<p>I have been accepted to the University of Alabama and am confident that I will be receiving an acceptance letter to Baylor soon, but I'm torn over which school to choose. On one hand, I had been dead set on Baylor since my freshman year and it is less than 2 hours away from where I live, but Alabama sent me packet after packet, informing me that if I became a national merit semi finalist, I would qualify for a full scholarship (note, not full ride until I become a finalist). I got a 228, so I am guaranteed at least semi-finalist, which means I will be paying only a couple of thousand a year on housing and extra expenses if I went to 'Bama. Baylor is more expensive, but I could potentially receive a full scholarship if I became a finalist (which, due to a few low grades, might not be happening). My parents offered to pay for wherever I go, but I don't want to make them pay if they don't have to. Some of my friends have said that a degree from Baylor looks better than a degree from Alabama, which has me worried because I plan to go to medical school. I love both campuses and the people there and really can't decide. Please help. Sorry for the long rant!</p>
<p>You are Baptist and want a somewhat religious environment?</p>
<p>“Some of my friends have said that a degree from Baylor looks better than a degree from Alabama, which has me worried because I plan to go to medical school.”</p>
<p>Truly, for med school admission the name of the university won’t matter if you are comparing these two. What will matter are your grades, MCAT score, letters of recommendation, volunteer/shadowing, etc. Choose the one that turns out to be cheapest for you, and where you think you are likely to get the best grades. You don’t have to make a final decision just yet. Wait until all of the financial aid offers are on the table, and then decide.</p>
<p>Not a baptist, but I am Christian, although I’m not over zealous about it.
I guess @happymomof1 is right and I should just wait it out to see what other schools offer me. I was just curious as to what other people thought of the two schools.</p>
<p>I believe that Baylor and Alabama have very similar rankings, so one would not be “more impressive” than the other. New rankings come out next week, but currently their rankings are (I think) tied. Certainly NOTHING to concern oneself about.</p>
<p>And, med schools won’t give a rat’s patootie whether your degree is from Baylor, Alabama, UTexas, UT-Dallas, or wherever.</p>
<p>OP have you done some more investigating? A top student at UA will have med school opportunities - posters here have students that have done so.</p>
<p>I attended MBA at TAMU and had some contact with Baylor MBA students (MBA competition held at TAMU). Baylor has a reputation, but the students were just like us Aggies!</p>
<p>My DD will be attending UA in the fall and is super excited.</p>
<p>Do not be swayed paying more money for Baylor for the school reputation; the cost to benefit does not pan out.</p>
<p>You will have great opportunities at UA.</p>
<p>Let us know what you decide.</p>