<p>Hello all.</p>
<p>I have applied to several Ivy Leagues and may not be asking for aid aid in the hope that it helps me survive the rejection pile. My parents have been infinitely kind in saying that the money can be there if I need it and that it's important that I get into a top school early on.</p>
<p>This being said, is it really worth it? If I plan on getting into medical school, will it really make a difference?
If it won't, in what does graduating from an Ivy League at undergraduate level help you with if you have yet to enter medical school or any sort of professional school afterwards?</p>
<p>I'm stumped. And I have about an evening left to decide what I want to do.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I have read different opinions about it. After graduating #1 from her HS, my D. choose to be in combined bs/md at state with guaranteed spot at Med. School instead of applying to top schools. Besides other benefits, we are enjoying paying very little because of Merit $$. Our goal is to help her financially thru Med. School. If you have unlimited resources and absolutely sure about your ability to get high GPA at top school, why not Ivy League then? Best of luck!</p>
<p>Ivy League schools are need blind so your chances won't be affected whether you need FA or not.</p>
<p>The following advantages apply to all top schools (not just the 8 Ivy League schools):
1. Small classes (better education for students who like to learn in small groups, better chances to get to know the professor)
2. More research opportunities
3. Easier to grab competitive internships
4. Generally good advising
5. Good education
6. Solid academic environment, smart peers
7. More resources available for students
8. A small boost in med school admissions</p>
<p>I think there are several things that need to be noted about NCG's list.</p>
<p>1) Some people prefer larger classes.
2) If you're going to a large State U, it's probably a Research I institution and there are plenty of opportunities for research there. Going to smaller schools that aren't Ivies, you may run into a lack of research.
3) I'd argue that the difference in resources available for students, having discussed with BDM in the past, is that at a more prestigious school, they tended to be hand fed to students, while at a bigger school, the student generally may have to go find out about these resources on their own. The resources are there, just not right in your face.</p>
<p>One major disadvantage to going to a top school is that it's more difficult to stand out. You're at a place where everyone was highly successful in HS with all the grades, honors, and ECs. That makes competition for spots in organizations and leadership opportunities, even grades, more difficult. There are benefits of being the big fish in the smaller pond (smaller in terms of being less competitive once you're on campus).</p>
<p>Whether or not all these things add up to be worth the money is another question. That's a significant amount, and you're parents are very generous to offer that to you.</p>