Please help me make a decision!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>So I'm having an incredibly difficult time figuring out where I want to go. Money isn't a factor. I didn't apply to many places, and I regret that, but I was accepted everywhere I applied.</p>

<p>I'm set on becoming a physician and I live in Long Island.</p>

<p>Choices:</p>

<p>University of Virginia (Echols Scholar)
Bowdoin College (Faculty Scholar)
Amherst College
Cornell CALS (Meinig Scholar)
Stony Brook University (Honors College)
Hofstra University (Honors College + B.S./M.D.)</p>

<p>I already ruled out NYIT B.S./D.O.</p>

<p>Hofstra is the most practical, considering the 8-year combined program, the medical school's affiliation with North Shore LIJ, which would most likely give me an edge when applying for residencies there. I want to stay on Long Island, and Hofstra would be my easiest path towards becoming a doctor. However, it's like 15 mins from my home, and I don't want to stay home for college, but I don't want to dorm 15 mins away. Plus, Hofstra isn't very prestigious, and although this doesn't really bother me that much, it's something to consider when I have options like Amherst, Bowdoin, and Cornell.</p>

<p>SB Honors would be good, too. I have guaranteed research opportunities as a member of the Honors College, and it's far enough to dorm without much complaint.</p>

<p>The problem is that I'm more into small liberal arts colleges than big research schools.</p>

<p>That's why I'm leaning towards Amherst, Bowdoin, and Hofstra over Cornell and Stony Brook.</p>

<p>Between Bowdoin and Amherst, I have no idea which one to pick. Amherst seems awesome, but Bowdoin is just so beautiful and it's like a hidden gem. Maine is great due to the distance from New York, but Amherst's academics and overall reputation are making me strongly consider it.</p>

<p>I'm probably going to rule out UVA since I wasn't selected to be a College Science Scholar (never did research in high school, so I'm not surprised), but it's got such a unique campus culture and Charlottesville is wonderful. Being an Echols Scholar gives me some benefits which are worth considering.</p>

<p>In other words, I'm totally lost. I don't know what to do. You guys seem to be go-to guys for all this college stuff, so I would really appreciate your input.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>The Hofstra combined program is an excellent opportunity if you are certain you want to be a physician. However, Hofstra is far from a small liberal arts college. Still, knowing that you have essentially assured your future as a doctor would be amazing.</p>

3

<p>It sounds like a very tough decision. The good news, however, is that you honestly can’t go wrong - you’ve got some terrific options!</p>

<p>Frankly, Cornell is a very big research university. Also, it’s premed curriculum will certainly be challenging (but certainly conquerable!). However, it offers many amazing academic, research, and extracurricular activities, and the community here is honestly amazing and incredibly diverse. </p>

<p>I also agree with the poster above. The medical school application process is very difficult and grueling, and having an almost guarantee from Hostra is a very good option if you are 100% certain you want to be a doctor. Also, prestige doesn’t really matter if you plan to become a doctor. </p>

<p>I don’t know anything about the other schools, but I would encourage you to go with your heart / gut feeling. Good luck!</p>