Maryland vs. VCU

[DodobirdFiance]

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Hi, everyone!

I am a Virginia resident and I'm considering to attend Maryland or VCU.
I know VCU has very strong clinical curriculums but low rates when a student is going for specialties.
Maryland has a good reputation, a good research, and a good clinical.

If I apply for residency in Maryland in the second year, the tuition is not too much different. Also, I'm not too sure about the cost of living for both.

I have not decided which field (in dentistry) I want to go into yet.

I know you guys have seen enough of these ____ vs ____ threads, but I do need help on making pros/cons list.
Thanks!

And congrats on acceptances 😀

 

[AlyssaRof2012]

If specializing is very important to you and you are worried about that possibility at VCU I'd apply to Maryland.

 

[pangarocket]

I know that for Maryland, it's possible but not as easy to get in state status after the first year as it is for some other schools. I really liked the facilities at UMaryland though, and they have a nice gym that's really close to the school.

 

[cotoncub]

You have to think about why their rates are low. Is it because they don't want to specialize or they aren't able to, or if they believe that because it is too hard there is no point in bothering to try. I think that you can do anything if you really want it that badly, so really it should come down to how you see yourself at the school from a more intangible approach, not just an academic one.

 

[DodobirdFiance]

I know that for Maryland, it's possible but not as easy to get in state status after the first year as it is for some other schools. I really liked the facilities at UMaryland though, and they have a nice gym that's really close to the school.

That's what I heard as well. I heard most of D3s do get it though. Thanks 😀

^ True. The rec center is just beautiful. Indoor pool, come on!

Where could you see yourself living?? You'll be trained as a dentist anywhere you go (if you want General) so beyond that it doesn't matter. I believe if you felt a better vibe in Baltimore, go there! But if you didn't like it, think it's too dangerous to live there, then maybe you'll see yourself at Richmond. How were the people you met? That makes a big difference too.

I loved Maryland when I went. Beautiful school, and I loved that professional schools were all in the same area! Great networking and to meet people who aren't just dental students!

I feel like Baltimore is dangerous but at the same time, there are many students there anyways... so confusedddd... Where would you have gone to? Thanks for the reply!

You have to think about why their rates are low. Is it because they don't want to specialize or they aren't able to, or if they believe that because it is too hard there is no point in bothering to try. I think that you can do anything if you really want it that badly, so really it should come down to how you see yourself at the school from a more intangible approach, not just an academic one.

That's very true.. Thanks!

Btw, it looks like you got into multiple schools including UMD and VCU. If you don't mind and already made your decision, could you tell me where you will be attending?

 

[hellofuturedentists]

I got into both UMD and VCU. I don't think I'm attending either, but I would pick VCU over UMD. I got a weird vibe from my tour guides on interview day, but aside from that, it just didn't seem like a good fit. Everyone in Baltimore I asked about the city said it was dangerous. Maybe I just look prone to danger though lol. I do know they said campus is the safest place in the city and that campus police will walk you back at night if necessary. But to me, VCU seemed more welcoming, still awesome technology, and Richmond seemed like a quality place. Also I think it's cheaper, at least for sure the cost of living is. Probably comes down to where you can see yourself more.
As far as the specialty thing, is it because students don't want to specialize, or because they are competitive enough to match? If it's the former, that's a non-issue.

 

[DodobirdFiance]

I got into both UMD and VCU. I don't think I'm attending either, but I would pick VCU over UMD. I got a weird vibe from my tour guides on interview day, but aside from that, it just didn't seem like a good fit. Everyone in Baltimore I asked about the city said it was dangerous. Maybe I just look prone to danger though lol. I do know they said campus is the safest place in the city and that campus police will walk you back at night if necessary. But to me, VCU seemed more welcoming, still awesome technology, and Richmond seemed like a quality place. Also I think it's cheaper, at least for sure the cost of living is. Probably comes down to where you can see yourself more.
As far as the specialty thing, is it because students don't want to specialize, or because they are competitive enough to match? If it's the former, that's a non-issue.

Thanks for your input 🙂

Btw, I see you from lots of posts and I feel like we both interviewed at Pitt as well..? haha
Where will you be going?

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Thanks for your input 🙂

Btw, I see you from lots of posts and I feel like we both interviewed at Pitt as well..? haha
Where will you be going?

I know. I procrastinate on here too much. Oh I guess we did!
Still undecided. VCU is kind of still in the running, but I already declined my Maryland offer. Hard decision. I'm sure we'll both make the right one though!

 

[cotoncub]

I had a similar vibe from UMD. While the school's program is great I didn't get as friendly or welcoming of a vibe from the students or the city. In both of these aspects I think it is purely subjective. Others may have had a great experience or rapport with the students hosting the tour or others that they had a chance to speak with that day. In terms of the city, that could just be me not as drawn towards the urban atmosphere and setting.

Right now I'm most likely going to decide on VCU. I really enjoyed my VCU interview a lot. The students were all really friendly and the atmosphere was inviting. I have also lived in Richmond before and enjoy the city and what it has to offer. It helps that VCU is in-state for me as well.

 

[DodobirdFiance]

I had a similar vibe from UMD. While the school's program is great I didn't get as friendly or welcoming of a vibe from the students or the city. In both of these aspects I think it is purely subjective. Others may have had a great experience or rapport with the students hosting the tour or others that they had a chance to speak with that day. In terms of the city, that could just be me not as drawn towards the urban atmosphere and setting.

Right now I'm most likely going to decide on VCU. I really enjoyed my VCU interview a lot. The students were all really friendly and the atmosphere was inviting. I have also lived in Richmond before and enjoy the city and what it has to offer. It helps that VCU is in-state for me as well.

Maybe we'll be a classmate x) yay!