Brown v. Rutgers (Presidential Scholarship)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello everyone!</p>

<p>So after this crazy college process, I've finally narrowed down my selection to these two choices. Each of them appeal to me for different reasons, and I wanted some different opinions to weigh in on what would be the best option for me. I currently plan to go pre-med, either majoring in Molecular Bio or Neuroscience (CBN in Rutger's case) but I am not completely sure yet. Here's my opinion on both schools...</p>

<p>Brown:</p>

<p>I am absolutely in love with Brown. I applied mainly due to the open curriculum, as I have different interests in areas such as International Relations and Public Health and wanted to explore each of them with as much freedom allowed as possible. The student body is extremely diverse and the environment is friendly (I visited and fell in love with the area), and I know the Bio/Neuroscience programs are particularly strong at Brown (as well as most other majors should I choose to change my mind). I also hear the Ivy connections are unparalleled for job/research opportunities. The main problem, as you all can guess, is financial aid. My package is currently NOT feasible atm, and though I plan to appeal, I'm not sure they'll give me enough money to allow me to attend.</p>

<p>Rutgers:
The main positive is FULL RIDE!!!!!!!! Not having to pay for anything besides books/personal expenses is a huge plus, especially if I actually do go to med school and can graduate from undergrad free of debt. I also know that the STEM majors at Rutgers are solid, and that being in the honors program is a huge plus academically. However, I'm not a huge fan of the area/campus (but am not completely opposed to it) and the huge size isn't really appealing to me. </p>

<p>I just wanted to know if you all thought that the education and opportunities available at Brown was worth the price tag of admission, or should I just take the full ride and never look back? My parents are currently leaning toward Rutgers due to financial reasons (we're in that awkward middle class position where we don't qualify for much aid but really can't afford what is asked of us) and with other siblings makes it difficult to pass up the full ride. I am split, and would attend my dream school without question if it was worth it.</p>

<p>So what are all of your opinions?</p>

2

<p>Wait to hear back from Brown about your appeal before making a decision - if they don’t give you the money you need, then you won’t have any choice other than Rutgers.</p>

3

<p>I agree with @marshmallowpop. If Brown doesn’t give you more money then go to Rutgers and be happy. No debt is really big, especially if grad school is in your future. Good luck. </p>

4

<p>Brown is a great fantasy. Rutgers is your reality. You’re going to do well there and there’s not one med school in the country that will turn up their nose at Rutgers as long as you do what you’d have to do at Brown anyway: high GPA, research, good interview, high MCATs, and good letters of rec. </p>

5

<p>When doing pre-med, I’d suggest going to the school with the least debt. A full-ride is awesome. </p>