VA Resident
Looking to major in Bio and then apply for medical school
Male
Asian
In one of VA's magnet high schools "governor schools"
Academics:
uw GPA: 3.87
ACT: 33
Class rank: school doesn’t rank
Already taken 4 aps, taking ~6 in senior year
Extracurriculars:
Self Taught Guitar + Play at library
NHS
Pres of Young Republicans
Elementary Student Tutor
Math Center Tutor
Hospital Volunteer
Fencing (very little competitive)
Somewhat competitive in chess (~2k ELO)
Don’t care about location as long as it is safe tbh; not super interested in Greek Life, but not repulsed by it either
That sounds like a good plan - how about JMU as well? You would likely make their honors program. The students I know who are in the honors program at JMU are very happy.
If you are going to medical school then your undergrad college is not he biggest deal in the world. What is going to matter is GPA, MCAT, and having relevant experience (EMT, research, whatever). If money is a concern, then staying in state is a good idea, and fortunately there are great schools in VA. Have you visited any campuses? Definitely look at VT/UVA/WM and see if any of them click with you.
If you are considering medical school then it will be important to choose a school where you could keep your GPA up and also do very well in the prerequisites.
@FiftyTwo52 Medical schools incorporate grade deflation/inflation into their admissions process. It’s essentially the only real thing they consider in terms of where your undergrad degree is from.
@merc81, note that OP mentioned being President of Young Republicans club in HS so the LAC’s noted may be a little too liberal; if that’s an issue I would think Davidson, Washington and Lee and Colgate would be better fits. That said Hamilton has great STEM programs and would be a perfect fit for OP’s academic profile, and after having just dropped off our twin DD’s at the Hill I could see that it’s becoming a dominate focus there.
@merc81@Chembiodad this will sound very weird, but I started the Young Republicans club as a liberal. Disregarding that, I know that I would rather go to a research university
If you are interested in medicine, as a VA resident, you absolutely should consider VCU in Richmond, which has a guaranteed admissions program for med achool and some other health careers through their Honor’s program. http://www.honors.vcu.edu/admissions/guaranteed-admission-programs/
Medical school is extremely expensive, and so graduating debt-free from college should also be a criterion (even if your family is relatively affluent). It is a mistake to “front-load” your debt burden. I recommend state schools or colleges where you are likely to receive a generous aid package. If your family can comfortably shoulder the expenses of undergraduate college and medical school, then you are extremely fortunate, and your options are almost unlimited.
Re #12, in terms of academics, if your interests pertain to research specifically, then your opportunities could be greatest within the rather large biology departments to be found at some of the liberal arts colleges. If, however, you’d prefer a larger school for social or financial – or other – reasons, then, in addition to your state schools, look into URochester, Emory and Wake Forest, @FiftyTwo52.
