I get the feeling that the OP wants to go to UCLA but is having a hard time turning down an Ivy.
Why did you apply to Brown? Why Brown vs the other Ivy’s?
delayed response, but some updates:
- They are flying me up to attend ADOCH!
- I looked at the financial aid, and although it’s “need-based” I will still have to contribute about 3/4k a year because of the summer work contribution.
- I’ve just told my parents and although they are “okay” with me going… I know they really don’t want me too but instead stay closer to home and just go to UCLA.
I’m hoping after visiting both campuses, I will be able to make my decision. But currently I am still completely torn between the two. I know I will be happy @ UCLA, but should I take the risk for Brown?
Is it that much superior in terms of being pre-med?
I’ve been researching a lot lately, and Brown is looking better and better by the day. My only other huge concern though is not fitting in among such a wealthy crowd. I’m scared i’m going to feel “inferior”?
Any advice? Or does anyone know more about what it’s like inside?
@bopper Along with Brown, I also applied to Princeton and Stanford. (Rejected from both & Stanford was my ultimate dream haha) But specifically applied to Brown, because well for one it was one of my friend’s dream school, seemed more of a relax/happy school, and honestly, just wanted to see if I would get in. I didn’t really look that much into it tbh
YES it is THAT much superior in terms of being premed.
It’s hard to explain how much better it’ll be in terms of resources, access to professors, support, advising, and high grade range - all things that matter to med schools. You’re compaing apples and oranges. Or, actually, apples and nails.
UCLA is pretty much a bloodbath for premeds. You have to fend for yourself against, litterally, THOUSANDS of students, without an adviser, without resources you’d have at Brown. In the end, most never make it. Among those who make it to the end, many don’t make it into a CA med school. At Brown, where the average GPA is 3.6, your odds of making it to a med school are much, much higher than at UCLA. AND you can apply to the same CA med schools as kids from UCLA, except you bring in some geographical diversity and, being a CA resident, you have priority over anyone who’s not for all CA med schools even if you attended a school outside CA. Pretty much the best of both worlds.
Also, no one gets into an Ivy League university who’s not able to handle it. They know what they’re doing. They reject 90% qualified applicants. So, you’re qualified. More than qualified. If you have a bridge program to learn the ropes over the summer, take it (it’s often for first gen students, so hit the ground running when classes start, because their parents can’t “prepare them” for college).
You will ALWAYS have to contribute something - do you realize how lucky you are that the student contribution is only 3-4K? (At UC’s, the normal student contribution is about 10K). I mean, come on. They’re paying for your flights home, your food, your coat and boots in the winter in that package. Do you really begrudge working for them 10 hours a week in a position that will enhance your resume?
CONGRATULATIONS on being flown in to ADOCH!
You’ll see what we mean with your own eyes.
I understant that you’re getting cold feet, like many lower income kids who leave their neighborhood and family for the first time, it’s normal because what you’re doing takes a lot of courage and fortitude. But you’ve come this far. You can do it. Reap what is rightfully yours - an Ivy League education.
Just curious but did your friend get into her dream school? A.K.A. Brown
As MYOS1634 says, Brown is better if you are going for Premed
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Smaller student/faculty ratio. UC schools are just bloody competitve when it comes down to getting research spots and whatnot. Brown is known to be more dedicated to undergraduate studetns than other Ivy leauges
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Medical school in general barely cares about what undergrad, what course you took. All it matters is getting good grades(the bottom line is, A is the probably the only good pre med grade, sadly). So, grade inflation helps. The med school adcoms won’t be like"Oh you have 3.0 but took hardes courses! you are in!"
@pitt2021 UNfortunately, she’s didn’t get into Brown… She’s actually going to UCLA! Oh, the irony…
@MYOS1634 Wow, thanks for all the useful info! That was definitely not only swaying but also reassuring. I really do think I am just getting cold feet(And feel incredibly weird being the first to move from my family), so thanks for the little boost of confidence!
ADOCH is next week & currently can’t wait- I really hope it’s going to let me make my decision.