Virginia Tech Carilion vs. Drexel

[burneraccount123]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Super fortunate to be in a position to choose between schools, but that 4/30 deadline is coming up soon 0__o'''


VTC Pros:

• 15k scholarship for first year
• Facilities look nicer/newer
• P/F
• Mandated research integrated into curriculum
• They tout their step score average, seems very impressive! (I recall in the mid to high 230s? correct me if I’m wrong!)
• Match list looks promising
• Interview experience was nice! Really felt like everyone on Admissions cared to get to know me beyond just my application.
• Small class size: got the sense that the school REALLY looks out for its students, though I couldn’t confirm? Anyway, smaller class size = more interaction with one another + faculty
• Lower COL: heard it’s very affordable (though their site says total COA is near 80k)
• Students I met during interview day loved the school

VTC Cons:

• Roanoke. UGH. I’m definitely a city person and I dread the idea of being secluded/isolated for 4 years. Not sure what the social scene is like in Roanoke?
• Farther from family (4hrs away)
• New school/reputation not well established just yet? Wondering if this will impact me should I want to pursue a competitive residency.

Drexel Pros:

• Closer to family (2hrs)
• P/F
• Established school/recognizable name
• Match list seems respectable
• Rotations into the Philly area; wide breadth of clinical exposure
• Philly seems like a nicer/bigger city than Roanoke! Social scene definitely more prevalent/vibrant

Drexel Cons:

• SUUUUPER large class size: might get lost in the crowd?
• Preclinical building looked dismal and dreary during interview day (didn’t get a chance to see any of the other facilities due to weather)
• Wariness of school reputation based on SDN posts (lol)
• Students didn’t seem super enthusiastic about attending (rather, seemed like it was their only option?)
• Not sure about research availability in comparison to VTC?
• No scholarship info given yet

Would definitely love input/thoughts from the community! I’m also on the waitlist at a few other schools which I would choose over these two, but still waiting to hear back from those schools.

Thankssssssssssssss

 

[ciestar]

Im in the middle of studying for my comprehensive finals so im not enthusiastic about attending med school at the moment, either. (I constantly warn people of this. If you catch students are the time of exams, they won’t be as cheery as usual).

Research is easy to get and even better yet, you can apply to get research anywhere in the city. (Several classmates did summer research fellowships at Penn..soo..)

Cost plays a huge role. That would probably sway my decision. But decide what you want most. Is being closer to home/in a bigger city more important than paying less in tuition over the next four years?

 

[burneraccount123]

Im in the middle of studying for my comprehensive finals so im not enthusiastic about attending med school at the moment, either. (I constantly warn people of this. If you catch students are the time of exams, they won’t be as cheery as usual).

Research is easy to get and even better yet, you can apply to get research anywhere in the city. (Several classmates did summer research fellowships at Penn..soo..)

Cost plays a huge role. That would probably sway my decision. But decide what you want most. Is being closer to home/in a bigger city more important than paying less in tuition over the next four years?

In my mind, it plays a huge role. Living in large cities my entire life, going to school in a smaller town would definitely be a culture shock, and I know the change of pace won't suit me as well as Philly.

I don't know if the scholarship is renewable over the following 3 years at VTC, will look into it a little bit more. Aside from that, total COA between the schools seem to differ by 7k, with Philly being the more expensive option.

Currently leaning toward Drexel, but would appreciate any other insight! Thanks 🙂

 

[ciestar]

In my mind, it plays a huge role. Living in large cities my entire life, going to school in a smaller town would definitely be a culture shock, and I know the change of pace won't suit me as well as Philly.

I don't know if the scholarship is renewable over the following 3 years at VTC, will look into it a little bit more. Aside from that, total COA between the schools seem to differ by 7k, with Philly being the more expensive option.

Currently leaning toward Drexel, but would appreciate any other insight! Thanks 🙂

Feel free to ask any questions!

 

[3toedsloth]

Drexel 110%

 

[burneraccount123]

Drexel 110%

Thanks for the advice! If you don't mind me asking your reasoning/thoughts behind your choice, or is it just from the reasons I listed above? Would definitely love to hear what you're thinking 🙂

 

[3toedsloth]

Yes, for the reasons you listed.

I think that the environment (urban vs rural) plays an important role. After interviewing at both, I think Drexel is just a better school (even though I'm not going to go there). I think it's also important to go to an established institution. Drexel has a huge class size and everyone in the country seems to know a doctor who went to Drexel. Nobody knows anyone who went to VTC. I think that expansive alumni network can be in your favor when you apply for residency and beyond.

Not only is it good to be in a city because you like cities, but also for opportunities. More research, more volunteering, more activities that you enjoy, wider variety of people to hang out with.

I think Drexel just wins in every aspect between these two.

 

[humblethinker]

Be careful not to underestimate the value of small class size and more of a personalized education. There are a ton more Drexel alums to help you network after graduating; but during your four years, a small class size like that of VTC will increase your ability to have more of a personalized education. This is one of the biggest pros of new schools. Also, have you checked the location of the actual university and rotation sites?

 

[VincentAdultman]

In my mind, it plays a huge role. Living in large cities my entire life, going to school in a smaller town would definitely be a culture shock, and I know the change of pace won't suit me as well as Philly.

I don't know if the scholarship is renewable over the following 3 years at VTC, will look into it a little bit more. Aside from that, total COA between the schools seem to differ by 7k, with Philly being the more expensive option.

Currently leaning toward Drexel, but would appreciate any other insight! Thanks 🙂

Trying to put my bias aside here but with everything else you have to deal with why add "culture shock?"