<p>Lately, I've been agonizing over my college decisions for this fall. I could attend Duke, but the cost would be $50k per year (I have 2 younger siblings too). Such high costs would only be justified if I got a high-paying job very soon after graduation (such as i-banking). My other option is to attend my state school (UGA- honors program, $10k), but if I go there I would most likely do pre-med. After UGA, I would attend a lovely medical school ($50k).</p>
<p>So, either way, my parents will pay $50k now or later, but i don't want to make the mistake of having to pay another round of $50k after i graduate from Duke if I do decide to become a doctor. However, if I go to UGA and realize premed is not for me and decide that I do want to go into the finance/business sector, I would be at a great disadvantage compared to if I was at Duke since their recruitment services are nowhere close to the level at Duke, and I wouldn't have as great access to internships and such (true?). </p>
<p>Also, transferring from UGA to Duke is very difficult, and I don't look forward to the whole social readjustment bit that comes along with transferring. Also, transferring back to UGA from Duke would be somewhat awkward and a waste of money for the year(s) I did attend? </p>
<p>Therefore, even though college should be the time when I figure out what I want to do with my life, I basically have to pick the correct college for my future occupation right now, but I'm not even sure what I want to do yet! So, any advice or suggestions regarding what I should do, what college I should attend this fall, or any advice in general would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>well, I either want to go into medicine or business, but I haven't really decided yet. I feel that by going to uga, since their business opportunities aren't that great, I would then by default have to go into medicine, which I could love or hate.</p>
<p>Ok, I've got to say that if you're not 100% committed to studying medicine and going to med school, it is something that you should NOT do. And it seems at this point like you aren't fully committed to it, so I'd suggest you not go into medicine. Going to medical school isn't something to take lightly, and many of those who desperately want to go into medicine originally (at Duke and elsewhere) find out that either their interests change or they don't have the grades to cut it, and subsequently, their interests change by force. Just my opinion of course. But I'd venture to guess that 50% of people who start out pre-med (higher at schools not as strong as Duke) end up NOT going to med school - just something to think about. I think this would weigh in Duke's favor.</p>
<p>Go to Duke...you can always go to grad school in Atlanta or Athens at state rates...REALLY...that is my advice. This is the time in life where you get your biggest stretch socially, emotionally, intellectually. You can borrow for grad school or go to your state medical college at a more reasonable cost.</p>
<p>Do not go to Duke if you want a high GPR for med school unless you know you are a talented in premed curriculum subjects however...plenty of kids will not make the grades at Duke, so be realistic about yourself.</p>
<p>Thanks guys....but I'm still really torn. Duke's summer study abroad program would cost an additional $7000 to the $50k. I really do love Duke, but I feel like I'm being selfish by picking it because $50k per year is a lot of money. After all, UGA honors isn't that bad really, and it would just be so much cheaper over. But Duke is my love, but I could learn to love uga, i think...SO CONFUSED! Any more advice?</p>
<p>maroon-
A summer abroad is not necessary. If you want to study abroad, you can take a school term abroad--usually that is Fall term junior year. That often ends up costing LESS than studying on campus.</p>