website to us in case we wanted to find external sources of financial aid.

If you have any questions about Columbia, feel free to message me

 

[Rainbowsheep5]

Isn't VCU getting that new clinic that will be finished when we start clinic? I remember them talking a lot about that when I was there? I wrote down in my notebook that it will be done when we are D3-4 and the old building will be turn into the new research facility. Maybe one item from the cons list to the pro for VCU?

 

[axiumgod]

Isn't VCU getting that new clinic that will be finished when we start clinic? I remember them talking a lot about that when I was there? I wrote down in my notebook that it will be done when we are D3-4 and the old building will be turn into the new research facility. Maybe one item from the cons list to the pro for VCU?

Good point, I think the clinic will be finished in 2022!

 

[Rainbowsheep5]

Good point, I think the clinic will be finished in 2022!

Merry Christmas and good luck!

 

[wengerout]

Reading your post I would say VCU. I paid more to go to Columbia and don't regret it but seems like you would be happy either way.


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[axiumgod]

Reading your post I would say VCU. I paid more to go to Columbia and don't regret it but seems like you would be happy either way.
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Why did you choose Columbia over other schools? Are you planning on specializing?

 

[wengerout]

Why did you choose Columbia over other schools? Are you planning on specializing?

#1 the people, and the admin. A lot of dental schools have toxic admins and I made sure to do my due diligence and cut any school that I found out treated their students poorly. In addition factors like Pass/Fail, the new clinic, alumni network, and being in NYC played their part in my decision matrix as well.

I actually want to be a GP! About half the class ends up doing GP nd I wanted to do GP before I even picked my school. I flirted with specializing briefly 1st year but IMO GP is for me because I know I want to do some unconventional things in dentistry and it allows for the most creativity in how you want to practice.

 

[Faefly]

Columbia!
But you said cost is a big factor, so I guess you've already decided VCU. Best of luck!