Penn State (20k/yr scholarship) vs. VCU (35k/yr scholarship)

[purpledoct]

Help me decide!
For some context, I will be moving from the mountain west so both areas are significantly far from family. I grew up in a very rural town (~2,000 people) so small town doesn't scare me and I live in a city now (~200,000 people). I like research. I am interested in OB/GYN. Overall torn and would appreciate anyone's insight!

Penn State
Pros:

• I really liked the people, students and staff seem really cool and nice
• Great match rate
• I like their curriculum - the humanities aspect is really neat (and I can see myself getting involved with some of the projects)
• true P/F pre-clinicals with no internal rankings
• with scholarship, tuition will be ~32k a year, with a low COL
• Already have a place in student housing if I decide to attend
• Seems like a very collaborative environment
• mandatory research project guarantees involvement in some kind of research
• students constantly mentioned and gave examples about how the faculty care and are open to feedback. I have been really impressed with their communication so far
• really good global health program where most students get their trip 100% funded by scholarships
• Close to a lot of places for weekend trips (NYC, DC, Philly, Baltimore)
• Have already had a lot of contact with current students

Cons:

• Although it is a trauma 1 hospital, I wonder about the exposure available because it seems like it is in the middle of nowhere
• P/F clinicals? (I am not sure if this is a true con, but saw that someone said it could be since it makes it harder to stand out from peers. not sure how true this is)
• Essay exams (also not sure if this is a con. seems like a lot of people complain about it. Personally, I think having to explain things would really help my learning. Current students reassured that they were more like short-answer, 2-3 sentence, questions. They also said the exams were really helpful with clinical rotations, but not for Step since they are formatted like Step exams)

VCU
Pros:

• Also got really good vibes here on interview day
• They give a lot of support for step exams (everyone has their own advisor, they help make a study plan, etc.)
• Scholarship makes them the cheapest option (~26k a year tuition)
• I like the longitudinal courses they integrate in the curriculum
• In a larger city means being around more diversity
• students seem to love it here
• having a larger airport in the city would make traveling home easier
• match a lot of students into OB/GYN (seems like its's one of their most popular specialties)
• P/F pre-clinical (not sure if they rank?)
• Seems like there is a lot to do in the city
• always quick responses from admin

Cons:

• I visited the city earlier in the year very briefly. I did not get to see a whole lot, but it seems kind of overwhelming. I am nervous about how I would adjust
• Higher COL, also do not have housing lined up yet
• Have not had as much contact with current students (but this probably changes)

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[voxveritatisetlucis]

VCU is a stronger program and cheaper so I’d go there

 

[deleted1133405]

Actually, Penn State will be cheaper after rent and general COL. Richmond is a fairly expensive city, especially when comparing it to a college town!