<p>I intend to be a pre-med and I am fairly certain that I will end up going to medical school. I have been told that if this were not the case, I should go to Penn because of the overall better opportunities it will offer me and because the ivy name will help in the future with whatever I do. However, because I will be applying to medical school, and no one really understand how medical school admissions works (i.e. I could probably do well at Rutgers and go to a top med school just the same as with Penn), I am leaning towards Rutgers where I will get my undergraduate education free of charge (tuition + room and board) and be able to finish medical school virtually debt free.</p>
<p>If anyone can offer any insight, especially if you have ever been faced with a similar decision, please advise.</p>
<p>I don’t have a similar experience, although as a parent, and knowing the strength of the Rugters program with its proximity to local hospitals and the UMDNJ presence, and your great financial package, I don’t think Penn offers enough incremental benefit to justify the huge debt you will accumulate over 4 years. Remember, its not just the name of the school, but what you make of it. You are obviously a very high achiever, and I am sure you will continue to be at the top of your class. Rutgers offers a strong program, and plenty of resources for you to achieve your med school dreams. And at a budget you can affort. Tough economy, so you are thinking smartly in considering strongly the financial implications of you decision.</p>