SBU vs. VCU

[eagle179]

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Hello! Currently, I've accepted my offer at SBU, and then I received an acceptance offer from VCU last week (so I have until this upcoming Monday to decide). I was told I probably would have my financial aid package from VCU by now but they still haven't sent it to me.

Stony Brook University
Pros

• Location (new area for me)
• Despite being far from home, I have lots of aunts/uncles, etc. up there
• Possibly the better match list of the 2 (I'm not good at figuring that out)
• Higher Step 1 scores
• Better research? (Again, I'm not great at evaluating that)
• Better matching in NYC (which would be my dream)
• Tests are based on step 1 questions I think?

Cons

• Location: not a city, seems quite boring (though I know I'll find things to do, so not my main concern)
• OOS tuition (can get IS next year though)
• Housing and basically everything is more expensive
• Old facilities, not much to look at
• Might have to travel for rotations

VCU
Pros

• IS tuition (not sure about scholarships yet)
• Location: city (I've always wanted to live in a city)
• Great hospital, it's the go-to hospital for anything in the area
• Really nice new med. ed. building
• Lots of guidance preparing for Step I

Cons

• Location... I grew up right outside the area, have never lived farther than an hour and would love to see something new
• Lower Step scores

Summary: It seems like I'm pretty much decided on SBU. I just want to make sure I'm making the right choice since I am so set on getting away from Richmond, and I don't want to just dismiss VCU because I don't want to live there. I received a scholarship from SBU that at this point levels out the cost, unless I get money from VCU. Thanks!

 

[Bryant088]

If costs are equal and you think you'd be happier at SB, then do it! In terms of reputation and match lists, they're both pretty equal, so I wouldn't worry about that too much.

 

[libertyyne]

Step scores should not be in this calculation. They are more of a function of individual effort and capability than curricula differences you will experience.

If you are interested in a specific speciality i would look towards the home program at both schools and see which one's have residencies in those fields.

 

[MooberGoober]

I'd go VCU.

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

Vcu


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[eagle179]

Thanks for the input so far. The last two people would you mind explaining why you think VCU?

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

Both schools are comparable and I believe the total COA would be cheaper at vcu. I also interviewed at VCU and thought the place was awesome


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[abouttreefiddy]

You seem you would be happier at SBU, don’t see a reason you should change your mind

 

[The_Free_Elf]

From your list it sounds like stony brook is the best choice for you

 

[eagle179]

Okay, thanks for the input everyone! I think I'm going with SBU... with the exception that I'm calling tomorrow to try to get my financial aid package from VCU (they said they would have it last week), and if it's a significant difference I'll do some more thinking

 

[eagle179]

Well. Just wanted to update that I changed my mind last minute, and I'm going with VCU! As anxious as I am to get out of Virginia and see something new.. I have the rest of my life to do that. When I pictured myself in med school before any of this, I imagined myself in a city. So that's what I'm going with. Thanks everyone

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

Well. Just wanted to update that I changed my mind last minute, and I'm going with VCU! As anxious as I am to get out of Virginia and see something new.. I have the rest of my life to do that. When I pictured myself in med school before any of this, I imagined myself in a city. So that's what I'm going with. Thanks everyone

Congrats, VCU was awesome


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