Decision time...

[Quarterelven]

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It has now come to the time that I must make a decision where I am going to go (I hate making decisions, esp. important ones that impact the rest of my life...) 😕 I'm trying to pick between VCU and UCLA. Can anyone offer me advice about factors to consider in general, or in particular to these two programs? I've already made a +/- list for both, and I'm still at a mental impasse...

 

[Dent010]

Ucla took a poop and out came vcu. Lol. Jk. I would choose ucla, but that's because I'm from california and biased. Good location, good weather, and very solid program. Its a win all the way around. Otherwise, look for what you value most. Friends? Family? Cost? ....

 

[UCfan]

I will say UCLA too. However you are resident of Virginia (I am assuming).
The cost of tuition is around $65k compared to approximately $130k (assuming that you will be a CA resident after first year). Also living expenses are higher in LA compared to Virginia. If you have also family members and friends over there, it makes more sense to be closer to them. I disagree with dent 010 (Ucla took a poop and out came vcu -> it is a disrespectful comment). If I were you, I go with your state school. Your debt will be much less which can give you a lot of flexibility.

 

[Zubnaya Feya]

Depends on your situation. UCLA is not as solid clinically as VCU, however, it really depends on what you want out of your education.

 

[peerless218]

Depends on your situation. UCLA is not as solid clinically as VCU, however, it really depends on what you want out of your education.

If you have no intention of being a general then go to UCLA. My friend is doing general, and he said if he had to do it all over again, he would not pick UCLA because of what he wants in life. They are great in preparing you for the biomedical sciences though!

 

[SoCalBlondie]

If you have no intention of being a general then go to UCLA. My friend is doing general, and he said if he had to do it all over again, he would not pick UCLA because of what he wants in life. They are great in preparing you for the biomedical sciences though!

TOTALLY AGREE!
You do not come out ready to practice which is why like 90% of students do some kind of residency.. if u plan to specialize or do a GPR I would say go to UCLA!

 

[NCarolinaDent]

To original poster...

I cannot see why one would could let the scales tip in favor of one school all because of what someone says on this website.

My advice would be to ask yourself these questions. Only you know the answers.

1.) Where do you want to live? LA and Richmond are worlds apart.

2.) What is the cost? What will your student loan payment be if this is an issue?

3.) Which school presents you the best opportunity to succeed?

Remember you can specialize from ANY school. I think the first two questions are most important because if you put your mind to it, then you will succeed.

 

[WUD UP]

you can specialize from every school true, but you cant practice directly out of school. ucla students tend to do gpr/aegds after school

 

[crazyglue]

I would stay close to the family... 😀

 

[pawkinlot]

UCLA!!!!! ITS THE BEST SCHOOL IN THE WORLD! jk! idk about it, all I know is I didnt apply there, but did to VCU so dont take that VCU spot! 😀