<p>I have recently been awarded a spot in the Honors Fellows program at Elon University. This will bring the price of Elon down to $13,000 less than Furman. Also, I will be required to complete an undergraduate research requirement that I hear is very demanding. But, (I'm pretty sure I'm right) I heard Furman was either 2nd in the nation in undergraduate research, or very highly ranked. So, i have good opportunity to complete research at both if that is what i wish to do. I have visited both and liked Furman more than Elon. I liked the social scene at Furman more and had almost decided on going there until i found out I got into the honors program at Elon. I want to be an endocrinologist, and i know Furman has a strong pre-med program. I am afraid Elon's is not so strong. I know one can get into med school from any college, but is it worth 13000 more to go to Furman with their stronger program? Or, in my case, is Elon's honors program enough to pull me away from Furman and towards Elon? Thanks to anyone who may reply.</p>
<p>Of the two schools, Furman has a much stronger reputation in the sciences. Elon is a school that has risen a lot in reputation in the past 15 years, however. In terms of getting into medical school, it is all about GPA and the MCAT. Do well in these two areas is a must followed by good summer experiences and research/volunteer work. Choosing Elon over Furman would not hurt your chances of being a strong candidate for medical school. If the schools were the same price, my preference would be Furman (I am biased-my son is a senior there). The schools are very different in tone. However, spending $52,000.00 more to attend Furman is something to weigh carefully considering you will be spending 4X that (at least) to attend medical school. You may want to contact Furman and see if they will offer more. Sometimes colleges will come through with a greater amount of aid/scholarship.</p>