MCG vs VCU

[mmancini]

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I am so grateful to be making a decision between schools this cycle but am really struggling. I am not sure what specialty I want to pursue yet but I want to keep my options open/don't want to close doors for myself. Really enjoy surgery so wanting to keep that in mind while knowing that might change. Long term, I hope to match into a residency program somewhere in the south to be close to my family but in an academic/urban setting. If anyone has any tips/advice/thoughts I would be so thankful.

MCG:

pros
- in-state-- a pro for both cost (30K) and being close to my family
- research activity and dedicated research in curriculum (medical scholars)

cons
- relocating for clerkships-- could be a pro as i've heard med students get to know faculty well and get to assist in procedures and things outside of an academic setting but worried about moving/not having the best learning experience
- Augusta is not great? but not the worst?

VCU:

pros
- urban academic medical center-- VCU health where I will do my rotations and remain for 4 years (borrowing any aways I may want to do)
- richmond
- the vibe I got from the interview seems like the school does a really great job of supporting students throughout each phase of school (STEPs, residency placement)
- tons of research activity

cons
- far from home
- price (60k), tbd on scholarships

 

[Mr.Smile12]

It feels like you haven't lived outside of the Atlanta area... is that right? Why the hesitation about MCG?

Both VCU and MCG in my opinion will serve similar constituencies to train future doctors to stay in-state, especially in rural underserved areas. I do know VCU does a great job with student support, but I cannot compare it to MCG offhand.