VCU vs. Albany

[peacefulcurrent573]

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I am very grateful and fortunate to have been admitted into multiple MD programs. I have overcome a tough life filled with personal challenges, and now face a difficult decision about where to attend medical school. I want to pursue dermatology. I was hoping to get some feedback from the experts here. I would be very grateful for any advice.

Albany Medical College (AMC)
PRO

• Close to family – Emotional and financial support from living at home.
• Lower cost of living – Could save ~$20K–$25K per year by not paying rent, utilities etc..
• Easier transition – No need to relocate, familiar environment.

CON

• Limited academic support – No formal tutoring, making it harder for struggling students. All Classes are pre-recorded so there is no opportunity to build relationship/rapport with lecturers for reference letters.
• Weaker match rates for competitive specialties – Fewer students match into dermatology
• Fewer research opportunities – Less institutional support for high-impact research.
• Step 1/Step 2 concerns – Lack of structured academic support could impact board scores.
• Student & faculty vibe – During visit day, students and faculty seemed not as engaged or friendly as VCU
• Older facilities – Less modern
• Cold, long winters – Albany’s weather can be gloomy and impact mental health.

VCU School of Medicine
PRO

• Stronger match rates – More students matching into competitive specialties like derm, ophtho, and surgery.
• Better academic support – Board prep programs, tutoring, and faculty mentorship.
• More research opportunities – Stronger institutional support for research, mentors, and publications.
• Larger hospital system & residency connections – Increases chances of securing a competitive residency.
• Positive student vibe – Students appeared happier and more engaged during second-look. Everyone just looked happier and friendlier compared to AMC
• Modern facilities – Well-maintained campus and resources.
• Milder weather – Richmond’s climate is much more manageable.

CON

• Higher cost of living – Richmond is more expensive, adding ~$25K+ per year in expenses.
• Far from family – No immediate family support
• Relocation costs – Moving and setting up housing add initial financial burdens.

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

If you want to pursue a very competitive specialty, I think VCU would be better suited. How much more expensive is Richmond than Albany? My research into VCU showed that rent is much cheaper than average (at least compared to other places I have been accepted), and the cost of living is low in the surrounding suburbs. Richmond is a short plane ride away from Albany/New York, so you can visit there, too.

 

[peacefulcurrent573]

If you want to pursue a very competitive specialty, I think VCU would be better suited. How much more expensive is Richmond than Albany? My research into VCU showed that rent is much cheaper than average (at least compared to other places I have been accepted), and the cost of living is low in the surrounding suburbs. Richmond is a short plane ride away from Albany/New York, so you can visit there, too.

Thank you for getting back to me. Much appreciate it.

Richmond studio apartments (close to VCU SOM) are around 1200+ including limited utilities. In rent, utilities, etc. I would save 20-25K. Tuition for nonresidents is 10K more expensive than Albany. So 30K a year savings.
For girls/women, especially those living alone, it looks like staying closer to VCUSOM may be safer and more convenient for Year 1, so I was considering staying closer. I drove down during their second-day weekend, and the vibe and place looked much nicer than Albany.

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

Thank you for getting back to me. Much appreciate it.

Richmond studio apartments (close to VCU SOM) are around 1200+ including limited utilities. In rent, utilities, etc. I would save 20-25K. Tuition for nonresidents is 10K more expensive than Albany. So 30K a year savings.
For girls/women, especially those living alone, it looks like staying closer to VCUSOM may be safer and more convenient for Year 1, so I was considering staying closer. I drove down during their second-day weekend, and the vibe and place looked much nicer than Albany.

I see. They had a second look weekend?! I'm sad I couldn't attend since I was not yet accepted (currently WL). I still think VCU. They do offer scholarships, which should be available soon. You could also look into outside scholarships. If you're going into a competitive specialty, the extra money now to set yourself up for success will be worth it.

 

[peacefulcurrent573]

I see. They had a second look weekend?! I'm sad I couldn't attend since I was not yet accepted (currently WL). I still think VCU. They do offer scholarships, which should be available soon. You could also look into outside scholarships. If you're going into a competitive specialty, the extra money now to set yourself up for success will be worth it.

Thank you for the great advice. At the second look, they said scholarships are being given out on a rolling basis from now to June. The problem is that Albany needs a plan to commit and withdrawing from other schools by April. Fingers crossed.

And Manifesting for your acceptance at VCU.

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

Thank you for the great advice. At the second look, they said scholarships are being given out on a rolling basis from now to June. The problem is that Albany needs a plan to commit and withdrawing from other schools by April. Fingers crossed.

And Manifesting for your acceptance at VCU.

Perhaps you could email VCU and let them know that your decision to plan to enroll before the April 30th deadline to narrow to one acceptance is dependent on financial aid and scholarships.

Side note: Why are schools being slow with financial aid again this year! Students want to make decisions!

 

[peacefulcurrent573]

Perhaps you could email VCU and let them know that your decision to plan to enroll before the April 30th deadline to narrow to one acceptance is dependent on financial aid and scholarships.

Side note: Why are schools being slow with financial aid again this year! Students want to make decisions!

Good idea. I will try that!

agree, it would be helpful if schools send out the FA packages so students can decide, and it will also help all folks on Waitlists when others can finalize from the top choice and withdraw from the ones they don't plan to attend based on Financial aid/scholarship.

 

[hydroflaskhomie]

Another vote for VCU! Congrats on having great options, but I think you clearly state why VCU has better vibes and is better for your future.

 

[peacefulcurrent573]

Another vote for VCU! Congrats on having great options, but I think you clearly state why VCU has better vibes and is better for your future.

Thank you! Appreciate the guidance.