All three are strong schools...I was impressed with each for different reasons. Overall, I think it just comes down to where you think you'll be most comfortable, have a curriculum that fits in with what you're looking for, and get the best vibe. I think you will do fine for residencies with all the schools, so go where you'll be happiest for four years (just my naive idea, but I am also not interested in any super-competitive field)
For anyone who's interested, here are my perceptions - if I'm mistaken about something, please mention that so wrong information doesn't get out...
EVMS - nice area (right by the water!), in the first two years you do a lot of work with model patients (I'm not sure what it's called when actors act as patients and the students work with them but that's what I'm trying to describe), really nice Children's hopsital. It seemed like there was more time in class compared to UVA/MCV, but I could be wrong there. Also, its a pretty small class size, 100 people, which may or may not be to your tastes. Of the three, takes the fewest amount of people from out of state, but still a significant amount ... It is not directly affiliated with an undergrad school, but Old Dominion University is nearby and you can get an MPH there. Grading is something like Honors/Pass/Fail.
MCV - For most of the first two years, you take one major science class at a time, and classes are usually done by noon everyday. They have an inner city/rural program (in the first two years I think?) so you can have exposure to either environment - one of my friends did the rural program and thought it was great. The VCU campus is nearby, and I think you can take classes there if you want. Richmond seems like an okay city, it's a pretty manageable size. I didn't really want to live there during med school, but that's just me. Grading is also Honors/Pass/Fail or something like that...schools all seem to have different ways to describe it. Larger class size than most schools - 180 I think?
UVA - beautiful location in a college town, right next to the undergrad campus. It seems like there is more research going on at UVA than the other two schools (though all schools definitely have research opportunities) and that was important to me. The pre-clinical curriculum has basic science lectures, clinical correlations, and some PBL. I also thought the facilities were great, especially the library. Third year has you away in some rural areas of Virginia, which is something I really wanted - but of course your mileage may vary. 🙂 I really liked the interview day, and they are very quick with admissions decisions.
Sorry for writing a novel here, but hope it helps someone out since people are starting to apply for next year. Good luck to those of you on waitlists and I hope it all works out.
