Heart vs. Head...advice requested..

[Enkindu]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I am 34 and have recently been accepted by the University of Virginia and Eastern Virginia Medical School (MD programs). UVA has a great reputation and good ranking, but I got a much more positive impression when I visited EVMS. I was an undergrad at UVA and I have lived and worked in both Charlottesville and Norfolk so I am well informed about both areas. Here's my question:

😕 Should I base my decision on which school to attend primarily on the school's reputation, or should I take in to account my strong sense that I would be much happier at a younger, lesser-known school? I think I want to go into primary care, but of course I'm not certain at this point. Will I come to regret not attending a ranked school when it's time to match?

To preempt any flames from hoos out there- I am fond of Charlottesville and UVA but I've done and seen EVERYTHING within 100 miles...twice. A change of scenery is sounding very good right now.



Thanks in advance- any incidental info you might have about either school would be greatly appreciated as well. Cheers!

 

[Fenrezz]

Go to the school that you think you'd be happier at. Absolutely no question about it. If you do well enough, you'll be just fine with the match no matter which school you go to.

 

[Amy]

I agree w/ Fenrezz. Med school is stressful, and if you're at a school that you don't like, it'll make the whole experience that much worse. Go where you'll be happy!!

 

[uncwalley]

I don't know much about UVa, but the atmosphere at EVMS is very cooperative. Before big tests, there are almost always people offering up study aids that they have created for themselves. Out of our class of 105, I can't point out anyone that I feel is a gunner. Teachers are always available. Most of them tell us to just come find them in their office if we have a question. We don't have to go through the hassle of finding office hour schedules and that mess. There is also an incredible amount of service projects that you can be a part of if that is your thing. One of our professors reminds us daily that altruism is one of the AAMC's core principals and that "we shouldn't let medical school get in the way of our medical education." He also beats us over the head with the fact that we are one of three schools in the nation to receive some big award for our involvement in community service. If that doesn't decide it for you, then you should remember that the EVMS basketball team...oh, wait, the ping-pong and foosball players at EVMS are some of the best in the country...well, maybe.