<p>I am currently in the dilemma of choosing colleges. I've narrowed it down to two, very good, affordable choices. 1) Georgia Tech with a major in Biochemistry and 2) UGA Honors Program with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Both are very good options and a degree from both of these schools could get me into a good medical school. I just am not sure which one would be the best fit for me. Personally I see myself at Tech, I'm the typical nerd who is study-focused enjoys having fun. I've been to the campus and loved it, the new age vibe throughout the campus, it was great. As for UGA, I've visited there too. Not Myers Hall but the regular campus. I did not enjoy my visit at all, I could tell that it was a very social area with a bunch of very social, outgoing people (not exactly my type). The rustic feel of the area was also not exactly something that I enjoyed, like I just didn't feel safe. And sure there are people like me at UGA in the honors program (or so I tell myself), but I would honestly feel much more comfortable at Tech.
As for the education, well both of the schools are great. I talked to this one lady who had three children go to Tech all of them go into very good graduate schools, one of them even got into a top tier med school which is my goal. And the UGA honors program is impeccable as well, dozens of amazing opportunity are granted to them especially their Honors Study Abroad Program. It's my dream to go to S. Korea one day, and they have kids who have actually done that for minimal cost. I don't think those kinds of opportunities are given to regular Techies, and plus to get them the competition is super fierce.
That's another thing, UGA seems to be more lax, more "it's OK as long as you work hard you can succeed", which I really like. Tech is more like the cut throat competition, a much more intense version than the one I face at school. I don't like it, but it makes me work harder than usual and I use it as motivation to succeed. Honestly, competition makes me work hard because I have this intrinsic desire to be the best so I work for it. And, to keep HOPE I need a 3.3 GPA (if I maintain my val position in HS by the time I graduate, which hopefully I will) and I have a feeling that it might be easier to do that at UGA than at Tech.
So I'm turning to you for help, what would you do if you were in my situation and what advice could you give me? Which one would you prefer: a great education with a very comfortable college life (Tech), or a superb education in an environment that overall isn't exactly suitable for you (UGA)?
Thanks in advance for everything.</p>
<p>You do not have to major in biology or biochemistry to go to medical school; the pre-med requirements can be done alongside any major. Most majors do have enough breadth and free elective space to take the pre-med requirements, even if none of the major courses also fulfills a pre-med requirement.</p>
<p>Why mention this? Because biology majors tend to have poor job and career prospects at the bachelor’s level (i.e. if they do not go to medical school). If you have other academic or professional interests, or interests that may complement a physician career, you may want to consider majoring in something aligned with those interests, along with the pre-med courses. That may also give you more of a backup option in case you do not go to medical school.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks for the input. I might change my major, but do you have any advice on where you suggest that I should go?</p>
<p>I think if you may change your major then UGA is the choice. The curriculum provides more flexibility. Also, I am a big fan of honors programs/colleges. You are treated a bit better and those programs are excellent at making big U a bit smaller with more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. I also think your study abroad desires can be done with a bit more piece of mind and with more options at UGA.</p>
<p>I’m surprised to hear that you felt safer at Tech than at UGA. Tech is bordered by a high crime area of Atlanta, in which there have been several highly-publicized muggings and assaults on Tech students this year. Athens is one of the classic college towns in America with a population of 100,000. You’d want to be street smart in either location, but Tech has the rep of having the greater safety concern.</p>
<p>If you want to go to med school, then go to UGa…your GPA will likely be higher.</p>
<p>TECH! 10char</p>