<p>According to stanford_dude, Dr. McCullough said:
"Moreover, you can get into the nation's best residencies from an average medical school, providing you do well there. Again, how you perform in medical school is far more important than which school you attend."</p>
<p>In other words: Yes, about 1/6th of Stanford graduates get into UCSF, JH, Harvard, Yale, and Stanford's med schools. Another unspecified number get into other UC or private med schools. Subtract also the handful of those who do not get into medical school at the first try, you have most of the graduating class who end up in 'average' medical schools! This is a fact of medical school admissions. </p>
<p>An anecdotal account from the director of Quest Scholars is not a substitution for facts. One needs to check the medical school placements of Stanford from the last few years. One also needs to check the residency placements of UIC.</p>
<p>I am not suggesting that chanski pick UIC over Stanford. I merely said that if I were given the choice, I would chosse UIC, do well, and try for a residency in a place like Stanford, especially since I am absolutely sure of my career goals.</p>
<p>Again, I have not researched UIC's program nor have I visited the place. It's no secret that I am an advocate of combined programs because I think that they are the best way to ensure of my medical aspirations. Too many students vie for medicine, begin their undergrad education as a premed, only to revise their plans, either because they could not handle the premed load/stress, or could not get into med school.</p>
<p>chanski should do what is best for her, according to her wishes. She asked why I would choose UIC over Stanford, and I gave her my answer, according to my feelings.</p>