Are JHU and Wash U that much better than OSU?

<p>After going through the circus that is college admissions, I have narrowed my schools down to 3: Ohio State (Honors), Johns Hopkins, and Washington U in St. Louis. However, like many other high school seniors out there I am having a little trouble choosing which to attend. I would prefer to attend Ohio State as it is closer to home and I would be able to visit often (I live in Ohio), but on the flipside I want to get into medical school and want to put myself in the best position to achieve that goal. I know that JHU and Wash U are considered more "prestigious" schools with higher ranked medical schools than OSU, but is the difference so great that it will greatly affect my chances to get into a medical school? Any input will be greatly appreciated. </p>

<p>Also I am lucky enough to have gotten full financial aid from JHU and Wash U and a scholarship+ aid from OSU so cost thankfully is not a factor.</p>

<p>JHU and WUSTL are much more highly ranked than Ohio. While many will parrot the belief that college choice doesn’t really matter, I just don’t see the opportunities you can get at JHU or WUSTL being offered at Ohio. </p>

<p>JHU/WUSTL are simply too much better for you to go to Ohio.</p>

<p>Wash U has one of the highest undergrad—>med school rates in the country (I think 85%+) which is totally a reason to go. Now that cost is out of the question I think you should definitely go to private school as there will much more opportunity for you to take advantage of. For example, Wash U has amazing opportunities for undergraduate research even with graduate professors or grad students. And JHU is beautiful and is also one of the best pre med programs in the world. I would determine wustl v. jhu based on how comfortable you are on the campus because both are amazing.</p>

<p>Cost is not a factor? WashU is a strong contender given its and your midwestern root. I think the above poster is correct about WashU academics. I would add that it would be easily one of the best colleges in terms of food, housing, and student attitude. Also, to double major or minor in a totally different discipline at WashU is easy and common. I know nothing about JHU but I am sure it is equally fine school.</p>

<p>I agree- if money is not an issue, then I would go with WUSTL or JHU. Now, if having a big campus feel with tremendous school spirit is more imprtant, then OSU wins out. If you do well with your GPA and MCAT score, getting into med school should not be a problem. However, if you want to shoot for the top medical schools, as a physician, I strongly believe that there is bias against a lot of schools. Many of the top med schools are filled with students from the top colleges. There are those who will say that students at higher ranked colleges are ingerently smarter or better at testing, and I disagree. The only way to back up any of my claims would be to get see where matriculating medical students went for their undergraduate educations. My guess is that the top tier medical schools will be filled with a majority of students from the top undergraduate institutions.</p>