Hey everyone – in short, I turned down a full-tuition (but not full ride) scholarship from WashU to go to my state school, IU on a full ride for pre-med. Part of this is that IU is offering me 4 years of research with the head of their Department of Brain and Psychological Sciences, plus 6 weeks of full-time research this summer. There’s also a clinic there where I can work as a Spanish medical interpreter and a program where students can shadow in an ER at a nearby hospital. Lastly, when I went on campus, I just had a really good gut feeling while I was there (felt very supported by staff, I already knew some people, etc).
Still, I’m afraid I made a huge mistake turning down such a well-known academic institution like WashU for IU. I want to be around other serious students, and I’m really afraid I won’t find that at IU. I don’t know, I’m just worried my education will suffer (even though I talked to a current student who I really respect intellect-wise, who said that the classes there challenged her). I also just changed all my summer plans to do this six weeks of research, so there’s really no going back. Lastly, part of me feels I’m letting people down a little – everyone knows I’m pretty smart/accomplished, and IU is generally seen as a backup school or one that mediocre kids or those more into partying than studying go.
Is this just buyer’s remorse? Is the drop in prestige really so important? Does anyone have any experience being a top high school student at a State School (or are parents of such a student)?
I know I can’t go back on my decision, but any words of wisdom/reassurance would be really appreciated right now.
You will find other serious students at IU and the money you save will mean a lot when it is time for med school. IU will offer you tremendous opportunities like the research you will be doing. Don’t have any regrets. You will be challenged at IU just like you would anywhere else. Great students do well at state flagships and go on to do great things. Congratulations and I know you will go far in all that you do!
Looks like IU is providing valuable opportunities for you to learn & succeed. Take advantage of all that you can and don’t look back. Excellent decision!
IU seems like it was the wiser decision to me. Yep, just a case of buyer’s remorse.
Being supported and having all those opportunities are very very important…Pre med it matters more about your GPA and MCAT and research and volunteering…sounds like the latter are set up for you and that is very importnat.
Sounds like, for you and for your goals, IU is the best choice.
WashU may be the best choice for some, but you wouldn’t have the opportunities IU offered you, and you’ll likely be in part of a very smart cohort of like-minded peers. That’s worth celebrating!
Are you in the honors college and honors housing?
@YoungScholar45
I was valedictorian of my HS class, NMF, etc. back in the day.
I went to my not-so-distinguished-party-school-reputation state flagship (Rutgers) because it was free. I did not have anything close to the opportunities you are getting at IU. I did participate in the honors program, where I had the privilege of close mentoring from outstanding faculty and getting to know other brainy kids who were hungry to learn. It was transformative. I got into Ivies and near Ivies for grad school, fully funded. I have no regrets.
As you are serious about med school, for your undergraduate degree you are probably looking at a savings of 70K over 4 years (perhaps more, R&B at Wash U is pricey). That is 70K that you won’t have to take in loans or your folks might be able to provide towards your med school costs. That’s a significant amount of money.
I hear the IU campus is very attractive and that Bloomington is a nice town. You will find your tribe, don’t worry! And congratulations, you must be a superb student to have earned those opportunities.
There was a poster on this forum some years ago whose daughter turned down Yale to go to a mid-tier LAC where she got a free ride. Guess where she ended up for med school?
Kick that buyer’s remorse to the curb!
@YoungScholar45
I was valedictorian of my HS class, NMF, etc. back in the 80s.
I went to my not-so-distinguished-party-school-reputation state flagship (Rutgers) because it was free. I did not have anything close to the opportunities you are getting at IU. I did participate in the honors program, where I had the privilege of close mentoring from outstanding faculty and getting to know other brainy kids who were hungry to learn. It was transformative. I got into Ivies and near Ivies for grad school, fully funded. I have no regrets.
More recently, several of my daughter’s very accomplished friends have ended up at state universities that are not nearly as distinguished as IU and they have found their people and have been challenged academically. They turned down top ranked LACs and mid-sized private research universities for reasons of affordability.
As you are serious about med school, for your undergraduate degree you are probably looking at a savings of 70K over 4 years (perhaps more, R&B at Wash U is pricey). That is 70K that you won’t have to take in loans or your folks might be able to provide towards your med school costs. That’s a significant amount of money.
I hear the IU campus is very attractive and that Bloomington is a nice town. You will find your tribe, don’t worry! And congratulations, you must be a superb student to have earned those opportunities.
There was a poster on this forum some years ago whose daughter turned down Yale to go to a mid-tier LAC where she got a free ride. Guess where she ended up for med school?
Kick that buyer’s remorse to the curb!
I’m a mom and I think you made the best choice. The opportunities you will have at IU sound incredible. I’m sure your parents are proud of you for making such a mature and rational decision.
Congratulations on your wonderful opportunity and don’t look back for a second!