<p>I would really appreciate any advice in helping to make my final college decision. I am going to be a Biology major with a focus on pre-medical studies. I hope to attend medical school in the future, so obviously I am looking for a strong science program that can prepare me for my future endeavor. Other factors I am looking for include: internships/volunteer opportunities (I'm big on community service), as well as Greek life (yes I realize Loyola does not have this.), and study abroad.</p>
<p>UConn: I received the top out-of state scholarship for this school around $13,000. It is the cheapest one by far, it also has sports, and greek life. I'm not 100% sure about the success of its science program but it does have it's own medical school so that is a plus. Not sure of the medical school's quality though? It also offers study abroad. My main concerns are the size of the school and the fact that I didn't get the best feel when I visited.</p>
<p>Loyola: Immediate comfort as soon as I walked on campus. It may be the fact that I attended their accepted students day and the environment is altered so students decide to commit, but regardless, all the students were so friendly and I seemed to fit right in. I was impressed by their science program, top study abroad school and their housing (beautiful) but they lack any sort of sports teams as well as Greek Life. There is also not much to do on campus and I'm not sure how I would like that. I did get a big scholarship from them but it would still be slightly expensive.</p>
<p>Wake Forest: Clearly the top academic school that I've listed. I am well aware of all the opportunities that it has to offer in the way of internships, study abroad and a medical assurance program. It also has a great pre-med program and well-qualified professors. However, it is almost 10 hours away from where I live (NJ) and I'm not sure if I can be that far away from my family. (does anyone have any experience with this?) It also is the most expensive, I got a $10,000 scholarship but the tuition would still be well into the $40K and I don't come from a wealthy family. Also, everyone there is very well-dressed and exceptionally smart. I know that if I put in the effort I can do well, but I am not sure if I can be in the top of my class. Does graduating from a more prestigious school with an average GPA look better than graduating in the top of your class from a less difficult school??
^^ Also has a beautiful campus, which is another quality I'm looking for.</p>
<p>I know this is a lot to read but any sort of advice would be highly appreciated. I just don't want to miss out on a college experience but at the same time want to know that I will be comfortable and happy with my surroundings. At this point, I just need some extra reassurance to make my final decision.</p>
<p>The standard advice is that you should spend as little on your undergraduate education as possible so that you can save your money for Med School. Run your numbers through this calculator, and then talk about the results with your family: [FinAid</a> | Calculators | Award Letter Comparison Tool](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Award Letter Requirements - Finaid)</p>
<p>Remember, your goal is to practice medicine. Your overall GPA, your GPA in the pre-med sequence, and your MCAT score will be much more important for Med School admissions than the name of the university on your diploma. Med school is ridiculously expensive, and it is likely that you will pay for it almost entirely with loans. You want to finish your undergraduate education with as few loans as possible so that you only have to pay off the med school ones.</p>
<p>My D has many acceptances including Wake Forest, Loyola, W&M, and University of Del. Finances played a part, but in the end she went with UDel. It took 3 visits, but in the end it all came together…great scholarship, perfect size, great business department, great vibe, pretty campus, and just the right distance from home. </p>
<p>I would encourage you to not worry about the nuances of the reputations of the schools 5 years from now. Every school you mentioned is a fine school. Pick the one that feels right for you at this stage of your life. Oh, no need to go deep in debt…plenty of time for that in grad school. </p>
<p>One more thing…don’t worry about having enough to do. I can tell you are a serious student, so that will be your focus. You will see, a few good friends to hang out with, a club/activity or two, some community service, time at the gym, and you will be plenty busy even at the tiniest school. </p>
<p>BTW, my choice for my daughter was W&M, her mother’s choice was Loyola (Maryland), but alas she chose UDel. We are all perfectly at piece with her choice and it is a great feeling. Good luck and trust your instincts. I can tell you are a smart girl.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the responses! I really appreciate all your input and you both my valid points about the importance of the value of graduate rather than the undergraduate education as well as trusting your gut instinct.</p>
<p>Does anyone else want to comment before I decide?!!</p>
<p>My sister went to UConn for their Allied Health program, which is pretty much identical to the premed track (she wanted to become a registered dietician). She got a very solid education, though there are much larger classes, heavier reliance on TAs, and so on than you’d probably find at a school like Wake Forest. There’s also a more varied student body; she had a rocky first semester in a “party” dorm with a roommate who flunked out almost immediately, but thereafter she found a more studious group of friends. Remember that there are plenty of other serious students there for the same reasons you are, to get a good education and to save money for the next step.</p>
<p>At a big state school you generally have to be more of a self-starter, and you may have actively to seek out academic advising, extra tutoring sessions, etc., instead of just having these things spread out in front of you the way they are at a smaller private school. But all these things are there–you just need to look for them.</p>