Hi, so i posted a bit earlier about the choices, and I’ve narrowed it down to two (UTD vs. Emory) after visiting both.
I was wondering if anyone had any advice about which school I should pick? I’m planning to do premed, but I don’t want to go to a school only for premed (i.e only to get a good GPA, etc.) and I’d like to enjoy the experience of college.
For emory, I received some merit aid, so I would pay 40k/year. My parents are willing to pay 30k/year but I’d take out 10k in loans. I should have enough credit transfer to finish college in 3 years but it’s not certain yet, so I would graduate with 30-40k in debt. I plan to go to med school after that…
However, I really love the Emory campus and vibe and the fact that the school really emphasizes its teachers over its teachers’ ability to research. A lot of Emory’s core values resonate with me, and I can easily see myself there for the next few years, growing up and all. I also really love the CDC/Emory hospitals surrounding the school. I’m willing to work to pay off loans as I study, but I’m kind of worried about juggling difficult premed courses and a job, and I don’t want to do poorly in my classes and be ineligible for med school. Input on that?
For UTD, I’ve been offered a full ride + 10k stipend a year, and it’s a really attractive offer. I don’t really like the campus or vibe, but it has good premed advising (although it doesn’t really have an active research sector in the field I’ve been working in and would like to continue in). It does offer the chance for me to graduate debt-free and my parents are willing to take the saved money from undergrad and provide it for med school. Financially, it’s a really wise decision but I honestly can’t imagine myself there for the next few years. Maybe I’ll change/adjust, but I really find Emory to be the better fit for my personality/values.
I was wondering about your suggestions? Thanks!