Hey, so I’m a junior and I’m just wondering what the best pre med programs are in Florida. (UCF, USF, UF, FSU)
Also, which of those has the best medical school?
For undergraduate, probably the one with the lowest cost/debt that you would be willing to attend and graduate from regardless of whether you get into any medical school (most pre-meds do not get into any medical school).
For medical school, all MD medical schools in the US are good, all should be considered reaches at this stage, and most are very expensive (Florida in-state medical school is somewhat less than most, but still expensive at over $32,000 tuition per year, not including living expenses, so you are probably looking at $200,000 in debt from medical school there, more if you are only admitted to a more expensive medical school).
@ucbalumnus thanks for your response. I feel as though I would be able to get into UCF and USF with the least debt I would have to pay after scholarships and everything. How would I choose between those two?
Once you are admitted and have all the aid packages in your hands, you can consult with the pre-med advisor at each campus, and ask about their experience placing students.
Sorry what do you mean by “ask about their experience placing students”? Do you mean ask them about their different opportunities? Also how do I find the contact information of the advisor?
Both schools should offer you the resources and opportunities you need to be a successful premed. Whether you take advantage of what either school’s offer will be on you, less on where you attend. Why UCF, USF? Have you ever visited? Is there some special academic area that one school offers that other school doesn’t? Which do you see as a better fit for you? I understand “fit” is vague but if you fit in, you’re more likely to be happy and happy students tend to do better which will be very important as a premd hopeful. I don’t need answers, it’s something only you can decide.
At both of these schools I have a higher chance of graduating with less debt. I also have a higher chance of joining their honors program and another program of finished med school in 7 years. I have not visited yet but I’m planning on it over spring break possibly. I guess what I see as a best fit would be the school that offers better opportunities which I feel would be USF. I read it’s harder to find rotations at UCF. I also need to see both campuses and find out which feels more like “home”
I agree that med school is crazy expensive and typically paid for by loans which have to be paid back. I do think it’s a good idea as a premed hopeful to attend a college where one can graduate with as little debt, if any, as possible. But you should know that most premed hopefuls who show up on day one at college change their minds along the way, and of those that actually apply, 60% fail to get even one acceptance. You want to apply with the strongest application possible and trying to get into a 7 year program is very, very difficult and will put tremendous stress on you from day one of college. Consider slowing down, taking a more traditional pathway to med school (eg 4 years of college, maybe even a gap year), and having a college life instead of 7 year programs. Good luck.
If you run a quick search at each university’s website, you should be able to find the page that discusses their pre-med program. Along with details as to recommended courses, there also will be information about required advising/orientation sessions, and contact informatioin for the pre-med program advisor or coordinator.
There really is no one school that’s better. Medical school is medical school. They’re more interested in grades and MCAT scores than they are about school name. What you want are high grades and a high MCAT score. Any one of these schools would be a great choice.
<<<.you can consult with the pre-med advisor at each campus, and ask about their experience placing students. >>>
Colleges don’t “place students” into medical school.