Tulane vs. VCU

[Daddysoy]

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Can people give me some school vs. school advice? I'm debating the merits of VCU vs. Tulane.

VCU is my instate school and is therefore much cheaper. However, I've been told not to base my choice on this parameter. It is also in Richmond, and I get the impression the hospital sees a decent amount of action in the hospital. The poeple in VCU seemed down to earth and cool, and pretty happy with the school

Tulane is of course in New Orleans. Obviously an interesting place to have an education. Expensive. Also good, down to earth people, happy with the area. Also sees a lot of interesting stuff there too. If it wasnt so expensive, I would likely choose it. It is a bit far away from VA however, but I dont know what to think about that yet.

From what I've seen so far, I am interested in some surgical specialty, although who knows what will happen to that thought as I go through school

Thanks for the advice, everyone

 

[integra892]

I am a VCU student almost finishing my first year here. First off, I like VCU. Its a good school, with decent professors and a wonderful student body. Everybody that I have met here has been great, and the class is really diversified. Ive also heard that the incoming class is just as diverse as our class was. The facilities are pretty good and many of the professors are very accessible outside of class. Coming from San Diego though, Richmond is a real step DOWN. There is not much to do here, there isnt much available for vegetarians (me), and its just not a very nice city to be in. That said, Im sure i am going to get a lot of good trauma and clinical experience in my 3rd and 4th years here. Our match list for the class of 2004 has a few people getting into surgical residencies, mainly ones in VA but I guess thats good for you. I dont know much about Tulane except that I had a friends father that went there and he just raved about it. New Orleans would also probably be a good social place too. And money shouldn't drive your decision as I have heard the tuition at VCU is on the rise again and it isnt that great of a value for in state students. If you want any more information about VCU let me [email protected].

 

[Methyldopa]

A friend of mine goes to Tulane and says it's cool, as for VCU I also have another friend that like it there!

Good luck!

 

[neworleansDO]

i did my MPH in new orleans at tulane after my undergrad at loyola...i loved my tulane experience, the only reason i did not go to med school there is because i wanted osteopathy...i cant wait to move back...the health sciences center is ok, but the rest of the area will make your time there amazing!

 

[Gut Shot]

I'm a third year at VCU, and I'm here to tell you that you can't go seriously wrong, no matter which school you decide on.

I have no intimate knowledge of Tulane, but I know that it's a solid school with a good reputation. New Orleans is, of course, is a wonderful place to live.

VCU is also a solid place. I have had some issues with the program, as most everyone will, but generally I have been very happy in my time here. The patient population is *great* for education, the faculty are approachable, and the learning is very hands on. Many of the grads stay in the area, but that's true for most institutions. I know we have someone from the class of 2004 who is going to Wash U for surgery, and an MD/PhD in my clerkship group matched at Mayo for ENT. If you're good and you work hard, you will succeed.

As for Richmond, some of the people who come here are indeed horrified by the city and the perceived lack of "things to do." While I certainly don't want to grow old and die here, I happen to think it's not a bad place to live (and pretty cheap). With over 1.1 million people living in the metropolitan area, there has to be *something* that floats your boat.

With regard to the issue of money, Tulane is certainly a good bit more expensive than VCU. While our tuition has gotten hiked lately, I believe we're currently at 20K for the first year and 16K thereafter. Unless I'm mistaken, Tulane is currently 37K, making a four year difference of about 64K (using current tuition rates). While it's certainly true that you shouldn't base such an important decision around money, it's probably imprudent to ignore it altogether.

Those are my two cents. In any case, like I said, you can't really go wrong in your decision. Either school would be a great choice.

Good luck!