<p>Hey everyone. I plan on pursuing medicine and have ruled my options down to these three schools for undergrad. My biggest dilemma is whether Vanderbilt is worth the 45k I would have to pay after FA for pre med over UNC for 30k or KU Honors for free. I know I will need to pay a lot for med school but Vanderbilt is one of my dream schools. I'm kind of torn right now so any advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>As a parent of 2 students that faced a very similar situation, I would advise you to take the free ride. Reason being is that you will graduate debt free, and if you pull off really good grades, then it will make your undergrad degree more on a par with Vandy or UNC. I am speaking from experience, and my daughter graduates this May, and has had some very enticing job offers, but is electing to bypass these offers in order to pursue a grad degree in a very prestigious law/economics program. </p>
<p>In short, take the free ride, do well, graduate debt free, and you will be pleasantly surprised by how well received you will be post graduation.</p>
<p>Something to consider is that Vandy has an early decision program for its undergrad students. You apply at the end of sophomore year, and if you get in - you’re set for Vandy med school which is a big plus (don’t have to worry about MCAT). Con is that it’s very competitive and there’s no guarantee that you’ll get it. </p>
<p>I would say that it depends on your financial circumstances/what your parents can afford/what other costs (younger siblings going into college later/med school) that you need to account for. You should weigh those factors (feasibility vs. want) to see if it’s worth it for you.</p>
<p>I know someone who got into MIT - his dream school (no aid) and elected to go for a full ride + some extra spending money to my state university. On the other hand, there are plenty of people here who pay the full tuition + board because their parents wanted them to get a “Vanderbilt degree” even though they would have been perfectly content to go to a state university and save money for the family. As a result, they work & study harder so that they won’t let that money go to waste.</p>
<p>If you’re definitely pursuing medicine, go to KU and save your money for med school. Otherwise, UNC for 30K seems like a great option. It’s not Vanderbilt, but it’s still a top school! Call the financial aid office and negotiate a bit. Maybe they can come up with some more money.</p>
<p>If your parents can afford to help you for the long haul and don’t care that Vandy costs 45K for them…then go to Vandy but only if you are factoring in the burdens of med school. great students threw their hat in just in case merit money come back at 'em and no doubt you were one among hundreds of deserving students without merit dollars at Vanderbilt. At least you made the attempt!<br>
Personally would advise you unless the money is not an issue to go to KU and to dazzle them there. Or if you can afford more for undergrad, take yourself to Chapel Hill. Are you in their Honors Program that many OOS kids get into? If so…that is a very good program re class sizes etc.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies! I was offered some merit money at vandy so total cost is about 35k now. I decided to go with my state school however. It has a reputed honors program and I get amazing advising. Cheers!</p>
<p>I am sure you will dazzle them at KU and bring honor to your teachers there and do very well re your med school goals. Stay focused, treat college like a difficult 9-5 job re academics and congrats on your full rude at your flagship college!
I know a guy who chose our flagship college at an Ivy med school now…why not you :)? Bet some fine med schools will want some guy at the top of his game from the heartlands…Kansas!</p>
<p>For sure Faline! Thanks for the support!</p>
<p>Good decision! Wish you the best for the next 4 years and then into Med School!</p>
<p>Thanks BBfromNC!</p>
<p>Another question before I leave: Does vandy give financial aid based on the CSS Profile or FAFSA? The reason I am asking is because I received almost no financial aid (made this thread before I got my package) and had I not received the Dean’s 3/4 tuition scholarship, I would have to pay full sticker. This is very weird as my dad’s calculations had us with an EFC of around 45-47k and Vandy claims to match 100% of demonstrated need.</p>
<p>How did you get a full ride at KU in the honors program?</p>