<p>I'm trying to figure out what college I want to go to and I'm having some trouble. I was just wondering if it would be better to go to a more prestigious school than a school that I would have a better GPA at for med school apps?</p>
<p>The schools I've applied to are:
Miami U (OH)--Probably good grades
College of Charleston--Probably good grades
Georgia Tech--difficult, prestigious, but i would be less intelligent than most of the students there. Known to deflate GPA
University of Florida--prestigious premed program but hard to get into (wouldn't be the smartest there... if i get in)
Ohio State--Probably good grades
Elon--unsure
University of Pittsburgh--probably good grades, also somewhat prestigious premed program</p>
<p>I mean i like them all which is why i applied to them but what would help with medical school applications better, a prestigious school or a better GPA?</p>
<p>I plan on majoring in psychology if that affects ur response.</p>
<p>From what I have observed (my D is currently in the med school interview process), it seems that the type of coursework undertaken and the resulting grades are <em>very</em> important.</p>
<p>Where you go does not matter HUGELY. How you do at your school, however, certainly does.</p>
<p>For example, a student with a 4.0 from Stanford certainly has an advantage over a student with a 4.0 from a community college, all else being equal. Admissions committees do take into consideration where you are coming from college-wise, but once again, your grades MUST be good in the first place. At the very most, going to a prestigious school by itself will give you a slight advantage over other applicants. However, going to a better school might give you better opportunities (i.e. for research and in terms of class selection/ability to get good letters of recommendation). </p>
<p>In fact, this is where the MCAT comes into play. Your MCAT score is at least as important as your GPA, and is the great equalizer in the admissions process. </p>
<p>My suggestion to you is not to choose a school based on prestige alone. Take a look and see if you'd be happy there, if the professors are good, if students are content, and if there are opportunities available to explore your interests (i.e. medicine, science research).</p>
<p>GPA!!!! As long as you don't go to a community college and maintain a 3.5++ GPA you'll stand a change. Admissions committees look at GPA, MCAT, community service, and your personality first. They look at MCAT scores instead of focusing on where you went. Just go where you're happiest and keep up your grades.</p>