I am a current senior in high school and am starting to hear back from my schools. I have gotten into USC, but am also waiting to hear back from UVA, BU, and Virginia Tech. South Carolina has been my dream since middle school and I would be thrilled to go there. However, I am extremely passionate about medicine and fully intend to go pre med. I am worried that medical schools may look down on me for attending a “less selective” state school, even though it is what I really want. I have heard that undergraduate does not matter compared to MCAT, GPA, and volunteer/shadowing experience.
How is South Carolina overall for pre med and how will it impact my chances of being accepted into a medical school?
My daughter is pre-PA, so similar, and has a lot of friends there who are as well. I tend to agree with others that you’ve heard from–med school admissions are likely going to care more about your GPA/resume/MCATs than where you went for undergrad. Furthermore, a happier YOU is going to make for an overall more successful undergrad experience. My daughter is blissfully happy with her time at USC so far and that has reflected in her grades, despite her rigorous class schedule. She’s a work hard/play hard type and finds a good balance there. The only thing for her that was lacking is the actual undergrad degree–she didn’t want to do a straight up science so she’s in the Public Health school which has 90% of what she needs for PA schools, but she’s having to pick up extra sciences that are not required, so no matter where you end up, just make sure that you have the classes you’ll need for med schools. We are in VA and despite having great in-state options, none of them felt like a great fit for her and USC has been perfect.
Getting into medical school comes down to the individual. The institution you attend will not be significant when it comes to the application process. What will matter first and foremost is your MCAT and your GPA as well as volunteering and shadowing.
UVA, BU, and VA Tech are all great options if you genuinely like the school and think you’ll be a good fit there. However, don’t attend these universities because you think they’ll help you get into med school based off of name recognition.
While USC is “less selective,” you’ll still be surrounded by smart and studious students. The Honors College is top ranked and they have an incredible med school acceptance rates (~85%). If you didn’t apply (or get in), you can always transfer in. Also, if you really feel like you’re above the median at USC, you shouldn’t have an issue getting A’s in your classes!
Overall, go to the place you feel like you’ll excel. Keep in mind though that at schools that bring in higher scoring students (like UVA or BU), you’ll be competing with them for grades. Therefore, you may have a significantly lower GPA and much higher debt coming out of BU than you would at USC.
Hi. My daughter is also a senior and seriously considering UofSC. She has been accepted into the honors college and is intending to major in Public Health (which is something she is very interested in). At this time she also intends to go on to Med school. When we toured we met with one of the deans for the School of Public Health and were very impressed. Can you tell us more about your daughters experience with that school and major? Has she had the shadow and research opportunities they talk about? The opportunities for trips and study abroad? Overall satisfaction with the level of preparedness for PA exams/school? Thank you!
My Ds roommate was public health major and had offers from multiple med schools. D was in honors college and all her friends with med school plans had similar results.
Also USC is generous with AP credits if you have them which can help you if you want to major in things other than science (any major can get into med school as long as have required classes). Of course they don’t recommend using science credits in lieu of classes for required pre-med but can clear out other requirements. Check with other colleges for their policies.
My daughter is in Public Health (BS) and Pre-PA. It’s been a good experience so far and she feels she’ll be in good standing at this point when it comes time to apply to PA schools, but just keep in mind that a lot of Med schools have pre-reqs that may or may not be in the Public Health degree–mine had to research on her own and see what extra science classes she needed to pick up. Also, Med schools will not accept AP credits for things like Bio, so while you may get credit for those if you have them, you’ll need to re-take them prior to going to Med school. You do really need to advocate for yourself because the advisors haven’t been super knowledgeable, unfortunately, as far as what my daughter needs/doesn’t need for PA school, and I assume they’re the same with med school. Other than that, I tend to agree that undergrad doesn’t matter as much as your college grades, MCAT scores and work experience.
@g8rmomk8ans is your daughter in the Honors program at univ of sc?
@twinmommy No, she’s in Capstone.
@g8rmomk8ans @twinmommy @Gamecock2001 @scmom12 @mychicas thank you all for the help! I am still considering all my options and waiting to hear back from the last few schools before I decide but USC has my heart!!
Hello, this is late and you already made your decision but my dermatologist attended The University of SC as an undergrad and then went on to Harvard Medical school to get his medical degree. Nothing is impossible!