<p>I am a Johnson Scholarship recipient, but I have also been given an offer of admission to the UT-PACT program, a 7 year program between UT Dallas and UT Southwestern. I have been deliberating the pros and cons of each option, and I feel as if I would make a more informed choice with more information. By the way, in no way am I complaining. Actually, the only reason why this is so difficult was because I did not imagine getting even one of these opportunities, let alone both! I was wondering if anyone could offer any insight. I know W&L has a great pre-med program, the pre-med advisor even helped format the new MCAT! However, I feel like there's much at risk to go to an extremely labor intensive LAC as W&L. I would have to work, undoubtedly, very hard my four years for the possibility of a competitive GPA. Also, I would have to prepare for the MCAT. UT-PACT does not require an MCAT, only periodic competency evaluations (practice MCATs). On the other hand, UT Dallas is not that great socially and overall not very prestigious, relative to W&L. Also, I would have to pay about $18k in total for my education at UTD. I don't see myself fitting in too well in the social scene at W&L though, either, as I am an Indian male who is not too keen to Greek life. However, when I visited I LOVED the campus and the heavy emphasis on education. The professors were amazing and I just loved being there. I know it would be difficult to adapt to the change in demographic (I go to a predominantly asian/black/hispanic high school), and this could potentially influence my performance in school as well. There are other factors involved, but that's a general idea of the situation. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!</p>
<p>alsomasun, as a fellow Johnson recipient, I am in a similar predicament. I am deciding between the Johnson scholarship and admission to Harvard. </p>
<p>Like you, I am a student of color; however, my high school is 95% white, so there would not be any change in demographics for me at W&L. </p>
<p>I just want to wish you luck as you make this difficult decision. Personally, I am afraid of making the wrong choice. Right now it is really hard to judge which option will be better for me in the long run. </p>
<p>Congratulations!! I wish you well.</p>
<p>LeiaOrgana, I am in the exact same situation as you! I am deciding between the Robert E. Lee at W&L (a full ride, like the Johnson) and Harvard. </p>
<p>Until last Thursday, I was 100% planning on accepting the W&L scholarship. I fell in love with the campus and atmosphere during the Johnson finalist weekend and I know W&L would be a perfect fit for me. I never even imagined that I would be one of the few fortunate enough to be accepted at Harvard. I love both schools and can’t imagine turning down one and accepting the other. It hurts a little to know that I’ll have to give up one of these fantastic opportunities. I’m completely torn!</p>
<p>I’m also worried about making the wrong decision for me. It’s really hard to know what it would be like to actually attend a given university, and sometimes the cons of a choice aren’t apparent until it’s too late. </p>
<p>Will you be attending the accepted student day events at both schools? I’m thinking that that will be the best way for me to make the most informed decision possible. </p>
<p>Congratulations to both of you on the Johnson and your other options! As difficult as the decisions we have in front of us are, it is wonderful to have such amazing choices. Honestly, I don’t know that any of us can make a wrong decision.</p>
<p>Thanks for the support, guys, and as I’m sure you all made your decision, I congratulate you on whatever you decided upon and wish you all the best of luck!</p>
<p>Alsomasun, that’s a great boat to be in! Out of curiosity, where did you end up choosing to attend?</p>
<p>I ended up choosing the BA/MD program, because I felt as if it was the safer option for me, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity! W&L will always and forever be remembered fondly, however, and is without a doubt one of my favorite universities. If only I could attend both, haha</p>