VCU or UC Irvine???

[rikibamboo]

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I was hoping I could get some thoughts from all you lovely people.

VCU's new curriculum that they're rolling out in 2013 sounds very interesting. They are also opening a new medical building next year which means my class will get first try at all the neat gadgets they might have there. And I'm hoping to get into their INOVA program that will have me doing my 3rd and 4th years up by the Northern Virginia/DC area. Did a tour of the INOVA campus and I like the fact that there's going to be a lot of interaction with professors/doctors since they only have 30 students from the class going up there. I'm also from Northern Virginia so the in-state tuition is a nice plus cost-wise.

UC Irvine has a lot of good things going for it too. My tour of the place had me realizing how good of an area it is. Weather looks like it might be a bit too warm for my taste (I know how crazy that sounds for others) but I felt that I could easily get along with the people there. I'm also gay and there seemed to be more LGBT resources in Irvine. Also, taking some Spanish right now and being there will give me more opportunities to apply and refine the language compared to VCU. Not a big Apple fan but an iPad wouldn't hurt too. I also know going to UCI will make my mom so much happier since she'll be able to visit me a lot more often.

Still waiting to hear back from other schools but something in my gut tells me that it's going to eventually come down to these two. What do you guys think?

 

[r1d1]

I'm also gay and there seemed to be more LGBT resources in Irvine.

I have friends who go to UCI undergrad that did not feel this way. Also have an older friend who works there and feel uncomfortable by the conservativeness of the OC. But Irvine is still more diverse than VA.

 

[rikibamboo]

I have friends who go to UCI undergrad that did not feel this way. Also have an older friend who works there and feel uncomfortable by the conservativeness of the OC. But Irvine is still more diverse than VA.

Yeah, wasn't there a place in that area that wanted to separate itself from California? In any case, there seemed to be more going for UCI in terms of LGBT stuff than VCU. Albeit, if I get into that INOVA program, I'll be up by DC for my 3rd/4th years.

 

[CsHead]

I have friends who go to UCI undergrad that did not feel this way. Also have an older friend who works there and feel uncomfortable by the conservativeness of the OC. But Irvine is still more diverse than central & southern VA.

fixed that for you champ. The OC doesn't even come close to the diversity in the DC Metro area.



What do you want in location. The two are vastly different. Suburban sprawl vs Richmond urban. Lots of crime vs a different kind of crime 😉

What's the cost different between the two? I know in-state VA tuition isn't exactly in state compared to everywhere else

How did you feel specifically at each one? Personally, I'd be wary of being the first guinea pig on the new curriculum, but if you like where it's going 🙂

 

[rikibamboo]

What do you want in location. The two are vastly different. Suburban sprawl vs Richmond urban. Lots of crime vs a different kind of crime 😉

What's the cost different between the two? I know in-state VA tuition isn't exactly in state compared to everywhere else

How did you feel specifically at each one? Personally, I'd be wary of being the first guinea pig on the new curriculum, but if you like where it's going 🙂

I tend to be a city-person. I mean I like having lots of stuff happening around me (even if I know I won't be able to do much of that in medical school. Hehe.) And, yeah, being by DC for rotations is appealing. But I kinda like having a suburban place to go to if it gets too overwhelming, which I hear Irvine is like. Only drawback is that, like any other place in California, having a car is a must.

Don't know the exact numbers for tuition with financial aid but according to U.S. News, VCU is about 27K for in-state and Irvine is 42K out-of-state. Difference of about 15K. I expect living in Irvine will cost more than Richmond too.

Yeah, I feel you about the whole guinea pig thing. Not exactly sure how I feel about it too. Driving down there on Monday. Hope to get more information about the curriculum.

The big question in my head right now is how the schools will impact my chances at residencies. UC Irvine will definitely give me a leg up for California residencies. San Francisco would be ideal, though competitive. VCU may help me more with east coast residencies, and there are more places I'd like to see myself working in the east coast than the west coast outside the Bay area. Their match lists seem to support that idea.

 

[Tots]

I have friends who go to UCI undergrad that did not feel this way. Also have an older friend who works there and feel uncomfortable by the conservativeness of the OC. But Irvine is still more diverse than VA.

Yeah, wasn't there a place in that area that wanted to separate itself from California? In any case, there seemed to be more going for UCI in terms of LGBT stuff than VCU. Albeit, if I get into that INOVA program, I'll be up by DC for my 3rd/4th years.

I am gay and went to UCI undergrad and was never uncomfortable. Yes, Orange County(and specifically Irvine) is a bastion of conservatism in a fairly blue area but most people are pretty socially liberal. There are plenty of LGBT resources both on campus and in the surrounding areas.

fixed that for you champ. The OC doesn't even come close to the diversity in the DC Metro area.



What do you want in location. The two are vastly different. Suburban sprawl vs Richmond urban. Lots of crime vs a different kind of crime 😉

What's the cost different between the two? I know in-state VA tuition isn't exactly in state compared to everywhere else

How did you feel specifically at each one? Personally, I'd be wary of being the first guinea pig on the new curriculum, but if you like where it's going 🙂

CsHead is probably right that OC does not have the diversity of the DC metro region but OC is very diverse. Westminster/Garden Grove/Santa Ana have large latino and asian populations(with tons of unmet need but this is a discussion for another time..). The latino population in Orange County pretty much rely on UCIMC and while I don't know for sure, I am pretty sure this population makes up a majority of the patients at UCIMC. The wealthier residents of Newport and Laguna have private hospitals such as Hoag. Also I believe some rotations are done at Long Beach Memorial which is outside of Orange County and no doubt has a diverse patient population of its own.

 

[CsHead]

The big question in my head right now is how the schools will impact my chances at residencies. UC Irvine will definitely give me a leg up for California residencies. San Francisco would be ideal, though competitive. VCU may help me more with east coast residencies, and there are more places I'd like to see myself working in the east coast than the west coast outside the Bay area. Their match lists seem to support that idea.

Well, I don't think anyone will argue that choosing one over the other will set you up better for residency.. but which do you want really.. East Coast or West Coast.

60k sans interest can be a nice sum which is definitely not to be overlooked. I would like to think if you find later on you want to come back to the West Coast, an away will more than take care of it for you (specialty/prestige dependent)... (hell just live with your mother during that time to not pay dbl rent).

I am clearly bias as the OC sets you up for San Diego 🙂love🙂 and LA quite nicely... that and Richmond is my least favorite city in Virginia (well I haven't been to Salem/Roanoke besides driving through so maybe that's not fair). With that said... I kinda loathe the OC as I dislike suburban sprawl (Which LA and SD have also completely have... they also have more to do than the OC)

Err... Once you check it out again on Monday let us know.. but prelim I'd say still go for dat VCU (purposely not voting in the poll yet).

 

[nadaba]

What's all this about DC being more "diverse" than Orange County? DC metro area has a higher percentage of white people than Orange County. I suppose you could just never leave Irvine for the preclinical years, but Southern California is one of the most diverse places in the entire world.

If you really want to do residency in California, you should go to UCI. I think debt should also play a big role in your decision. Good luck!

 

[CsHead]

What's all this about DC being more "diverse" than Orange County? DC metro area has a higher percentage of white people than Orange County. I suppose you could just never leave Irvine for the preclinical years, but Southern California is one of the most diverse places in the entire world.

If you really want to do residency in California, you should go to UCI. I think debt should also play a big role in your decision. Good luck!

Because I can find a pocket of almost every possible ethnicity in the area... can't do that in OC. At least I sure haven't come across it every time I go.

Also.. really on the white comment? I didn't realize white people can't be diverse and encompass a wide range of backgrounds. Excuse me while I go piss off a Greek, stomp on the Polish, and curse a Bulgarian. Then when that's over with... time for those pesky refugees from all over Latin A, Africa and Asia... 🙄




Edit: to stop pointless arguments... both regions are pretty diverse (we'll just chose to disagree on the levels).. trade Mexican for African American and suburban sprawl for more urban and you could be looking at the same place.

 

[rikibamboo]

I think debt should also play a big role in your decision. Good luck!

About that, I'm kinda in an interesting situation when it comes to in-state/out-of-state tuition. I've been in California for the past two years. Only recently moved back to Virginia last summer. However, I've only been doing internships up by the Bay area, which means I technically didn't have any income to declare (they were more like stipends). I was advised not to file state taxes because apparently it would be superfluous. When I filed my AMCAS last June, I stated that I was a resident of Virginia, which I assumed was the case because all my paperwork (license, permanent address, etc.) was and still is there.

But now I'm having this one Virginia medical school, not VCU, that's telling me that I'm no longer a Virginia resident. Also, I just turned 24 and found out that my parents can no longer declare me as dependent. So am I still a Virginia resident? Am I a California resident? I no longer have an address in California though. I feel so unwanted. Haha.

 

[d12]

About that, I'm kinda in an interesting situation when it comes to in-state/out-of-state tuition. I've been in California for the past two years. Only recently moved back to Virginia last summer. However, I've only been doing internships up by the Bay area, which means I technically didn't have any income to declare (they were more like stipends). I was advised not to file state taxes because apparently it would be superfluous. When I filed my AMCAS last June, I stated that I was a resident of Virginia, which I assumed was the case because all my paperwork (license, permanent address, etc.) was and still is there.

But now I'm having this one Virginia medical school, not VCU, that's telling me that I'm no longer a Virginia resident. Also, I just turned 24 and found out that my parents can no longer declare me as dependent. So am I still a Virginia resident? Am I a California resident? I no longer have an address in California though. I feel so unwanted. Haha.

I'm pretty sure you'd still be a Virginia medical school. If that's not immediately obvious to the Virginia medical school I feel like you'd be able to make a pretty easy case for it without too much effort. You'd have a much harder time convincing anybody that you're a CA resident without any tax information, a permanent address, voter registration information, DMV information, etc.

With regards to your initial question, I really don't think you could go wrong with either school. Since you don't seem to have a strong preference in location, I would end up going wherever you do end up getting in-state tuition (you have to be a resident of somewhere, right?) The only reason I would consider not going to the cheaper school is if you ultimately wanted to practice in CA. Irvine would definitely give you a big advantage with this, and it's up to you how much that advantage is worth. Both schools have strong reputations and solid match lists. Congrats on your options! Good luck w/ your decision!

 

[imcelroy]

even if you are no longer listed as a CA resident as of now after the first year you can claim residency and pay instate tuition

 

[mike2652]

even if you are no longer listed as a CA resident as of now after the first year you can claim residency and pay instate tuition

shes right!

 

[nadaba]

About that, I'm kinda in an interesting situation when it comes to in-state/out-of-state tuition. I've been in California for the past two years. Only recently moved back to Virginia last summer. However, I've only been doing internships up by the Bay area, which means I technically didn't have any income to declare (they were more like stipends). I was advised not to file state taxes because apparently it would be superfluous. When I filed my AMCAS last June, I stated that I was a resident of Virginia, which I assumed was the case because all my paperwork (license, permanent address, etc.) was and still is there.

But now I'm having this one Virginia medical school, not VCU, that's telling me that I'm no longer a Virginia resident. Also, I just turned 24 and found out that my parents can no longer declare me as dependent. So am I still a Virginia resident? Am I a California resident? I no longer have an address in California though. I feel so unwanted. Haha.

You should call/email UCI and find out exactly what they require to prove residency!

 

[rikibamboo]

Once you check it out again on Monday let us know.. but prelim I'd say still go for dat VCU (purposely not voting in the poll yet).

So VCU is adopting what is called the C3 curriculum: http://wp.vcu.edu/c3curriculum/what/

Medical schools have been shifting to this curriculum for several reasons. The ones that stood out for me were:
- shorten the period students will be studying basic sciences to about a year and a half (apparently takes out the "fluff" from the lecture courses)
- students can take the Step 1 earlier with a generous amount of time to study for it (~3 months)
- 8 weeks off between 1st and 2nd year (ideally for extracurricular stuff)
- focus on small group work with less reliance on powerpoint presentations

Sounds pretty interesting. Although, the layout looks similar to the UC Irvine curriculum only with shorter blocks for the basic sciences and more time allotted for breaks and USMLE prep.

Still kinda undecided. Curriculum is one thing. I'm also big on the general feel of the school and surrounding areas. Might take a trip to Irvine to get a closer look at how things are over there. I'm already pretty familiar with VCU.

 

[CsHead]

So VCU is adopting what is called the C3 curriculum: http://wp.vcu.edu/c3curriculum/what/

Medical schools have been shifting to this curriculum for several reasons. The ones that stood out for me were:
- shorten the period students will be studying basic sciences to about a year and a half (apparently takes out the "fluff" from the lecture courses)
- students can take the Step 1 earlier with a generous amount of time to study for it (~3 months)
- 8 weeks off between 1st and 2nd year (ideally for extracurricular stuff)
- focus on small group work with less reliance on powerpoint presentations

Sounds pretty interesting. Although, the layout looks similar to the UC Irvine curriculum only with shorter blocks for the basic sciences and more time allotted for breaks and USMLE prep.

Still kinda undecided. Curriculum is one thing. I'm also big on the general feel of the school and surrounding areas. Might take a trip to Irvine to get a closer look at how things are over there. I'm already pretty familiar with VCU.

1.5 years pre-clinical is pretty boss if you don't know what you want to do or want to do some electives early

 

[Mavii]

Also OP, remember that UCI has mandatory attendance (80% of lectures I believe).

One thing that is always reinforced on here is to try to go to a school where you aren't forced to go to class. This way, if you find out that you learn better from studying at home/library, you won't have to waste most of your day at the school. I don't know how you feel about the mandatory attendance, but it is something I consider (in fact I did, which is why I'm not too sure if I'm going to attend my interview here).

 

[deleted454156]

Just to add a point of interest: my friend who's currently going to UCI tells me that her tests usually line up on Mondays, so she rarely has a free weekend. Not sure how accurate this is, but I thought I'd throw it out there as something to look in to.

 

[rikibamboo]

Just to add a point of interest: my friend who's currently going to UCI tells me that her tests usually line up on Mondays, so she rarely has a free weekend. Not sure how accurate this is, but I thought I'd throw it out there as something to look in to.

Yup. They have Monday tests along with 80% mandatory attendance (though, don't they record their lectures?). I definitely don't like those aspects of the UCI curriculum. Also, I'm not too sure how I feel about the traditional didactic curriculum they have. When it comes to curriculum, most of my arrows point to VCU. But I don't understand why I still feel so drawn to UCI. Maybe it's the allure of California even if I'm not much of a fan of the SoCal area (though I've not really given the place a good chance).

 

[itsmcv2015]

I'd go with UCI to be honest but both are good programs. UCI ranks higher if that matters to you. The new MCV curriculum looks pretty fascinating but being the first class with a new curriculum could be rough.

 

[rikibamboo]

I'd go with UCI to be honest but both are good programs. UCI ranks higher if that matters to you. The new MCV curriculum looks pretty fascinating but being the first class with a new curriculum could be rough.

I'd be lying if I said rankings don't play a part in my decisions. But while UCI is higher in research, VCU is higher in primary care. They're both not exactly top 20 schools though (and to that I can honestly say I don't care much, not a top 20 gunner, just want to be a doctor and a school that will give me the best suited education for it) and I feel rankings only go so far when it comes to competitiveness.

 

[Frazier]

I'd be lying if I said rankings don't play a part in my decisions. But while UCI is higher in research, VCU is higher in primary care. They're both not exactly top 20 schools though (and to that I can honestly say I don't care much, not a top 20 gunner, just want to be a doctor and a school that will give me the best suited education for it) and I feel rankings only go so far when it comes to competitiveness.

No one pays attention to "primary care" rankings. If a person cares about rankings of medical schools, 9 times out of 10 they are referring to US News Research rankings...and the other 10% of the time they are referring to the "world rankings" (http://www.shanghairanking.com/FieldMED2012.html) 😉

While I loved VCU...the new curriculum looks awesome and the new building looks beautiful... I would likely pick UCI.

Irvine > Richmond

 

[rikibamboo]

No one pays attention to "primary care" rankings. If a person cares about rankings of medical schools, 9 times out of 10 they are referring to US News Research rankings...and the other 10% of the time they are referring to the "world rankings" (http://www.shanghairanking.com/FieldMED2012.html) 😉

While I loved VCU...the new curriculum looks awesome and the new building looks beautiful... I would likely pick UCI.

Irvine > Richmond

I was hoping you could expound further. Is ranking and city the main reason you'd chose UCI? How do you think UCI's curriculum carries alongside VCU's?

 

[Frazier]

I was hoping you could expound further. Is ranking and city the main reason you'd chose UCI? How do you think UCI's curriculum carries alongside VCU's?

Ranking differences are nearly moot in this case (as you said, Irvine is about 25 spots higher than VCU, but, between these two, I don't think either is going to help/hurt you when it comes to "prestige").

Would you want to do residency in CA? If so, UCI would give you a leg up in the region over VCU.

Also, from your description, UCI sounded like it had a nicer area and surroundings (I haven't interviewed there -- I don't know). However, I do know that Richmond didn't seem to have tons of redeeming factors that makes it standout among other similarly sized cities. There appeared to be a lot of segregation, ran down areas, etc. That said, it isn't exactly Compton.

Additionally, from your description, you mentioned that you appreciated the stronger embrace of spanish and LGBT in Irvine. Not to mention that it would make your "mom so much happier" and that she'll be able to visit you "a lot more often". Not to get morbid, but she isn't going to be here forever -- enjoy your family as much as you can. It sounds like she loves you and (while it shouldn't be weighed nearly as much as your own happiness in the ultimate decision) family support should be factored into the equation.

Both are great schools.

When I was accepted to VCU, I was thrilled. Like I mentioned originally -- great building, strong clinical training, and an interesting new curriculum.

However, from your parameters, I still vote for UCI in your situation.

 

[penguinism]

Ranking differences are nearly moot in this case (as you said, Irvine is about 25 spots higher than VCU, but, between these two, I don't think either is going to help/hurt you when it comes to "prestige").

Would you want to do residency in CA? If so, UCI would give you a leg up in the region over VCU.

Also, from your description, UCI sounded like it had a nicer area and surroundings (I haven't interviewed there -- I don't know). However, I do know that Richmond didn't seem to have tons of redeeming factors that makes it standout among other similarly sized cities. There appeared to be a lot of segregation, ran down areas, etc. That said, it isn't exactly Compton.

Additionally, from your description, you mentioned that you appreciated the stronger embrace of spanish and LGBT in Irvine. Not to mention that it would make your "mom so much happier" and that she'll be able to visit you "a lot more often". Not to get morbid, but she isn't going to be here forever -- enjoy your family as much as you can. It sounds like she loves you and (while it shouldn't be weighed nearly as much as your own happiness in the ultimate decision) family support should be factored into the equation.

Both are great schools.

When I was accepted to VCU, I was thrilled. Like I mentioned originally -- great building, strong clinical training, and an interesting new curriculum.

However, from your parameters, I still vote for UCI in your situation.

I agree with Blais here. I would easily pick UCI over VCU. I'm not a fan of Richmond (the city shuts down reallllly early), and California is California. The UC system is competitive in general, so the fact that you got into any California school is impressive. Curricula are important, but don't let it be a make-or-break factor in your decision. VCU doesn't seem to start clinical rotations until late April, which is around the same time as I will start next year. It's still a couple months earlier than most schools, but it's not the same as a 1.5 curriculum like Columbia where you take a major clinical year before the boards. Yes, you'll have like 3 months off to study for the boards at VCU, but that encompasses your winter and spring breaks too.

 

[rikibamboo]

I agree with Blais here. I would easily pick UCI over VCU. I'm not a fan of Richmond (the city shuts down reallllly early), and California is California. The UC system is competitive in general, so the fact that you got into any California school is impressive. Curricula are important, but don't let it be a make-or-break factor in your decision. VCU doesn't seem to start clinical rotations until late April, which is around the same time as I will start next year. It's still a couple months earlier than most schools, but it's not the same as a 1.5 curriculum like Columbia where you take a major clinical year before the boards. Yes, you'll have like 3 months off to study for the boards at VCU, but that encompasses your winter and spring breaks too.

I get what you're saying. And I understand the competitiveness of getting into a UC school (especially for out-of-state applicants) but I'm not too convinced by UCI. Don't get me wrong, I'm really drawn to California and would move back in a heartbeat. But I'm trying to be objective about it. Family-wise, I may have given the impression that since my mom's there, most of my family is there. Most of my support is actually here in the DC/Northern VA area. And, if things work out, I will only be spending my pre-clinical years in Richmond. I've expressed interest in taking my rotations by DC, at their INOVA campus, which is well-known in this area. I've already talked to the dean of the campus and she seems fairly confident that I'll be placed in the program. I also don't necessarily hate Richmond, I spent my undergrad there and the place offered a good enough city-life for me and I already have a good set of mentors in the school along with a research PI at a stem cell lab that I've done a lot of work and a staff at a free clinic that I have a really good relationship with.

Guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel like at VCU, I'll be able to take off running from the get go. While at Irvine, I'm pretty much gonna start from the beginning. And I'm not sure if it'll be worth the jump.

 

[d12]

Have you figured out your in-state status yet and which would allow you to get in-state tuition? You have two great options, so I think you'll ultimately be happy with either decision. For me, it would come down to tuition.

 

[RockinRoll]

I agree with Blais here. I would easily pick UCI over VCU. I'm not a fan of Richmond (the city shuts down reallllly early), and California is California. The UC system is competitive in general, so the fact that you got into any California school is impressive. Curricula are important, but don't let it be a make-or-break factor in your decision. VCU doesn't seem to start clinical rotations until late April, which is around the same time as I will start next year. It's still a couple months earlier than most schools, but it's not the same as a 1.5 curriculum like Columbia where you take a major clinical year before the boards. Yes, you'll have like 3 months off to study for the boards at VCU, but that encompasses your winter and spring breaks too.

I get what you're saying. And I understand the competitiveness of getting into a UC school (especially for out-of-state applicants) but I'm not too convinced by UCI. Don't get me wrong, I'm really drawn to California and would move back in a heartbeat. But I'm trying to be objective about it. Family-wise, I may have given the impression that since my mom's there, most of my family is there. Most of my support is actually here in the DC/Northern VA area. And, if things work out, I will only be spending my pre-clinical years in Richmond. I've expressed interest in taking my rotations by DC, at their INOVA campus, which is well-known in this area. I've already talked to the dean of the campus and she seems fairly confident that I'll be placed in the program. I also don't necessarily hate Richmond, I spent my undergrad there and the place offered a good enough city-life for me and I already have a good set of mentors in the school along with a research PI at a stem cell lab that I've done a lot of work and a staff at a free clinic that I have a really good relationship with.

Guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel like at VCU, I'll be able to take off running from the get go. While at Irvine, I'm pretty much gonna start from the beginning. And I'm not sure if it'll be worth the jump.

OP Let me give you some sound advice that you'll thank me for later. Run far far far away from a school that requires mandatory lectures. Mandatory lectures will completely kill your time and be a waste if you're an independent studier.
I would pick California in a heart beat over Virginia but in the long run I want to have a laid back time in medical school so I'd focus on the curriculum. VCU has a very independent curriculum with minimal mandatory lectures (maybe 2 hours a week) nothing beats that!
Not only that the 1.5 years will give you extra time compared to other schools even UCI to study for step 1. Trust me on this even an extra 2-3 weeks for step 1 can make a difference. If that could jump your score from a 225 something to mid 230s then I'd go for it.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that thinking about everything in the long run I feel like VCU is a much better choice. The only part that sucks is that Richmond is nothing compared to as beautiful and fun as Orange County. The fun part about Richmond though is that you're 2 hours away from a beach (Va beach), Washington DC, Northern VA so you're going to be around a lot of diversity and fun things.

 

[rikibamboo]

Have you figured out your in-state status yet and which would allow you to get in-state tuition? You have two great options, so I think you'll ultimately be happy with either decision. For me, it would come down to tuition.

They said that since I put myself down as a Virginia resident on my primary, I'm going to be considered a Virginia resident. Also, just did my 2012 taxes and all my paperwork further validates that.

 

[yamssuck]

They said that since I put myself down as a Virginia resident on my primary, I'm going to be considered a Virginia resident. Also, just did my 2012 taxes and all my paperwork further validates that.

I think that'd be enough to sway me towards VCU, unless you really were strongly opposed to living in Richmond.

 

[murrk]

Judging by your posts, I think you should go to VCU. You have said it yourself that VCU seems to suit you better and you like the curriculum more. Everyone is drawn to California because it is California but if you feel that VCU is where you belong then you should go. PS i will be going more than likely!

 

[Frazier]

Judging by your posts, I think you should go to VCU. You have said it yourself that VCU seems to suit you better and you like the curriculum more. Everyone is drawn to California because it is California but if you feel that VCU is where you belong then you should go. PS i will be going more than likely!

+1

OP seems to have some resistance to the people that originally pushed him/her towards UCI. This leads me to believe that VCU must be, if nothing else, their subconscious choice.

If you want VCU, then go Rams.

 

[Trogghunter]

VCU is so hood, so hood and so hick. You'll discharge a patient and see them downstairs at McDonalds. I didn't like it during my interview-which was 3yrs ago, and I'm from there. I've also been told by friends that attend that its pretty cutthroat, which was contrary to what the tour guides insisted. This again may have changed.
I'd go to Cali in a heartbeat, but I imagine that it's hard to get work done there vs vcu, unless you like tripping acid and going down the James river.

 

[mwall003]

Definitely go to MCV/VCU. New curriculum (which condenses the traditional 2 year basic sciences into three semesters or 1.5 years, so you'll get to take even more advantage of the board prep the school provides because you'll have nearly 4 months to study). The integrated curriculum sounds awesome. The new building is gorgeous. Strong clinical training. Go Rams.

 

[prado]

Definitely go to MCV/VCU. New curriculum (which condenses the traditional 2 year basic sciences into three semesters or 1.5 years, so you'll get to take even more advantage of the board prep the school provides because you'll have nearly 4 months to study). The integrated curriculum sounds awesome. The new building is gorgeous. Strong clinical training. Go Rams.

I'm pretty sure you won't need 4 months to study for the boards, so that really doesn't seem like a pro. OP, you really should just go to VCU. When people make the choice to move across the country, they really are or should be thoroughly convinced they'd be happy. In your case, it seems like, as already mentioned, you're resistant to those that favor UCI. Unless you are ready to make the change and become a victim of Californiacation, then I'd go to VCU.

*P.S. I'd rather go to UC Irvine and live in southern California rather than Virginia, as would 99% of the population

 

[rikibamboo]

In your case, it seems like, as already mentioned, you're resistant to those that favor UCI. Unless you are ready to make the change and become a victim of Californiacation, then I'd go to VCU.

Yeah, I guess I'm being resistant. Don't get me wrong, I've been living in the California for the past two years. I'm pretty California-fied (though, more towards the NorCal/bay area). Haha.

I've actually been going back and fourth about it. Area-wise, UCIrvine definitely takes the cake. For expense and curriculum though, VCU has it for me.

 

[rikibamboo]

I would like to think if you find later on you want to come back to the West Coast

...that I would find myself being able to do so. For sure. 🙂 NorCal was great. Reminds me a lot of the DC/Northern VA area in many ways. Of course, with warmer weather. Hehe.