<p>Sound decision? This is not coming easily. I originally thought I would just go to WashU, the most highly ranked place that accepted me. Then, I did Days on the Lawn and an overnight at UVA, sitting in on two classes and talking with two professors. I spent 2 days at WashU, and sat in on several classes. Frankly, I didn't see any measurable difference in the quality of instruction or the material. The intro biology class at WashU had 200+ people, and though UVA's is probably larger, my feeling is that once a class gets over 100 people, the size does not really matter. WashU has a beautiful campus - as are the grounds at UVA. Food is better at WashU, all priced a' la Carte though. The dorms are generally plush at WashU, but not all are; some are aging. I can accept that dorms at UVA are hit or miss; I can deal with it. I intend to pursue some TBD non-science major on a premed track. I hope I will be able to find a clinical research opportunity at UVA's research hospital, right on the grounds. WashU has one to, but it's a commute. Does anyone think WashU would prepare me any better or have a name that would make my med school application significantly more compelling than UVA? Even with a generous financial aid package from WashU, it's 2X the cost of UVA (in state); money I could use for med school down the road. UVA feels comfortable to me, and I know people there, but I must confess that UVA was my backup school, not my dream school. That was Princeton, didn't get in, and to some extent Georgetown; I did get in there. But Georgetown is 3X the cost of UVA and undergraduate there would burn through all of the money my parents have set aside for my education, leaving nothing to help with med school. So UVA seems like a logical compromise; comfortable and costs much less, letting me plan ahead to med or grad school. But will I find the high level intellectual stimulation that is so important to me? I also got into Rice, but that's awfully far away and a bit eccentric. Tuesday is coming, and I need to push the button one place or another.</p>
<p>Random – I am sure it is tough to choose between so many top-notch options. Hopefully one of the commenters with med or pre-med experience will chime in here to help with your ultimate question on preparation for med school. But, keep your eye on a key fact, college is what you make of it. If you are willing aggressively to pursue a top-notch, stimulating academic experience, you can find that at almost any school. It may just take more work at some than at others. Fortunately, your choices all provide you with the option of great classes and other academic opportunities.</p>
<p>You are wise to factor undergraduate cost into your decision. Who can say what doctors will be earning by the time you finish your medical training and will have to start paying off any loans you have incurred for schooling.</p>
<p>You’ve evaluated your options and none of the other choices appear to be better than UVA but UVA is 1/2 to 1/3 the price. Few choices in life appear this clear cut. Congratulations on your decision. Don’t second guess yourself…</p>
<p>You’ll be fine at UVA. I have no idea why you would think that you won’t find intellectual stimulation here and you would at WashU/Georgetown. </p>
<p>Stop second guessing yourself and press the button!</p>
<p>I faced that decision last year, but I had already made the decision to attend UVa before I received my WashU decision or any other high tier school.</p>
<p>Don’t be concerned. There will be no significant difference between UVa and WashU for medical schools since the main factors are GPA and MCAT. You will likely maintain a higher GPA at UVa which will help in your application process. I would not be too concerned about the difference in pre-medical education and it is not worth the money, at least in my opinion.</p>
<p>You dodged a bullet in Wash U. Uva is fine and better rounded.</p>