Drexel VS Rutgers

So I’m down to those two right now. I’ve been accepted to both as a psych major on a pre-med track. I’m from NJ, so going to Rutgers would make sense because of the cheap tuition. However, when I went to visit, I felt so small because the student population of Rutgers is around 40,000 kids. I also felt that the campus was way too big for my liking and that there was too much going on.

Drexel, however, has been my top choice throughout the whole college process. I was able to connect with some of the kids in the accepted students’ group and when I went to visit, I fell in love with the campus. What stood out to me was the co-op program and how it was in Philly, a city full of opportunities. The only problem with Drexel is that they gave me little to no money. I received a $10,000 merit scholarship with the $5,500 loan but it’s not enough to convince my parents to let me go.

I’m the first of 3 to go to college and I want to make the right decision, but a decision I’m happy with. What should I do? May 1st is next Tuesday, I already spoke with a financial advisor for help to write appeal letters, but came back unsuccessful. I’m looking into student loans but that’s really the last resort for me.

I was accepted into Drexel too, and went to the admitted student day yesterday. Unfortunately, I choosed another school over Drexel. I would suggest you to contact the financial aid office and try to tell them your situation. One of my friend actually got something like $5000 increase in her financial aid package, but that was because her father lost his job recently. Still, I would still give it a try if Drexel fits you personally. Visit them in person if possible. Never hurt to try. Also try to apply for scholarships that is offered by Drexel. They had a lot of scholarships available, but I don’t know their deadline tho. Honestly tho, undergrad is not as important if you ultimate goal is to go to med school as long as you got good GPA and MCAT. Don’t bury yourself in debt before med school because you are almost certainly will after med school.

If Drexel is unaffordable then you have to move on. Finances are part of the decision process for most people and you are no different. The amount of loans students can take out (without parents co-signing) is very limited. And IMO it would not be wise to take out tons of loans for an undergrad degree when you expect grad school will be in your future.