<p>Hi, I was wondering for medical school, it would be better going to college with less prestige (for example, UC Davis) but a being able to achieve a higher GPA since the courses aren't as competitive, or a college with more prestige (for example, Vanderbilt or Notre Dame) but getting a lower GPA since the student body accepted into those colleges will be more competitive. I have heard both ways - that medical schools focus mainly on GPA/MCAT scores versus that they consider those students graduating from prestigious colleges more. Any opinions are appreciated :)</p>
<p>If you read these forums or SDN, you will find that there is almost agreement that medical schools focus far far more on GPA/MCAT than they do on the prestige of the attended school.</p>
<p>Don’t assume that UC Davis will be any easier than Notre Dame though. Try to find out average GPAs, grade distributions, and so on if you can.</p>
<p>thank you! do you think this will change over the next five years? the focus on GPA/MCAT over prestige?</p>
<p>I don’t see any reason why it would.</p>
<p>Do not choose, go for both! Anyway, it is not the way to choose your UG, where you will be spending 4 most precious years of your life. Go to school that matches you the best, all of you, all of your interests, your personality, not just your goal to go to Med. School. And do the best there. This is the only way to achieve success. It is much easier to focus on academics when you are happy at the place. Calculating too much will backfire.</p>
<p>true that. thanks a lot!</p>