<p>I'm having a really hard time picking between the two. It seems like WashU has more opportunities for Pre-meds and a higher acceptance rate for students applying to medical school, but it doesn't seem like Cornell is lagging behind by that much either. I actually visited both places last week. I really loved Cornell and Ithaca, but WashU wasn't that bad either. I do have a slight preference for Cornell, but I want to make sure I'm not missing out on a lot more by picking Cornell over WashU. </p>
<p>If it makes any difference, at Cornell I'd be a Human Biology, Health, and Society major (College of Human Ecology), whereas at WashU I'd either be just a biology major of some sort, or maybe double major in biology and political science (College of Arts and Sciences). I'm really interested in the Human Ecology majors and prefer those to the traditional Arts and Sciences majors at WashU.</p>
<p>I know Ithaca is a rather small town when compared to St. Louis. Do its opportunities for clinical experience/volunteering suffer as a result? I know WashU undergrads have the ability to volunteer at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (one of the best hospitals in the country), as well as do research in the medical school. I also know that Cornell does have shadowing programs and the opportunity to intern at the medical school, but that is a 4-5 hour bus ride away, and I'm unsure of how much I'll be able to do there or how frequently as a result. </p>
<p>Maybe its just because I missed Cornell's premed information session, but I just don't know much about the extra curricular opportunities for Cornell premed students. While my heart says Cornell (location, College of Human Ecology, Ivy League), my mind says WashU has more opportunities, at least that I know of. Will I be missing out on a lot by choosing Cornell? If the difference is negligible, I'd prefer to go there...</p>
<p>Or should I just save myself 20k a year and get into an easier program at a UC? I got into all of the major UC's and my parents prefer for me to stay instate lol... (Im from California If you don't know what a UC is).</p>
<p>What should I do?</p>
<p>If you are truly happier at Cornell, that is where I would recommend going. Think about it this way. Most pre-meds don’t stay pre-meds. You don’t want to end up changing your mind and being at a place you are unhappy at. But you haven’t mentioned another crucial variable: cost. Which school will be more financially feasible for you to attend?</p>
<p>Also, the 4-5 hour bus ride to Cornell does not sound feasible at all. You also have to take into account transportation. I definitely would not like to spend 8 hours on transportation. It might be better for you to get clinical experience during the summer if you choose to go to Cornell. Not saying that that’s bad or won’t work out, it’s just something to consider.</p>
<p>Who says you have to intern/shadow at Cornell’s medical school? I’m sure there are hospitals closer to Cornell that would gladly take volunteers. If you’re looking to do research then pair up with a faculty member on campus and work on their project. It does not have to be clinical research. Look at various projects people are working on and try to land yourself a position in one that sounds the most interesting to you.</p>
<p>Your best bet is to go where you will be happiest.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. The thing is, I’m dead set on medicine. I’d have applied to a 6 year program if there were any good ones. I didn’t get into any direct med programs with a decent med school, so I have to go through undergrad. Which is the main reason why I’m torn between the two. The thing is, I’ll choose WashU over Cornell if it offers enough extra in terms of Premed, because though I do prefer Cornell, its not a huge difference for me. I really liked both schools, but just liked cornell a little bit more. </p>
<p>As for finances, my parents can thankfully afford both. The only issue is its far cheaper to go to a UC for me, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I have to choose that instead.</p>
<p>WashU is a great school and has a great premed program. WashU med school is top in the country and you will get many great research opportunities at WashU. I would pick WashU.</p>
<p>You are very smart to not have applied to a low level 6 year program. Go to WashU.</p>