<p>I was recently accepted to a Top 20 school with little merit aid and almost the same amount in need-based aid (as an estimate). This leaves me & my family with approximately 40k/year costs for my education at this university. At 4 years, this would leave us somewhere in the vicinity of 150~160k in debt..</p>
<p>I was also recently offered a full scholarship to a nearby StateU.. ironically enough, not too far away from the aforementioned university.. The scholarship also includes extra money for academic and out-of-pocket expenses.</p>
<p>I know it may sound like a no-brainer, however, I am carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages here, as well as trying to seek as much advice as possible..</p>
<p>My main concern is really the effect of medical school admissions. I've read that StateU's tend to have lower acceptance rates than average ...but am unsure if that is due to the school...or the students themselves. So...
1. What would you do? Why/Why not?
2. How will/will this affect my med. school admissions process?</p>
<p>Go to the Pre-Med Topics forum and read the sticky thread at the top of the page about choosing an undergrad school. If you still want input, post this thread on that forum too. There are several current med school students there who can give you excellent advice specific to medical school admissions.</p>
<p>OK, let's say you go to the Top 20 school and are now $150-160K in debt. You get into medical school. How do you now intend to pay for that?</p>
<p>It's a no-brainer. While State U may have a "lower" acceptance rate, it means that some kids do get into medical school. Go to State U, concentrate on your studies, work as hard as you can, and you could be one of them. And then you could possibly afford the medical school tuition for 4 years.</p>
<p>Not to mention the easier time you'd have manipulating your GPA at State U than at a typical "Top 20." Don't medical schools place a great deal of emphasis on college GPA?</p>
<p>If you are planning for med school you would be wise to take the scholarships- one reason for lower med school placement at a state school is lack of personal and high quality advising; you are more likely to get a cookie cutter type of worksheet to follow.</p>
<p>If you are pre-med and if you are at the state school, begin now and follow the info on CC and student doctor network forums and you can advise yourself.</p>
<p>No way would I let my kid take out $160k of debt to go to ANY school. It may be the deal of a lifetime, but you are betting on the come (a little las vegas lingo).</p>
<p>Go to the State University. With that package, you will be able to focus on academics, and not have to work. Take the hardest classes you can, and as many as you can. Spend a lot of time studying during the week, get straight A's, and enjoy the weekends.</p>
<p>In a few weeks, we will know if my Son is in a similar situation. I have a mental cap of $10k/yr for the difference. Anything more, and my advice to him is the State School.</p>