Could use some real experience to assist my son's goal

<p>i second what entomom mentioned to you, check out the premed forum and in particular those specific posters. they really are helpful!! depending on what your son wants to do eventually ie medical practice, research etc... dont discount some of the lesser known schools... you may find that chances of acceptance vary greatly based on the name of the school. alot more people apply to the top named schools.</p>

<p>I don't have a college to recommend (since I don't know much about northeastern schools. But.... the following is the best tip that we've received about being a "pre-med" student...</p>

<p>My son who is a senior in high school (4.3 GPA, 34 ACT) has ALWAYS wanted to be a surgeon. I think one of the best bits of advice that we've gotten so far (and we've heard this same bit of advice from a couple of unrelated sources) is this: Pick a major that won't "limit" your options if you later decide that med school is not for you (which can happen for all sorts of reasons - decide to marry, don't want to spend another 7+ years in school, whatever.) </p>

<p>My son has listened to that advice and will be majoring in Chemical Engineering, with two minors: Biology and Computer-Based Honors (a program at his first choice univ). So, when he's ready to apply to med school (if he that is still his choice), he will be a very strong candidate (we've been told that med schools highly rate those with a Chem Eng background with added minor in Bio), and if he decides against med school, he will have an engineering degree with a software background so that he can pursue other career options.</p>

<p>LWMD already said it so well. </p>

<p>Check out the acceptance rates at public schools and go from there. Your son's education is not going to be a sprint but a marathon and he needs to plan accordingly, including finances.</p>

<p>Rich - It appears that we are identical twins separated at birth. Pre-med, yep. $20K/yr, yep. Kid pays for grad/med school, yep. Multiple kids, yep.</p>

<p>I think the prior posters have provided wonderful advice. I'd suggest widening your purview so that you can provide your S the kind of background information that young adults often struggle with. "Dad, does it make a difference whether I go to public or private school for undergrad? Dad, what's most important for getting into medical school? Dad, how important is it that my UG school has a medical school also?" And so on. JMHO.</p>