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
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
