Hello, everyone!
This is my first time ever posting on the forum, so please go easy on me! I was accepted into the class of 2024 by all of the above schools except Dartmouth — I was waitlisted there. I’m trying to decide between them and I‘m having an insanely difficult time.
I am a perspective pre-med student and am very committed to medical school. I applied to the College of Arts and Sciences for all of the above institutions, except Notre Dame — where I picked the College of Science — and Dartmouth, which seems to work differently.
My parents have saved for many years and don’t want me to worry about where I received scholarships or better financial aid. They want me to pick whichever school I like the best. I am so thankful to them!
A little background about me:
I think I want to major in biology, chemistry, computational science, neuroscience, or computer science. (Obviously, I have some decisions to make there as well)
I really want access to the professors. I’m the person that always stays after class to discuss the material and investigate other avenues.
I prefer smaller class sizes.
I don’t really want to participate in Greek Life, but I don’t mind its presence.
I tend to always prioritize my academics over my social life, but I’d like to have a little fun in college.
I want to participate in undergraduate research.
I will be doing lots of shadowing/clinical work, whether at college or over the summer.
Studying abroad would be nice for me.
I am Episcopalian.
Prestige/reputation is important to me, but not a deciding factor
All of these schools are great and would provide me with an amazing education. I like Notre Dame so much, but I’m worried that the class sizes might be larger than I’d prefer and that the professors won’t be accessible. Tufts is nice, but the labs appear to be showing their age. I know I will have to deal with massive lecture halls at UVA, but I like the academic freedom that comes with being an Echols Scholar. Plus, I have a ton of family in the area. UROC seems nice — it offers an open curriculum — but I worry that I might regret it, considering my other choices. CWRU appears to have great resources for research and shadowing — there are three hospitals practically right there! However, I’ve been told that it has Phys Ed requirements, which seems ridiculous to me. More importantly, it’s in Cleveland and I don’t like cities. Pepperdine is gorgeous, offers super small classes, and allows undergrads to play a major part in research. However, I don’t know how its academics compare to the other schools.
Lastly, I already know that I probably won’t have to worry about Dartmouth; the chances of getting in off of the waiting list are super low. That being said, I want to know where it ranks on my list before I’d possibly get “the call.” Honestly, it seems perfect for me, if I was admitted. My only hesitation is that I don’t know if the social environment would be a good fit for me. I wouldn’t want to go there and feel alienated by all of my classmates.
I’m sorry for the long post. Any insight you guys have would be greatly appreciated. I’ve combed through countless of these comparison forums, but haven’t found enough for all of these schools. Thanks in advance!