<p>Agree, but if a student is planning to attend med school, unless they get a scholarship, which exist but are relatively rare, it makes little sense to spend a lot on undergrad when they are staring many hundreds of thousands of dollars on med school in the face. JMO
Unless they have millions and millions and this is all a drop in the bucket, of course.</p>
<p>Everyone seems to think they will major in “premed”…don’t they? </p>
<p>Again…if the student will not have debt issues, then the choice is a different one than if the family will have debt issues…and EVERY family has different opinions about this.</p>
<p>It sounds like the OP to this thread really can’t afford the more “prestigious” school. If that is the case…then they really can’t make that choice.</p>
<p>Hi bookworm, my kid wants to attend law school.</p>
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<p>I would say that most PhD programs are funded. The vast majority of MASTERS programs are not.</p>
<p>And medical school and law school are not only NOT funded…but many of these professional schools continue to require PARENT financial information on their financial aid application forms.</p>
<p>Thumper, what is wrong with asking for opinions from others? Isn’t that what this board is about? Sure, this family will have to make the final decision but it’s nice to hear what other people have gone through and their though process for picking the schools that they did.</p>
<p>$$ are the only reason I’m having such a hard time deciding. My parents do not have money to afford the tuition of the better school. I would have to take a loan to go to a better school, but they say that the decision is up to me. The “safe” one has a pretty good pre-med program, although not as good as the more expensive school.</p>
<p>I was considering a more expensive school because, obviously, medical or dental schools will prefer applicants who completed their undergraduate at a higher ranked school. I don’t want to be in debt by the time I complete my undergrad, yet I’m afraid to get rejected from dental schools and become a Biology teacher… </p>
<p>Sent from my Ally using CC</p>
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This is NOT true</p>
<p>They will look largely at your GPA and MCATs.</p>
<p>Jym626,
About better writing skills, are you refering to me? 
If you are, don’t worry. I have a pretty good excuse for my imperfect English! ;)</p>
<p>I agree with jym–med schools do NOT care where you did your undergrad. They want to see a high GPA and good MCAT scores along with good EC’s. The name of the school on your diploma is irrelevant for the most part. You want to be in a program where you stand out so you get top recommendations, not be one of the pack.</p>
<p>I hope it is not true; but that’s what I read on SDN.</p>
<p>Sent from my Ally using CC</p>
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<p>But what about this? (post 18):</p>
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<p>Could it be the case that you are equally well-off, or even better off (for med school in-state, at a minimum), at the safe school? This sounds like something to research carefully before agreeing to take on tens of thousands of dollars in UG debt.</p>
<p>There is really nothing wrong with being a biology teacher. Hopefully your interest in Biology or Microbiology came in part from the good experience you had with a teacher.
Especially with the way healthcare is going, I think it is foolish to start out ones career with a boatload of debt. The smaller you can make that number, the better off you will be.</p>
<p>Go to the school where you will have the peer group and classes you want. Learn basic English- “fancy” is not a hard word. Most premed students will change their minds or not get into medical school so it is important to look beyond the save money attitude. If there is a distinct difference in the math/science offerings to undergrads choose the school with the better ones. You want to stretch your brain, not just get A’s. Your instate medical school should look kindly at highly rated OOS schools, btw.</p>
<p>Look at your future prospects. Better education in your field means better grad school and job opportunities leading to a more fulfilled life. Average education at pudunk U may not lead to mental stimulation- not needing to study can be too much wasted time and poor grades as well. Examine the relative differences in academic offerings in your chosen areas. Does the more expensive option have much more to offer you? You and your parents should sit down and go over the pros and cons of the education and family financial impact.</p>
<p>btw I made it through my excellent state flagship on a shoestring and borrowed for medical school. Wish I had spent more money on books in my schools back then- loans paid off…</p>
<p>Go over to the pre-med board here and see what they have to say.</p>
<p>All this may be completely moot. OP- have you even been accepted to this top tier school you are hoping to attend?</p>
<p>"obviously, medical or dental schools will prefer applicants who completed their undergraduate at a higher ranked school. "</p>
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<li>I do not know about Dental, however it is Not correct for Med. Schools. They prefer the highest college GPA / MCAT scores and individual who are truly interested in Medicine and sociable enough at interview.</li>
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<p>Your parents will need to cosign that loan. You will not be able to get it yourself. By cosigning, they actually are holders of the loan as well. Are they willing and able to do this for four years…and then for medical school too? </p>
<p>I think you have your answer. You cannot afford the more expensive school.</p>
<p>Our DD followed the money. She will graduate with no debt.</p>
<p>^D. followed the money choosing HS and UG. We told D. not to consider cost while choosing Med. School. But she did not get any significant Merit at Med. Schools, very small amount at one. She was happy to choose the one that she personally preferred. However, if any Med. School offerred significant Merit, then I imagined that D. would end up there. Money offer has always worked for her, schools seem to really appreciate having students who they offerred Merit awards, they present them with other significant opportunities in addition to money, chances that are not open to general student body.
Following money is correct strategy based on our family experience.</p>
<p>…thumper,
Parents do not need to cosign student loans in Med. School.</p>