VCU vs. USF

Started by zhuang
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zhuang

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2+ Year Member
I have been accepted to both schools. I am a Michigan resident. Just want to know which school I should choose. Any suggestions? Many thanks
 
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Thank you in advance for the suggestions!

USF (SELECT program)
Pros:
  • Facilities (new SOM building will be open beginning of 2020)
  • Warm weather (years 1 -2)
  • Tution is about $ 82,000/year
Cons:
  • For year 3-year 4 I will do clinical rotations in Pennsylvania for the SELECT program. I have to move from Tampa, FL to Allentown, PA after year 2
  • H/HP/P/F during pre-clinical years
VCU
Pros:
  • I could stay in Richmond for all four years
  • P/F (ranking by quartiles)
Cons:
  • Expensive ($ 89,000 /year)
Summary:
I'm very fortunate to have been accepted to two schools. I am a Michigan resident. @Goro @gonnif @efle and many SDN friends, any suggestions? Many thanks
 
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I’ll go with the cheapest one. Yes, moving does suck, but there are also pros to moving to a new state for clinical rotation. Maybe you’ll gain a new perspective and have a more diversified experience (my opinion, don’t attack me lol). So, if I were you, I will go with USF.

Edit: have you looked at each school’s step score, rank, and match rate? maybe it’ll help you to come to a conclusion.
 
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May I ask where the 89k number comes from? I'm assuming housing is stacked in there but VCU's med school tuition is like 30k so the jump from 30k to 89k seems odd.
 
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VCU seems to be a little more established, they also have professor Dr. Costanzo who is writer for the BRS series, I've been told she helps construct a personalized step schedule for you.
 
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USF is moving towards a positive trajectory, if you look at their program 10 years ago to today, they are one of the fastest growing with multiple big name donors. I would go for them, esp since new med school building is close to rotation hospitals.
 
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I vote for USF. I have friends at both schools and I only hear positive things about USF compared to VCU; they absolutely love it. I agree with the above poster. USF is progressing faster and I actually think it's an advantage to have two locations (FL and PA) since that can establish more connections for residency and give you a wider patient population. The SELECT program is unique, and might give you an edge. Plus it's cheaper and in Florida!
 
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