<p>I'm a high school senior and have applied to 9 schools, 7 of which were reasonable and was accepted to (without committing). I'm a strong rower and have been a competitive athlete all my life, along with a competitive yet laid back student. I've grown up in the Seattle area and love it.</p>
<p>A few weeks ago, I just could not take hearing everyone talk about where they're going and got a little excited with rowing and verbally committed to UW. The thought process was that if I row, I'll be a student athlete, close to home, and make some connections, along with saving some money. Pretty simple.</p>
<p>Today I received my acceptance into Marquette's Pre-Dental Scholars program. It was my dream to get into this and we even flew out to interview for it. I like Marquette and Milwaukee, but they are not Seattle and the rowing is nowhere near the same caliber (top in the nation) UW is at. However, rowing is not everything. </p>
<p>So here's my problem: I can stay in Seattle, spend an extra year studying, and push through the dental admissions process or I can go to Marquette, do the accelerated program, finish a dental school I enjoyed, and not worry about dental admissions. What's your recommendation for me?</p>
<p>By the way, I have shadowed dentists so I know that this is the route I want to go. I just need help with deciding the best way to approach it...</p>
<p>First a disclosure, I’m a Marquette alumnus (Eng. ’83). My advice is what is most important for you, rowing, dental school, financial considerations, being close to home, etc. Compare both school on your priorities list and make a decision. From the perspective of Marquette I can tell you their dental program is excellent, and you will have clinics in Milwaukee and suburbs which will give you invaluable experience. I have some good Dentist friends (alumnus) who are very successful. Rowing is just a club sport, but they do row against some division I schools. I believe one major advantage is that being in the Pre-Dental Scholars program, as long as you comply with the program, you do not have the stress of having to apply to graduate school. I have a S attending (junior in engineering) so if you have any general questions about the school LMK. I do believe you will be fine at either school, good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. The hardest part for me is making that final choice. I have a bunch of people telling me I’ll be fine either way, but I’ve also had many people, especially teachers, tell me to lean towards a more liberal arts school than public university. I’ve also had people tell me that even though it will be away from home, it will be a growing experience for me, which I’m fine with, since I’m pretty independent. It’s just hard for me to give up rowing, but I feel like I’ll be happy at Marquette, especially with knowing that I’m right on track to my career and a dental school that I would want to attend anyways.</p>
<p>newsdrms, does your S have a recommendation for freshman dorms?</p>
<p>If you give it a lot of thought for the next couple of days while truly considering all the factors involved you will find deep inside what decision is right for you. I will leave you with this, however: remember that your college experience comes once in a lifetime. If you are capable of getting into an accelerated program, you should be bright enough to get in the regular route as well, but the decision comes down to what you feel is important to you.</p>
<p>@philtherower - S says Abbottsford / Carpenter, if you do not mind walking Mashuda and Starz (as a freshman I think you have to be in honors program). Does not really recommend McCormick or O’donnell (all male) these are louder although most student view them as more social.</p>
<p>Thanks. I know my family really wants me near, and I wouldn’t mind being close, but I also don’t mind a little adventure. I’ve been told being a student athlete is a great experience, but I’m worried about the workload at practice and school. Also, the competition for grades at UW is a little intimidating. I know Marquette won’t be any easier, but I get to live with a little peace of mind knowing that I’ll be safe as long as I keep up my GPA. I always conform to my conditions pretty easily, so I’m not worried about moving away because of that. It’s all a really tough choice, but I have a gut feeling that even though I’d love rowing and being in Seattle, Marquette is a great opportunity that I’ll regret giving up.</p>