Howard vs. VCU

[Daksh3]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey guys! I am going to be a pre-med and my only options left for under-grad are: VCU and Howard (didn't get into the Howard BS/MD program) and now I NEED to decide where I should go: VCU or HOWARD.

PROS Howard:
* Full Ride (housing + tuition)
* Ranked higher (95th - 1st tier -> I don't know how valid this is)

CONS Howard:
* I don't know how I will fit in @ a HBCU. I am pretty shy, don't really party, and have mostly interacted with other Indians (I don't have anything against African Americans - but I have never really interacted with them).
* In the ghetto.

PROS VCU:
* More diverse
* Better pre-med program ? / more well known pre-med program?

CONS VCU:
* 15-22k/year for everything
* Sort of in the ghetto

I really don't know what to do and I keep changing my mind... PLEASE HELP.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Terpskins99]

Man, this is a tough decision. And a little odd that you've narrowed it down to these two... if you were good enough to land a full ride at Howard, how come the only other school you have available is VCU? There are so many other good colleges in the DC area.

Anyhow, it really boils down to your comfort level at being at a HBCU. Personally, I think the culture shock would wear off relatively quickly and you won't have too much difficulty making friends in the pre-med community. After all, misery loves company. 😛

And a full-ride is a full-ride. Buy yourself a pair of BMW's with the money you'll save. 😉

Hey guys! I am going to be a pre-med and my only options left for under-grad are: VCU and Howard (didn't get into the Howard BS/MD program) and now I NEED to decide where I should go: VCU or HOWARD.

PROS Howard:
* Full Ride (housing + tuition)
* Ranked higher (95th - 1st tier -> I don't know how valid this is)

CONS Howard:
* I don't know how I will fit in @ a HBCU. I am pretty shy, don't really party, and have mostly interacted with other Indians (I don't have anything against African Americans - but I have never really interacted with them).
* In the ghetto.

PROS VCU:
* More diverse
* Better pre-med program ? / more well known pre-med program?

CONS VCU:
* 15-22k/year for everything
* Sort of in the ghetto

I really don't know what to do and I keep changing my mind... PLEASE HELP.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jvanewportnews]

Between the two, I'd choose Howard just for the money. That's a lot saved, and many would argue that the location of VCU is no better/safer than that of Howard.

 

[Daksh3]

Haha, I'll be looking spiffy in my BMWs.

No, I am actually an international student (an had stupidly only applied instate in VA: got into: Virginia Tech., GMU, VCU | rejected from: UVA).
But, Tech didn't give me much money (so that was too expensive) and I was really praying to get into the BS/MD program at Howard so VCU and Howard are my only options.

 

[Terpskins99]

Haha, I'll be looking spiffy in my BMWs.

No, I am actually an international student (an had stupidly only applied instate in VA: got into: Virginia Tech., GMU, VCU | rejected from: UVA).
But, Tech didn't give me much money (so that was too expensive) and I was really praying to get into the BS/MD program at Howard so VCU and Howard are my only options.

VTech may be expensive, but IMO has the strongest reputation of the schools you were accepted to. Personally, I'd go to Tech if possible. Even though Blacksburg is pretty out there, I hear its a really fun school to go to. I think you'd have a better college experience. Just my opinion.

 

[MaxAnn]

I would go to VCU. HUCD has many issues with students NOT finishing on time due to lack of chair time. HUCD students must recruit their own patients and share chairs; both of which make it extremely difficult to graduate on time.

 

[vicinihil]

Did you get into the VCU BS/MD program? If not, they give you another shot during your 2nd year.