Is it really worth it?

<p>Hey guys!</p>

<p>Ok, I'm a junior right now and have began seriously considering my options for college. My ultimate goal would be to attend med school (even though I know its still kinda early to be deciding that kind of stuff). However, i've heard soooo many opinions on whether it is better to attend a state school on a full ride (or in some cases them paying you) or attend a GREAT school like RICE but end up accumulating major debts before med school even starts. Look, Rice looks absolutely fantastic and I understand I wont get unbiased opinions on this forum, but is it really worth it to go to Rice and acrue major debts?</p>

<p>THANKS
RObbie</p>

<p>Do you understand the FAFSA and everything else related to finaid? You really should not be in heavy debt. There is need based and merit based help out there, and Rice is especially generous in that regard.</p>

<p>I attended a public university for a year, paying almost nothing. Now I pay 30,000 a year in tuition alone to attend Rice. I don't look back on my decision at all. Rice is THE place to be for a premed. If you live in the south, it should be your first choice school. Being at Rice gives one access to all this clinical work, excellent research, MD Anderson, any kind of volunteerism you can think of..plus just being AT Rice gives you tremendous leverage when you apply to a school like Baylor.</p>

<p>Also, if you're a premed, you shouldn't worry about UG debts anyway. Think about med school debts. They're so much more serious.</p>

<p>Thanks for the feedback! Also, if you name RICE as your "first pick school" in the NM competition if you are lucky enough to be named a finalist, does that hold any leverage in the application process?</p>

<p>It doesn't help you get in, but at least you'll get some money if you do.</p>