Hi parents! I could really used some advice on making a decision between these 3 schools. I am a prospective pre-med school, although I recognize that I could change my mind.
My dream school is Cornell University (only 1 hour away.) If I attend Cornell, I would probably be between $20k and $40k in debt (depending on the amount of private scholarships I get, and how much I earn working). I had always had a strict anti-debt position, especially because med school/grad school is in my future. While some physicians have told me going to Cornell could help me get into a better med school, is it worth graduating from Cornell with loans?
Next choice is Case Western Reserve University (3 hours away). With 3 on-campus hospitals, they really emphasis the opportunities available to pre-med students for volunteering and internships. I absolutely love Case’s campus and they are a lot smaller than Cornell. There is also a potential that I will have a higher gpa at Case Western, and I know gpa/MCAT is most important for med school. I received a nice scholarship from Case and would have no loans if I went there.
My last choice is Wheaton College. I connected very well with the student body. Because I have a full scholarship, I would have no loans and plenty of money left over for med school/grad school, car, etc. The campus is small and in a suburban area and I would need to work very hard to find shadowing opportunities and work experience related to my field. The school is good, but I could probably receive a higher quality education at one of my other choices. I am not too crazy about living 12 hours away, but my parents told me they can afford to fly me home whenever I want.
Which option would you choose? I’m going to overnights at Case Western and Cornell in the next couple weeks. It’s going to be a difficult choice and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help.
I know this is a hard decision. Cornell is probably the most prestigious of those schools, and this might be helpful for grad school admissions, but I think it’s much more important to graduate debt-free. Medical school is expensive, no matter which one you choose. Based on what you’ve posted here, it sounds like Case Western is the best choice for you.
@Massmomm thank you! My mom was thinking she could work more hours to cover some loans at Cornell, but if our income goes up, financial aid may go down. At Case, however, my 4 yr scholarship will not change.
I know it’s tempting to pick Cornell, but your future and your parents’ retirement will be a lot more comfortable if you don’t take on debt for your undergraduate years.
If it is Wheaton in MA, it is very small compared to the others. My son looked at it and it also came down to one of his top choices, but he ended up going elsewhere.
Do not count on the outside scholarships to be used at Cornell. They are just rare, and then change the amount of need based aid you will receive from the school.
@annamom around $40k total for all four years at Cornell. I’ve applied for lots of outside private scholarships, but we won’t know about most until after May 1.
@thumper Case has a higher net cost than Wheaton, but it is still affordable without loans. If I went to Wheaton I could use my college savings for med/grad school.
Wheaton College has a lovely campus, close to some great hospital systems (there is a hospital literally 3.5 miles away you could investigate for shadowing opportunities) as well as an easy trip to Chicago. Serious student body, obviously a no drinking/partying school. Med school is dependent on grade and MCAT. You can be successful at any of the three schools, so I would recommend the school you can go to the cheapest.
Wheaton College is best known for it’s religious program. If you want a name school go with Cornell but if you want hands on experience opportunities , go with Case.
Son happy at Cornell but I still say CW based on your comments.
We have family that went to CW on scholarship, gave them ability to follow their dreams having no debt.
I’m going out on a limb and saying Wheaton. The education there is EXCELLENT and You will not regret graduating debt-free and in a good position for grad or med school.
Case Western Reserve. Their opportunities for internships, volunteering, and shadowing are superior to your other choices. Wheaton is isolated. It is not an easy trip to Chicago. It’s almost an hour by train. You would also have additional travel costs to consider if you attend Wheaton.
Seems a no-brainer for me with your interests - Case. No debt, school well known for your interests. Congrats on your acceptances!
I say this after having introduced a niece to Wheaton.- perfect for her general interests which were less targeted than yours. We have had several generations of family members with Case affiliations. No regrets.
Cornell would be great if you came out with no debt. It looks like they have an appeal process for financial aid. Have you looked into that?