Deciding on a College

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am a to-be junior in High School next year. I want to one day be a Neurosurgeon and have been looking towards the future. I want to attend a top university, with a good science department and pre-medical program. I hope this will in turn contribute to me getting into a top medical school. The colleges I have been looking at are:
Stanford University
Baylor University
Cornell University
Duke University
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Michigan State
Grand Valley State University
Albion College
University of Chicago
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Georgetown
John Hopkins University
Ohio State
Northwestern University</p>

<p>As you can see, I am having quite a bit of trouble slimming down my options. Hopefully you guys can help me with this. Here is a little about me:
I live in Michigan
GPA (Weighted): 3.99
Unweighted GPA: Approx 3.7-3.8
Accelerated/AP Classes:
AP US History ; Acc Geo ; Acc Alg 2 ; Acc English 10 ; Global Education
Future Classes: AP Bio , AP Chem , Acc English 11 , AP English 12 , Acc Analysis , AP Calculus , AP Gov
Sports: Varsity Soccer ( #1 in the State)
Extracurricular: Model United Nations, Study Groups, Snowboarding/Ski Club, Float building, Summer Medical Camp
Community Service: Special Olympics Soccer Officiating, Volunteering a hospitals, shadowing doctors
Jobs: 4 Years as Carrier for the Observer Newspaper, Best Buy Cashier/Salesman, Country Club Golf Caddy
Accomplishments: Created and maintained a large Group Buy for products for the Mazda RX8 on rx8club.com, Started an Ebay business and grew to an Ebay Store, Honors Society for school</p>

<p>By application time, I should be at over a 4.0 and maybe even a 4.1.. unweighted probably a 3.8-3.9. I am very driven and will do whatever it takes to make myself successful. If you need any more info let me know!</p>

<p>Thats about it.. let me know what you guys think and what universities you'd recommend/think I have a chance at!</p>

2

<p>I really don't think Baylor fits in with the rest of your list.</p>

3

<p>Not to hurt your feelings or anything, but it is very common for people with flawless records to get rejected from top schools. I know a person who had a 2.9 gpa and got into Berkeley, so you never know these days.</p>

4

<p>How come Baylor doesn't fit? I thought it was at the top for pre-med, and is Top 10 for Med school. </p>

<p>I'd like to hear some other opinions as well!</p>

5

<p>Pick 2/4 between
Michigan State
Grand Valley State University
Albion College
Ohio State</p>

<p>The RX8 thing is kool (I think my friend from KY is on there), but I dont see it as much. I dont think it serves a purpose, especially to adcoms. I guess you can note the eBay thing, but the whole 'eBay business' accomplishment is already cliche.</p>

6

<p>Baylor College of Medicine is not associated with Baylor University. People often get them confused.</p>

7

<p>Have you been to Baylor? The environment is likely very different from the others on your list. My friend attended for a year: it's in the middle of nowhere, is religiously based and thus somewhat strict, and it is very homogeneous.</p>

8

<p>Waco is the middle of nowhere? Really?</p>

9

<p>I am actually going to visit Baylor on a day between July 5-9 when I go to Galveston. I will also visit Rice to discuss their BA/MD program.. although I am not sure if this is the right track to go.</p>

10

<p>loslobos - haha uh yes! was that meant to be sarcasm or serious? my friend was so bored that he and his roommates would drive around the circle driveway area to keep cars from entering and race in the nearby cornfields for fun! But, it depends I guess. He's Christian, but not really the church type, so I don't think he really felt happy there. FWIW, Baylor has some really pretty buildings. :)</p>

11

<p>Ok so maybe Baylor isn't for me then.. what about the other schools though??</p>