<p>Does anyone know the placement rates into medical school for Hillsdale pre-med graduates? How about their performance rates on the MCAT? Do Hillsdale grads get into top programs such as U-M? Seems like half the people I talk to say undergrad prestige doesn't matter for top med schools, and the other half say it does.</p>
<p>Talk to the director of pre med program.</p>
<p>Yes, we’ll do that. I thought that perhaps there might be a Hillsdale student/former student posting here who could talk about his/her actual experiences applying to medical schools with a Hillsdale BS.</p>
<p>I know there are several people who are medical doctors and Hillsdale grads. But I would strongly recommend you talk to the pre-professional counselors at H.C. They can give you exact numbers, schools attended, etc. It is my experience that the undergraduate educational institution is not that important, though not without some importance, of course.</p>
<p>My friend’s daughter recently applied to Pitt’s Medical School. Unbelievably, her essay was on what “diversity” she could bring to Pitt’s program. She was tempted to write that she went to one of the only colleges in the United States that refused federal and state monies. She applied and was accepted elsewhere and is now in her 2nd year, doing very well.</p>
<p>I have a son in the premed program right now. As a parent I see a lot of kids choose a field like premed, prelaw etc. these kids are so concerned with which school will get them in to Grad school with the least fuss, they often forget to look at all the other great things a particular school has to offer. My point is pick a school for everything it offers, because in the case of premed you will only spend a small part of your day in the science building and if you have the aptitude to get into Med School it really won’t matter which school you spend the first four year at. I might add he loves Hillsdale.</p>
<p>Thank you for your thoughtful response. It is reassuring. Another question: I know Hillsdale has a reputation for grade deflation. How difficult is it for a good student to maintain a top GPA? Again, this is a potential med school concern. Not looking for easy A’s here, but I have read/heard some things that suggest a certain glee in taking kids down a notch and giving them low grades in order to “prove” that Hillsdale is academically rigorous. If a student works hard and meets high expectations, is a high GPA (3.7-4.0) reasonable to anticipate?</p>
<p>it is extemely difficult to get a 3.7-4.0, and i wouldnt be surprised if no one at hillsdale has a 4.0</p>
<p>3.7 to 4.0, or an “A” average, can be done at Hillsdale, but it’s very difficult and uncommon. However, lower grades are not given to take kids down a notch and I’m sure lower grades are rarely assigned with glee. Furthermore, just because a school does not “inflate” grades does not mean it “deflates” them. Your work is simply judged objectively.</p>
<p>In English, for example, professors will judge your writing against the highest standards. There are no points for just showing up and you aren’t a beginner at age 18; now, your writing must be excellent to receive an “A.” In the hard sciences, you will be expected to memorize concepts and understand them. This will not be buffered with curved grades, extra credit or “participation points”. Don’t call it “deflation.” Consider it “no frills.”</p>
<p>I’ve mentioned in another thread that I believe the word is out about grades at Hillsdale versus grades just about everywhere else. If you “only” pull a 3.5, your letters of rec and research projects will still take you a whole lot farther than prospective med student #45 from Great State School.</p>
<p>i have heard of some professors that refuse to give A’s, although the only one i can think of wont give them to freshmen in his lit class because he believes freshmen arent good enough writers. i also know of a professor, who is no longer although the reason he left had nothing to do with his teaching, there that easily gave A’s to freshmen in his constitution class.</p>
<p>Yes, every professor is different. And, still, in the larger scheme of things (except for 4.0 strivers, who need to go have a beer and calm down) it’s far better to learn something valuable than to get an A. </p>
<p>Said English prof is probably on to something.</p>
<p>At last year’s graduation, I believe there was not one 4.0 grad, though 2 came close. The Val had a 3.95, I believe, but not a 4.0. </p>
<p>When you ace the MCAT or LSAT or GRE, your prospective grad school will figure it out.</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>To answer your question, Hillsdale does a excellent job of getting you into Med school if you do your part and Hillsdale Gpa reputation is well known in most of the country. This may be a little college but dont under estimate it reputation. Not to mention their graduates do very well on the MCATS.
As to professors getting certain glee in taking kids down a notch nothing could be further from the truth. My sons professors are some of the most understanding and helpful Teachers I have met, always there for consults. Im guessing you have not visited Hillsdale yet, or you would not have these concerns.</p>
<p>Dave is correct. The profs at Hillsdale do not delight in giving Cs, or especially Ds or Fs. A C at Hillsdale indicates “average for Hillsdale” work. Nothing to be ashamed of - though of course, everyone hopes for that B+, A - or whatever.</p>
<p>Remember, at most Ivy league schools, and frankly, at most schools around the country, the typical grade for the AVERAGE student is a B. At the Ivies, there is even the joke (ala George Bush and John Kerry) about the “Gentlemen’s C.” I think that means you occasionally showed up to class (when not too hung over) and maybe took the exams. At Hillsdale, there is no Gentlemen’s C. </p>
<p>This can be especially disconcerting for students who have never earned a C in any subject.</p>
<p>Definitely not looking for a “Gentleman’s C” or any other kind of grade inflation, just a fair chance to EARN the kind of GPA med schools require of their applicants. We have visited Hillsdale – twice – and have to say that the “Don’t expect to get A’s” narrative is a strong one, coming up over and over again. I’m sure you all can understand that this is a bit disconcerting for a hard-working, high-achieving student with powerful aspirations beyond the BS degree. </p>
<p>We certainly understand that Hillsdale has so much to offer beyond the GPA, which is why it’s at the top of my child’s list. Just trying to fill in the context of this often repeated narrative. You’ve all been very helpful. Thanks!</p>
<p>Well if a top GPA is the most important thing. Your son may find it easier at some other college in all honesty. On the other hand if the best education is the top priority Hillsdale is the place to go. (I may be biased) you will be to after your childs first year at Hillsdale. Sounds to me like your child has made a great fist choice.</p>
<p>Hillsdale College currently gets about 85% in first round (national average is 40%) for medical school and it is slightly higher for dental at this time. . </p>
<p>The real story is that because of its size and the fact that the faculty actually know the students…well, if a student is willing to work and reapply there has not been anyone who has not gotten into medical school who wanted to do so.</p>