VCU vs Hawaii

[bisonbison]

Hello! Currently deciding between these two schools and I'm having a bit of a hard time so I would love some input. I am currently a VA resident and have been accepted to VCU and JABSOM.

I just want to note that my family is from all over so Hawaii being far isn't too much of a factor.

JABSOM

Pros:

• small school so I don't get the "just a number" feel
• PBL is how I often learned in college so I know it will work well for me
• very community-oriented, they like service (something that is very important to me)

Cons:

• finding housing seems impossible
• cost is insane- $90k+
• traveling home for the holidays will be difficult
• have to travel to reach hospital

VCU

Pros:

• I am already very familiar with Richmond
• 6 hours away from family (vs a 12 hour plane ride)
• can easily find housing
• hospital is close

Cons:

• I feel like I won't have the same sense of community as I would at JABSOM
• want new experiences- have already lived in richmond for 4+ years for school
• huge classes so I don't feel like I'd get to be as close with the faculty as I could be

Is there anything I am forgetting? Any opinions?

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[deev04]

Hawaii is Hawaii, but 360k+ in debt becomes 500-700k+ in debt post-residency/fellowship. Take the savings and just fly to Hawaii/Fiji/Thailand/etc on breaks.

 

[StephenCurry1]

I decided to choose the cheaper option between another school and Hawaii. I would advise you to do the same as they are similarly ranked.