I was accepted at both institutions with an equal financial aid package. I’m interested in pre-med, I know Indiana is higher in the rankings but at the same time UofL is instate and a bit closer to home (I’m from Kentucky). Anyone have input on either of these colleges? Is Indiana significantly better as an institution and/or underrated?
Congratulations! Both are excellent choices. Go to the one that most appeals to you.
Pre-med is about how you do in college, and outside of it, and not where you go. Here’s what’s really important,
–Go to class! There is absolutely no substitute. Sounds easy, often doesn’t happen.
–Complete all assignments. Sounds easy, often doesn’t happen.
–Get a tutor WEEK 1 for all science classes, and maybe math too. Very important–This is a sign of academic strength, not weakness! These can be weed-out classes. A lot of premed students get tripped up right out of the gate. Even tip-top high school students bomb mid-terms in freshman bio, chem, and physics classes. A tutor can really help you prepare for the tests. One pre-med advisor told us that something like 80% of the very, very few students who had made an “A” in their organic chem class had had a tutor from the first week. Often students bomb the first test, THEN get a tutor. Med school is extremely competitive, get ahead of the curve.
–Med schools look for lots and lots of volunteer/service hours, many of them in medical areas. Talk to your advisor, but something like 1000 hours, maybe more, is helpful. So keep this in mind as well. Both schools will offer great opportunities to do this.
Good luck!
Congrats on the great choices. Two fine schools.
However, dont be afraid to venture out there in the world. It’s part of your education.
IMHO you can get into medical school just as well from any good university.
But for overall academic standing and overall collegiate experience it’s Indiana all day. Campus sports peers etc. IU would be a very compelling option if it were my decision. And you will meet new people and stretch a bit going just a bit further afield.
Good luck and enjoy.