Premed choosing between Tufts and Penn State

College Search & Selection
1

<p>My daughter is interested in pursuing medicine and has narrowed it down to spending her undergrad at either Tufts University or Penn State (University Park).
Tufts does have stronger academics and a better location, however she doesn't like small schools. She much more enjoys the feel of bigger schools, especially Penn State. She likes the community and atmosphere, but I'm concerned about the academics of Penn State, as well as its isolated location. I'm nervous that she may have trouble getting into classes and other issues that arise from going to such a large university.
Any advice/suggestions?</p>

2

<p>What’s the price difference between those two ?</p>

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Academically both should be similar but the student body will be different since Tufts is much harder to get into. </p>

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<p>Yes, the only problem I can think of might be not being able to get classes. Did she apply to the honors college ? You just have to be up to date with the adviser and be ahead of the game. </p>

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<p>Does she hate Tufts or just small schools in general ?</p>

<p>Decide between the schools by using following factors:

  1. Big Small
  2. Price
  3. Urban Rural</p>
3

<p>In terms of academics and getting her into med school, Tufts is definitely a better choice (better academics, great med school hence a well respected premed program, etc.). On the other hand, there is a lot to be said for the community. If she feels like she would do well at Tufts, I’d recommend Tufts, but if she really wouldn’t do well socially there then she should go to Penn State.</p>

4

<p>Medical school is ridiculously expensive. Hence the standard advice to get the undergrad degree for as little money as possible.</p>

<p>Medical school admissions is primarily numbers-based. The overall GPA, GPA in pre-Med courses, and MCAT scores matter much much more than the name of the college or university on the diploma. Hence the standard advice to choose an institution where the student is likely to get the best grades, and best prep for the MCAT.</p>

<p>Most pre-meds stop being pre-med long before taking the MCAT or applying to med school. Hence the standard advice to choose an institution that has good options for a student who quite possibly will change career goals and majors.</p>