WMED Vs Illinois vs VCU

[deleted1203533]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey all,
Very thankful to have received 2 A’s (waiting on VCU post II decision) and just wanted some input on what school to chose. I am OOS for all of them. Made this list pretty quickly and it’s rudimentary but just wanted get others thoughts. Thanks!

WMED
Pros: 15K scholarship, low cost of living
Cons: newer school, less established, less resources for matching?

Illinois
Pros: More opportunity in Chicago, established school
Cons: $$$$$$

VCU
Pros: decent mid tier program, well connected hospital system, like richmond area
Cons: far from home

 

[ophthoaspirant]

Hey all,
Very thankful to have received 2 A’s (waiting on VCU post II decision) and just wanted some input on what school to chose. I am OOS for all of them. Made this list pretty quickly and it’s rudimentary but just wanted get others thoughts. Thanks!

WMED
Pros: 15K scholarship, low cost of living
Cons: newer school, less established, less resources for matching?

Illinois
Pros: More opportunity in Chicago, established school
Cons: $$$$$$

VCU
Pros: decent mid tier program, well connected hospital system, like richmond area
Cons: far from home

I say go with a good MD program in a big city such as Chicago or NYC.

 

[CoolSocks]

Did you already receive a campus assignment to UI COM and know it will be Chicago? Maybe hold off until you have scholarship, financial aid, and campus visits to get vibes if you can. No need to rush into things just yet is my opinion.

 

[deleted1203533]

I honestly don’t see Illinois being an option anymore, the COA is just too high for me especially in Chicago. Now I’m starting to see WMED as my only option and am afraid it will limit my options for residency if choose something more competitive :/.

 

[ophthoaspirant]

I honestly don’t see Illinois being an option anymore, the COA is just too high for me especially in Chicago. Now I’m starting to see WMED as my only option and am afraid it will limit my options for residency if choose something more competitive :/.

If want something more competitive for residency, it is not just a matter of where you get the MD degree. You need research gap years during your medical school years. Currently many are taking 1 research gap year but as competition heats up, you may need 2. Might as well go for an MD-PhD if you are anyways taking 6 years to complete your MD.