@mom2collegekids I’ll have to look into each school’s NPC. I don’t know my family’s financial information off the top of my head. So far SUNY Stony Brook is one of my for sure and can pay schools.
@Qwerty568 I agree–I’m going to try to limit my list to 12 schools, but it’ll be difficult. I have heard online that Cornell can get very intense, like you said, and depressing, but all the students that I know personally and that I’ve talked to seem to have different experiences. As an NY resident, I’ll be applying to CALS, which is easier to get into and also a public school so the cost will be very low for me, which is a major major plus.
Each Ivy has aspects that attract me (Brown’s liberal artsy, laid back feel; UPenn’s interdisciplinary studies (just realized I neglected the mention UPenn in my list); Yale’s tight knit community) so I’m reluctant to let any of them go! I’m thinking of dropping Princeton because of its low admit rate in my school, and maybe Columbia because of its urban-ness, stress levels, and suicide rates. However, from the profiles of previous Columbia acceptees in my school and CC, I seem to have a better shot at Columbia than most of the other Ivies. In the end, I think all schools have their flaws, and in the case of Columbia I’m willing to sacrifice some of the things I want with more beneficial aspects like great science programs and opportunities. That is, if I get in, of course
Thank you @50N40W! What do you mean by the “original one” (are there other Miami’s haha)? U of Miami seems a bit big for my liking but I’ll consider it.
I think it’s tough to judge your chances for a school that selective based on how other students from your school did. There is so much about someone’s life you don’t know, and any of that could potentially be a contributing factor.
Miami has a 7 yr integrated medical program. I would suggest that as well. I know of a case of a kid graduating in 6 years (crazy number of AP / community college credits) - think of how much money that will save.
Yes, the program is a full ride at either Duke or UNC (depends on which admits you and awards the scholarship), and you spend a semester at the other university at some point (typically spring of sophomore year). The program is designed for students to take full advantage of the resources of both universities.
I have to say again…Rice seems like a very good fit for you, and I would check it out. The laidback feel, the residential college system, the nice surrounding area, the medical center across the street, etc. all seem to fit your criteria perfectly. It is very generous with financial aid, and unlike the Ivies, it offers merit scholarships.
Miami U, Oxford Ohio - 1809
U of Miami, Coral Gables - 1925.
Miami University’s med school acceptance rate is around 65%, according to a quick search, compared to 45% nationally. They have merit scholarships up to full tuition although those are not guaranteed. May be worth a look.
FWIW, my middle son’s stats and preferences are very similar to yours and he’s very happily starting his senior year at U Rochester. He wasn’t sure he wanted to apply there at first - then after a visit considered them his top choice school. If you can, visit the school. Most students know if they like the school (or not) with a visit.
@Ali101 I’m going to echo @Creekland. My daughter also has similar stats to yours and would describe herself much as you described yourself, including the desire for an environment that would offer academic rigor but without cutthroat competitiveness. After one visit to U Rochester, she pretty much knew that was the school for her. She applied ED and started classes on Monday. They also have a BS/MD program that you might consider looking into.
I’d take off SUNY and add Michigan, Wisc or Urbana to the list if you want a state school–unless you can’t afford the OOS if your family’s income is too high for need based aid. Your credentials along with your list suggests you won’t be happy at a SUNY so it is not really a safety. Also, I know that the OOS schools are larger than what you originally stated but so is SUNY.
Wisconsin and Illinois do not offer need based aid for oos. Michigan was intending to but doesn’t offer fa for all. Very little merit aid to expect too. Run NPC s before you decide where you apply.
For premed , the way to go is either your flagship’s honors college , or a more cooperative LAC where you’ll get personal attention. You should avoid cut throat or expensive.
