UCR VS VCU

[Trip4284]

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UCR:

Pros:
-Cheaper (in-state tuition) + received scholarship of 15k/year making cost of attendance roughly around 100-150k
-Close to direct family


Cons:
-Relatively newer program
-Fewer nearby research opportunities
-Does not have its own hospital
-Strong primary care leaning, not sure what kind of support is offered for some of the competitive specialties

VCU:

Pros:
-Grew up in Ashburn VA and I have tons of family in VA/Maryland
-Higher Ranking
-Seemingly solid match list across all specialties

Cons:
-Estimated cost will be between 250-350k most likely (out-of-state resident)

Truthfully, with all things being equal, I would choose VCU because I feel I would be happier there due to the extensive family support and wanting to go back to where I grew up. However, the only thing holding me back is the cost of attendance. Not sure if I can justify the near 150k/200k difference in cost of attendance. Appreciate the help!

 

[chilly_md]

Do you have a good idea of what specialities you’d like to pursue? This could change of course.

Hard to say no to an MD degree that’s in the 100-150k range and close to your direct family. Having other family in VA or MD is nice, but if they are other relatives (and are at least a few hours away without traffic), that’s not too much of a pro.

 

[Trip4284]

Do you have a good idea of what specialities you’d like to pursue? This could change of course.

Hard to say no to an MD degree that’s in the 100-150k range and close to your direct family. Having other family in VA or MD is nice, but if they are other relatives (and are at least a few hours away without traffic), that’s not too much of a pro.

Currently interested in ROAD specialties as well as EM. Primarily interested in Anesthesia, diagnostic radiology, and EM, which I know are not the most competitive specialties, but not entirely sure if these are the specialties I want to pursue long term

 

[chilly_md]

Currently interested in ROAD specialties as well as EM. Primarily interested in Anesthesia, diagnostic radiology, and EM, which I know are not the most competitive specialties, but not entirely sure if these are the specialties I want to pursue long term

Yeah, having home programs for those is nice at VCU.

Up to you. EM is not competitive, anesthesia is getting more competitive. UCR has had some impressive matches too (4 in derm and 2 ortho this year) and it could continue to improve by the time you get to applying.

250k or so at VCU would be an easier figure to deal with than 350k.

 

[Trip4284]

Yeah, having home programs for those is nice at VCU.

Up to you. EM is not competitive, anesthesia is getting more competitive. UCR has had some impressive matches too (4 in derm and 2 ortho this year) and it could continue to improve by the time you get to applying.

250k or so at VCU would be an easier figure to deal with than 350k.

Ok I'll iron out the financial details more clearly and figure out a more precise cost of attendance at each school. Then I'll make a decision from there. Thank you for your help!

 

[DancingHusky]

Full Disclosure: I'm likely committing to UCR.

I'm not sure of you attended the recruitment event on 4/27, however, it seems that on the research front UCR is heavily investing resources into expanding access to research opportunities to students via on campus research with UCR faculty as well as with other SoCal UCs (UCI, UCSD, UCLA). They even mentioned that students have participated in research where they did not actually need to travel to these other institutions to actually participate in the research.

Like Chilly stated they had a pretty impressive match into competitive specialties this year. Additionally, students on the student panel noted that should you be interested in a specialty that the SOM may not have faculty for, the deans will connect you with a mentor in that specialty.

Also as a VA native, it'd be cool to have someone else from the east coast in class!

 

[Trip4284]

Full Disclosure: I'm likely committing to UCR.

I'm not sure of you attended the recruitment event on 4/27, however, it seems that on the research front UCR is heavily investing resources into expanding access to research opportunities to students via on campus research with UCR faculty as well as with other SoCal UCs (UCI, UCSD, UCLA). They even mentioned that students have participated in research where they did not actually need to travel to these other institutions to actually participate in the research.

Like Chilly stated they had a pretty impressive match into competitive specialties this year. Additionally, students on the student panel noted that should you be interested in a specialty that the SOM may not have faculty for, the deans will connect you with a mentor in that specialty.

Also as a VA native, it'd be cool to have someone else from the east coast in class!

Hey! I'm likely committing as well! I didn't get to attend the recruitment event, but hope to see you at orientation!