<p>Hello. I am interested into the medical field, so I intend to major into a biological science major (unsure at this point) or nursing. I need some suggestions on colleges (public and private) on where I should attend. I prefer California, since that is where I live. If out of state, I prefer private. [Why pay out of state tuition? :( ] My family can not afford private but I believe I can obtain scholarships due to family issues. Here are some basic stats that may affect my acceptance in any colleges:
- I am a first generation in USA and first to go to college
- I am ESL
- was in 4 different volunteer clubs including Key club
- had an internship in a political office during summer
- GPA: 3.55 Weighted
- ACT 23 (Which is about 1600/2400 in SAT)
- Took AP Psych (4) and Environmental Science (3)
- Go to a high school that is in the top 5 of CA
- low income</p>
<p>I have already thought about UCSC and UCR but I need some backup. Are they good for preparing students for med school? I am unsure about other UCs since I don't believe I have a chance :(</p>
<p>What’s your highschool? Mine is in the top too.</p>
<p>I know 2 doctors who started out their education at a community college. So, yes, you CAN get preparation for medical schools without going to a top UC. Definitely consider the Cal State schools as well as privates such as Santa Clara, Chapman or Occidental.</p>
<p>My family can not afford private but I believe I can obtain scholarships due to family issues.</p>
<p>your ACT isn’t high enough for the privates that give such grants or scholarships. Most schools don’t have much aid to give.</p>
<p>if your goal is to be a nurse or similar, then a community college may be your best bet.</p>
<p>It would be very hard (impossible?) for a student with a 3.5 weighted GPA and an ACT 23 to have a high enough GPA and to score high enough on the MCAT for med school.</p>
<p>However, since you’re also considering nursing or something else in the medical field, starting at a community college is a very good idea.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids
There are in fact a few private colleges that do give out some amount of money for students like me.
I am also very offended that you believe that it is “impossible” or “very hard” for me to get a decent score on the MCAT because of my GPA/ACT score. I may not have done the best in high school but I had my reasons why (personal reason). I am glad that you given me your honest opinion but I am also disappointed. Going to community college for nursing? Yes it is a good start, but I am getting a sense of vibe that you believe that I am not fit enough to get into any other schools for nursing, such as a CSU.</p>
<p>@katliamom
It is great to hear that people who start out at a community college can be prepared for medical school. I’m not really looking for a “top UC,” I’m looking for a school that can somewhat prepare me for the MCAT. Thank you for the college suggestions and I will check them out. </p>
<p>@ConfusedCMHS
Haha, I’m sure we don’t go to the same high school. Diff. initials :P</p>