killer decision... GWU vs U Miami

<p>I never even expected to get into these programs, so I wasnt prepared to make this decision. Here are the pros and cons for each program:</p>

<p>GWU (+): NO MCAT, 3.3 GPA requirement, 7 year program, lots of internship and clinical opportunities, hospital is brand new and very accessible, DC is a nice location, dorms like palaces</p>

<p>GWU (-): It is ridiculously expensive, with the aid it will be like $42,000/yr (for both undegrad and medical school) and I dont think the social scene is as good as Miami's, campus is less attractive</p>

<p>Miami (+): 7 year program, campus is beautiful, girls are hot, climate is amazing, UM football games, better parties I would imagine, beaches, Med school is ranked higher than GW's in US News and World Report, I got 3/4 tuition scholarship for the undergrad years</p>

<p>Miami (-): I have to get a 28 on the MCAT and a 3.7 GPA (which is not easy in college), more distractions, people are very superficial, dorms not as good, hospital is in a bad neighborhood which is like 20 min away</p>

<p>what would you do if you were in my shoes?</p>

<p>If I were you I would pick GWU because even though the social scene may not be exactly what you want it would probably be a lot less pressure on you that's the last thing that you need.</p>

<p>go to Miami! especially if you're getting 3/4 there compared to 42,000 a year at GW. plus how can you pass up the weather? :)</p>

<p>how hard is it to get a 28 on the MCAT? does it require a lot of study? Im not a whiz test taker ( my 32 was the minimum ACT to apply!). I dont know how the classes are graded at UM either. Is 3.7 hard at a school like UM?</p>

<p>I would recommend UM over GWU, especially if finances are a big problem. Have you visited either?</p>

<p>I've visited both, and i liked both. GW is more urban and less attractive, but I liked the dorms more. UM was like a paradise with all the gorgeous people and greenery, but I could tell they seemed a lot more superficial and arrogant compared to the GW people. I think UM would be a lot more fun, but I feel like I might not be able to control myself. Its starting to get warm in Chicago, and I find that I am a LOT more distracted (its hard to pay attention in class when the girls start wearing less and less clothes!)</p>

<p>3.7 at UM isnt too hard, i heard the classes at UM are fairly easy.</p>

<p>I've heard the same thing. It could be a huge distraction though. I mean beautiful girls (I assume you're a guy from your above post), beautiful campus and surrounding area, great year-round weather, I mean what's not to like! Which is the problem.</p>

<p>28 MCAT is a pretty average score from what I hear.. you should be able to get that without a problem</p>

<p>rehan, if you don't feel that you test well you would be better off with GW esp given the 3.3 GPA requirement.</p>

<p>My understanding is that the MCAT is not onerous but it is not a cake-walk either.</p>

<p>If you don't accept GW, it would mean that at least two of us who were offered slots will end up declining them.</p>

<p>rehan, I wouldn't factor in the MCAT requirement into my decision if I were you. I'm sure you would be able to meet that 28 MCAT with enough studying. I mean, the majority of people applying to UM med school through the regular route would have to at least have a 30+ MCAT to be competitive. You're actually getting a break compared to them.</p>

<p>If finances are important to you, then I would definitely say go Miami. However, the atmosphere is what's going to make or break your happiness. What do you mean when you say that people seem superficial and shallow? If you really don't feel comfortable with the people at Miami, that's something to take seriously. Whichever program you choose, you're going to have to live with those people for the next 7 years. </p>

<p>This is what I would do. Prioritize all the factors that you're considering, such as 1) ranking in US News 2) attitude of the people 3) social scene 4) dorms, etc, in whatever order is important to you. Then go down that list and mark where UM is superior to GWU and vice versa. When you're done, look at the number of checkmarks for each school, and how high up the list those checkmarks were placed. Hopefully that'll give you a more tangible way of evaluating the two schools.</p>