Kaiser vs Hopkins vs VCU

[Ephemeralis]

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Hey folks - trying to narrow down my options and feeling really torn... I feel like I know the right decision, but I just need some third party voices to help.

About me:

• Non-trad with a wife willing to move/relocate anywhere w a remote job (no kids now or in future)
• Very little interest in research or academic medicine
• Potentially interested in competitive surgical specialty (plastics, but very undecided - most of me wants primary care but clearly I need room to explore)
• Looking for a more collaborative, community student environment
• Love the outdoors (not a big city person... even though all below are in cities, easy access to outdoor activities is critical for my own wellness)

Kaiser (est. $0)
Pros
Graduate with zero debt (full COA + tuition)
New medical school (opportunities)
Desirable location
Small class size (50)

Cons
Far away from home/family/friends
New medical school (uncertainties)
Virtual cadaver lab
100% PBL (unsure if I'd do better with lectures though - I've been out of school for a long time, so I could probably adapt)
LA traffic

MAIN REASON TO GO TO KAISER: Zero debt stress, the adventure of living somewhere new, and opportunities of helping be part of a brand new school - CHALLENGE

VCU (est. $200,000 + accruing interest)
Pros
Close to family/friends/support network etc... "comfortable"
Instate tuition
Good student vibe
Desirable curriculum style
Desirable location (favorite place in the US - but I can always move to RVA and settle down after school)

Cons
Not highly ranked comparatively
Large class size (180) is less desirable
Debt

MAIN REASON TO GO TO VCU: Close to family/friends/social network and just sheer love for the city (namely the joy the James River brings me and the outdoor opportunities that aren't as easily accessible in either Baltimore or Pasadena) - COMFORT

Hopkins (est. $300,000 + accruing interest)
Pros
It's a T10 w T10 opportunities and name

Cons
Location
Cost
Competitive/cutthroat vibes
Debt

MAIN REASON TO GO TO JH: It's a T10 - PRESTIGE

Clearly my heart is making the decision between Kaiser & VCU... I just don't know if the reasons I want to live in Richmond for medical school outweigh the literal price tag that comes with it.

 

[srirachamayonnaise]

If you want to do something like ENT, ophtho, nsgy, or urology, you should go to Hopkins.

 

[Davidfromcali]

Kaiser. It’s FREE and that’s huge.

Going to Hopkins doesn’t guarantee you a spot in a competitive speciality.

 

[Shunsui]

Quite clear that VCU suits you best and I think you'll end up matriculating

But, I think Kaiser is the best compromise between your choices. Free COA, great weather, no restriction on opportunities, tight-knight community, and some outdoor activities nearby I bet. Med school is temporary and you should be able to match to wherever from Kaiser.

Congrats on Hopkins but with very litte interest in research or pursuing academics, 300k+ debt, and the worst location I don't think the Hopkins name trumps Kaiser for your situation

 

[chilly_md]

Agree with the great analysis by Ultravox. I feel Kaiser gives you the most breathing room for both you and your wife to not have to worry about debt. Residency opportunities won’t be limited going there and I’m sure they’ll bolster the first match results by giving preference to Kaiser students for their in-house programs. I would certainly choose that over Hopkins, especially when you add in the weather.

I understand though about VCU, it’s important to feel happy and have friends/family close by during school. And the cost is much more reasonable than what students typically pay at other schools.

 

[snapster]

Take the money and run! Kaiser all the way. It really doesn't matter where you go to med school and I am sure you will do just fine at Kaiser to do anything you want. The financial freedom will be worth it.

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Kaiser and it’s not close imo. I think that there is a reason that despite being a new school, they only need to accept 80-100 for 50 seats

If money wasn’t a factor, Hopkins.

 

[JohnJacobJingleheimer]

VCU shouldn't be here, career-wise. It's a decision made solely on short term satisfaction; assuming you'll be alright without your support system close by, take it off your list. If you want to do something uber competitive, I'd say Hopkins. I'd personally prob bite the bullet and go Hopkins. However, since you don't seem like you REALLY want to go there, I don't think 300k plus interest is worth it for you. Kaiser is probably the smart move here.

 

[deleted1123321]

Kaiser easy

 

[Ephemeralis]

Hopkins just got back and offered $0 financial aid, putting the debt at 352,000 plus accruing interest - so I will be withdrawing my acceptance. I visited Kaiser and loved the school & the program but really did not like California or Pasadena. My wife also got a new major career job in Richmond and she can no longer move for at least a year or two which would mean I would be in California on my own without her or our support for at least M1 & M2