Brown PLME vs. Davidson Baker Scholarship vs. UGA Foundation Fellows

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm turning to CC in this time of need because I'm completely confuzzled as to what to do. I feel extremely fortunate to be in the position I am in, but it's still such a difficult decision to make by May 1st. </p>

<p>Brown PLME is an amazing program and I certainly fit Brown's overall intellectual/quirky vibe, but I'm actually not quite sure about being a doctor - maybe 60% in favor versus 40% not sure. I think it's a really rewarding career. From what I've seen in shadowing and volunteering, it can also be a really frustrating way towards burnout. That's mainly why I have doubts about Brown, though the element of flexibility is there in the ability to opt out and the Open Curriculum.</p>

<p>Davidson's scholarship just came in literally hours ago. I was there for Scholars' Weekend and actually really enjoyed my time (surprisingly), though I found the community a little homogeneous. Plus, the prospect of graduating debt free at a great liberal arts college is really enticing. I also like the idea that I won't be haunted by the prospect of attending medical school - everything is open and free. So, my interests in other areas (possible future careers) can be explored - though Davidson's grade deflation is a concern in terms of harming future grad or professional school prospects.</p>

<p>UGA Foundation Fellows is attractive in a lot of the same ways that Davidson is. Plus, I think UGA FF offers a lot more in perks specifically for the scholars - like the travel grants, Maymester at Oxford, and research grants. Davidson seems to really just hand over the money and let you go. However, I really would prefer not to stay in state for my undergraduate education. </p>

<p>So that's my impression of my three choices all jumbled up into a teenager's fog of uncertainty. Help me? </p>

2

<p>can you post COA excluding loans? That will help everyone to advise you.</p>

<p>IMHO, Brown PLME is the way to go, if you can afford it. If you decided not to become a MD, you can opt out and still get the best of a degree.</p>

3

<p>I applied to Brown PLME as well but didn’t get in. I don’t know how great your other options are but I know that PLME is an honor (congrats!) and if I were you, I’d take that if tuition wasn’t a problem.</p>

4

<p>COA excluding loans for Brown is around 16000. Cost definitely isn’t too much of an issue - my parents can afford it, which is something I’m fortunate to have. However, I can’t help but feel guilty knowing that the full ride option is there. . . </p>

5

<p>I think you should view the PLME option as an investment that can either go really well or just do “okay”, either way you win. The 16,000 price tag per year for undergrad could pay off significantly if you do decide to continue with medical school, and even if you don’t decide to continue on the med route, the open curriculum at Brown really offers you a great education anyway regardless of what you end up choosing.
That isn’t to say that the other two offers aren’t great or any less amazing, but you can only do college once and if you’re limiting yourself based on finances (which you say don’t pose a problem since your parents are willing to pay) then you should definitely embrace the PLME and explore your interests while having the guaranteed spot in medical school that you seem to be leaning towards at the moment.</p>