I would like to become a pediatrician. This isn’t even set in stone but for now I think this is what I’d like to do.
My number one choice is UtAustin. I wasn’t accepted and was originally going to do CAP program at UtArlington… I then realized that there were a lot of limitations to the cap program so then I was going to do two years of UTSanAntonio then try to transfer to UTAustin. I recently got accepted into Baylor & now I can’t choose. I don’t know what’s best, please help. I just need some different perspectives on this…
My plan is either UTSanAntonio for two years then transfer to UTAustin for the next two or Baylor all four years
One of the things I’m concerned about is how conservative Baylor might be. I’m a Catholic, yes, but I feel like Baylor might just be really dry/uptight
The other is the cost of course. Even after the academic scholarships and govt grants, it’s still totaling to 43k for my first year at Baylor.
My uncle is pushing towards for Baylor because he feels that it’ll contain less distractions and better prep me for medical school
But I just really like how there’s so much to do in Austin… I feel like the student body and environment suits me more. Although they have a very big student to professor ratio for the classes…
So I guess essentially I’m choosing between a place of little distractions and smaller class size versus a place where I would feel better in but with a higher class size???
So basically another question is, does UT austin help prep students well for medical school?
You are not yet into UT Austin, correct? So your real choice right now UT Arlington, UT San Antonio or Baylor. I would focus on that right now, since there is a lot that can happen in the next two years (much of it good!) that might affect your desire to transfer to UT Austin after two years. IT sounds like UT Arlington CAP program is not longer of interest to you, so it may just be down to the other two. How expensive is UT San Antonio? $43K at Baylor is a big price tag, even if you can afford it. If you can’t, and are counting on loans, that could be a heavy load that you want to avoid.
I have not attended Baylor, but my understanding is that Catholics are generally pretty happy there and don’t feel stifled. It is certainly not apologetic about being a protestant Christian University, and there two semesters of required “chapel” (doesn’t seem to be loved by any students, regardless of religious affiliation), but the only complaint I hear repeatedly is the lack of on-campus drinking, and the readiness of the school to crack down on parties where it does occur. I doubt that Waco has 1/10th of the active off-campus bar and club scene that Austin has either. If you expect drinking to be a big part of your college experience, then you will probably be unhappy at Baylor. But the greek life there is very active, and most students don’t seem to have a problem having a lot of fun. It is a great school for pre-med preparation.
Bottom line, however, is that $43K a year is not insignificant, and I wouldn’t only make the choice planning on where you may end up your Junior year. Treat those first two years as important too!