<p>
[quote]
about half the bacc/md class ends up leaving for other medical schools. This year, there were 3 acceptances to Yale, 10 to UCLA, and a few to other top programs (UCSF, UCSD, JH).
[/quote]
This is impressive, but it serves to illustrate the point that the guaranteed admission itself isn't that valuable. It does this in two ways: first, because only about half the kids even use it. Second, because it shows you just how talented these kids are in the first place.</p>
<p>In other words, if you want to go to USC, then go to USC. Take the guarantee, while you're at it -- but only if you'd take USC without it.</p>
<p>bluedevilmike: You are absolutely right that you shouldn't give up a dream college since most people are probably good enough to get into med school by themselves anyways. but the guarantee is sweet nonetheless.</p>
<p>I liked both USC and BU. I think I liked USC slightly more (I think this might be more because USC put together their bacc/md interview,tour,etc. together better than BU than anything b/c I liked USC a little better mostly because of superficial reasons......and of course CA weather is great).....but I loved BU when I went there as well and would probably be happy there as well. (I was totally set on BU until I saw USC...then I was like ahhhh I'll just wait until decisions come out to see what I want to do).</p>
<p>but Yes $100,000 is significant. After what my parents chip in, I will be in $100,000 in loans from BU vs. $200,000 from USC...and then with interest and everything once I eventually pay it...yeah u get the point.</p>
<p>but if I am capable (at least I hope I am) of getting into a better med school than BUSM, is the $100,000 worth it?</p>
<p>Haha, I have been searching for that information ALL DAY. Thanks so much :)! It makes me that much more excited to be a Trojan next year.</p>
<p>My daughter got into UMKC and VCU. She is turning down Northwestern, Berkeley, USC (engr), Case, UCLA and other not so good schools to go to VCU - GMed. They are offering her a Presidential Schoalrship (in-state tuition, room, board, fees - we only have to pay about $10 a year). Is this a wise decision? Northwestern offered no $, Case gave her $28,000 a year, USC $18,000 a year and UCLA $1000 a year. We do not qualify for financial aid so Northwestern was out as it is too pricey. But was just wondering if VCU is a good choice as their undergrad school is not ranked very high. Any input will be appreciated.</p>
<p>meant "They are offering her a Presidential Scholarship (in-state tuition, room, board, fees - we only have to pay about $10,000 a year)."</p>
<p>Why you are turning down Case? With $28,000 scholarship, you will need to pay only about $3000 for tuition + room, board, fees, books - will be a little more than $10000. Case is very good for pre-med and Case PPSP is very hard to get into.</p>
<p>If the decision is already made, then it's the right decision.</p>
<p>The reason she turned down Case inspite of the scholarship, was because she did not get into the PPSP program. Older friends of hers, stellar students in high school, who have tried out for med school and have not been successful advised her to take the guaranteed program. She has time until tonight to decide on UMKC but is hesitant as she is not sure she wants to give up her summers after Year 1. She visited VCU and loved their Honors program and the Gmed program. But I have also heard that she would be better off going to Pre-Med rather than to VCU gmed or UMKC. Both her dad and I have no background in medicine hence my concern and I am not sure how difficult it really is to get into med school after your BA/BS as a Pre-med.</p>
<p>I turned down Case with the 28k scholarship and a spot in the PPSP because my other schools (non-med program) were offering me like 42k in financial aid</p>
<p>Hi Spring --</p>
<p>What's the decision, right now, as you're facing it? If the paperwork has already been sent in, then whatever decision she's made is now the right one. If there's still something remaining, we can definitely talk through whatever might be worrying you. If she's choosing between the two programs, I think VCU is clearly the better choice because UMKC's school is exclusively catered to their accelerated track -- and because it limits your flexibility.</p>
<p>Bluedevilmike, thanks for the offer of talking through what might be worrying me. Couple of schools have written to her telling her it is still not too late to come to their school if she has not filed an SIR with them. We have a bunch of kids (friend's kids) in med schools and have been hearing from most of their parents as to how VCU is not that great of a school. They tell us that she would be better off at a UC and apply later with good recs that carry more weight to a better med school. My d's take on it is that she wants the guarantee but will work hard anyway and apply out at the end of 3 or 4 yrs. If she gets into a better med school she will take it or else will stay there. If she plans on opting out anyway, is it a wise decision to go with a school that is not ranked as highly as some of the others she got into, is what is worrying me.</p>
<p>I have to confess that I'm not a big fan of the UC's. Which schools are still on the table?</p>
<hr>
<p>The rec's certainly aren't going to be any better out of a UC. The most important factor is how well the professors know a student and what quality a letter they can write.</p>
<p>I'll go ahead and put in a vote for Rice/Baylor being the best program in the country. I'm biased for sure, but I really think it is. Here's why:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Awesome undergrad experience. Sad it's over =(</p></li>
<li><p>Rice is reasonably priced compared to some of the other top schools with programs (Brown, NU, etc.) and the cheapest private med school in America.</p></li>
<li><p>Reasonable GPA requirements and no MCAT (see WashU for an example of the opposite).</p></li>
<li><p>8 years - gives you plenty of time to research, do extra curriculars, travel abroad, etc. Don't rush your college years! You'll have plenty of time to be a doctor!</p></li>
<li><p>Can apply out without losing your spot at BCM.</p></li>
<li><p>Houston is pretty fun. Seriously - I'm from NY originally, and I have grown to like TX. </p></li>
<li><p>The Texas Medical Center is AMAZING.</p></li>
<li><p>Rice is pretty prestigious (in TX at least...) and Baylor is pretty sweet as well.</p></li>
<li><p>People here are way more chilled out than at some other places, IMO.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Yup. Rice/Baylor is awesome.</p>
<p>Regarding USC, 85% of the people leave after undergrad. Everyone applies elsewhere. It was very disheartening because I want to go through the program with others like myself.</p>
<p>what are the chances of an international student reaching one of these programs? Thank you!</p>