A critical decision... Help me out!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Basically, I am a high school Junior. My one goal (and I KNOW this is what I want in life) is to have a successful career in medicine... I'm absolutely decided on this, so there is no "you might change your mind" issue here. </p>

<p>Anyway, this is the situation. I'm a pretty good student, with a good shot at top colleges (Not HYPSM, but... you know)... but to be honest, my family is not rich. I would definitely need to save as much money as possible to avoid being too far in the hole after coming out of medical school. And I'm not very confident (at all) at my chances of receiving scholarships at top colleges. </p>

<p>Furthermore, I've done some research and apparently the prestige of the undergraduate institution is really not weighted heavily at all in medical admissions. Along with this, I am an excellent self-studier, and an excellent tester, especially when it comes down to sciences and verbal reasoning, which the MCAT is based on. </p>

<p>So here's the deal: </p>

<p>I personally think I would do much better at a lower ranked LAC (But still good)... such as Furman University, Macalester College, Mount Holyoke... you know. Basically, at somewhere like that, I think I can compete at the top of my class, and still have the discipline to incorporate self-studying to achieve a stellar MCAT. Furthermore, I would save tons of money, since I could probably hope for some merit aid at places like that. </p>

<p>But my parents think I should apply to prestigious national universities, high end LACs, and maybe even some Lower Ivies. The problem is, I don't think I'll get any financial aid from them. Also, the classes would be so darn competitive... although they might be better for me in the end, and there's also the prestige factor. But it's mostly the money issue that makes me hesitant to apply to places like Duke and Cornell. </p>

<p>So I see one of two paths for me: </p>

<p>Go to (Mid Ranking LAC) on a full scholarship. Stay near the top of the class, look for as many opportunities as I can for research/etc., and incorporate self-studying into my regular science classes to achieve a great MCAT score. </p>

<p>or.. </p>

<p>Go to (High Rank LAC/High Rank National University), paying $20,000 a year. Compete with other extremely academically motivated students, but quite possibly learning much more. Also, have more opportunities for research... and still achieve a great MCAT score, with possibly less self-studying. And of course, bragging rights, haha. </p>

<p>What should I do? I only have a certain amount of slots on my application list, and I need to make a decision. Go to a lower LAC, dominate the class, self study, and save money... or go to a high end university?</p>

2

<p>Medical school will put you in debt for a long time if you aren’t prepared. I would recommend considering the full scholarship schools. They won’t put you at a disadvantage because medical school admission is based mostly on your interview and your MCAT (rather than prestige).</p>

3

<p>First, your thesis is generally sound - save $ for your med school. However you may underestimate how much a top LAC/U costs. I doubt you will pay as little as $20K for those unless you need FA. Also, I don’t think you will necessarily learn much more in those schools. How much you learn has more to do with YOU than the school. The difference between an Amherst and a Macalester is not much (IMHO).</p>

4

<p>Congratulations on having the maturity to consider these issues. Without knowing any of your “stats,” this post alone demonstrates that you are indeed smart. </p>

<p>I’d recommend saving money on the undergrad and shooting for the stars in med school. Good luck.</p>

5

<p>I just feel really uncomfortable about following what my parents think… they are typical “rank” based parents… who think US News is the next best thing to sliced bread. </p>

<p>And I also feel uncomfortable about the possibility of putting our family in a financial hole, since I like to stay independent if I can… </p>

<p>I don’t know, I just think a mid-ranking LAC might be just the ticket for me. But I’m so unsure, and I need more knowledgeable advice.</p>

6

<p>Make sure you research what percentage of students get INTO med school at whichever universities you’re looking at. Some small LAC’s do not send as many students to medical school as large state schools.</p>

<p>Other than that go with what you like.
Remember to do things for YOU, have fun in college because keep in mind you have med school ahead of you!</p>

7

<p>Have your parents determined that they can pay for the schools they want you to apply to? If they feel they can afford it why not apply to a range?</p>

8

<p>They CAN afford up to around $20,000 a year, BUT they will have to SEVERELY tighten the purse-strings to manage it. And I don’t want that on my ungrateful butt… and even if they did want to give me money, that’s 80,000 I could use for medical school…</p>

<p>But I understand there is a certain glamor to prestige schools, and an unmatched educational quality… Our family is not rich, though. Just upper-middle class.</p>

9

<p>And sorry, let me clarify. My parents combined income is in the range of $120,000. However, I have 2 sisters going to private school ($16,000 a year), we are church goers who rigidly follow the 10% tithe rule ($12,000), and my grandma in China just got cancer, and we need to pay for her treatment and the flights to go see her. </p>

<p>So basically, colleges will look at our income and say “They can pay it”, while in reality, we honestly can’t.</p>

10

<p>Props to you for having the maturity to think about this wisely. First off, I think there’s a great thread in the parent’s forum that talks about schools with great merit aid. I’m not quite sure what it’s called but you could prob easily find it… also, there are some schools that give out merit scholarships, that still have the rankings that your parents covet. Apply to those schools and see if you make the cut for merit scholarships. I received the Presidential from USC (half scholarship) and some ppl I kno have received full scholarships from USC (though keep in mind that you need to apply before Dec.1 in order to qualify for merit aid). Best of luck to you.</p>

11

<p>i definitely agree with the first path…it’s much more important to graduate at the top of your class. & if u explain the situation, along with the money thing, to your parents i’m sure they will understand. gl (:</p>