<p>I can't speak with any direct knowledge about your pre-med questions, but I was a pre-med waaaaay back when, and I know quite a few physicians in my professional life. I'll take a stab at some general advice:</p>
<p>While I wouldn't necessarily agree that "for undergrad, no matter where a person goes, it will be the same quality-wise" (there are differences and you would want to choose a school with a strong curriculum and decent reputation), your college transcript, MCAT scores and character will count more than the school name on your diploma. </p>
<p>Most medical schools like diversity (racial, ethnic and geographic), so going to the same UG school as the med school doesn't really give an advantage in traditional (4 + 4) medical school admissions. </p>
<p>There are many schools (OSU, MI and many others) that have premed-med combo programs (3+3, 2+4, etc.). Some accept freshman into the entire program (NEOUCOM in Ohio is one) at the beginning while some accept you into the program as a freshman, but require you to "apply" to the medical portion during your second year once you have proven yourself a bit (OSU is like that). If you are sold on medicine as a career and are comfortable with choosing the whole enchilada early (and if you qualify academically, of course), these programs can save you time and money.</p>
<p>You are going to build up quite a bit of debt during your medical education (but that can often be forgiven as part of the recruitment packages as you transition into practice) so I am a big believer in keeping the UG debt to a minimum if possible just to keep the stress level down.</p>
<p>In my opinion, there are opportunities in research universities and schools with medical schools and major medical centers on campus that might not be available at schools lacking these resources. It might enrich the UG experience and strengthen the med school resume (but again, it probably doesn't help much in getting in to that same medical school - see above). But the list of UG schools like this is still pretty big.</p>
<p>I am a bit curious as to why you would want to come to OSU from the west coast for undergrad. OSU isn't really a great deal for OOS students (although there is merit aid available, check other threads here). Like many states, Ohio provides substantial subsidy for in-state students and puts the whack on OOS. But other states are even worse than Ohio (the in-state/OOS differencial at Michigan is huge).</p>
<p>If you are serious about Michigan being your dream for grad/med school, you might want to consider looking at Michigan schools for UG (maybe not UM because it is so pricey for OOS) and establishing MI residency. I don't know exactly how that works, but it's a thought. Then again, OSU has a great medical school and a strong research presence. You could do the same thing in Ohio. ;)</p>
<p>Ohio is a lovely state and all, but it is sure a long hike from Oregon. And there are an awful lot of reasonably priced schools in between.</p>
<p>Just my 2 cents. You seem like a smart, motivated kid, I'm sure you will succeed wherever you go.
Good luck in whatever you choose.</p>
<p>PP</p>