<p>just got an acceptance to Emory School of medicine-which I wasn't realistically expecting. Here's the issue: parents have agreed to pay all medical school costs IF I go to school in Texas(I have acceptances to a few schools in Texas at a cost of about $30K a year, but neither of the top 2-Baylor or Southwestern), the costs to attend Emory is presently >$60,000 a year and I would have to assume debt of about $120,000 to go there(parents would pick up the other half). So, would you go with a debt-free Texas ride at a less prestigious school or go to Emory?</p>
<p>No question...goto a Texas school. You'll thank yourself when your not paying back student loans 30 years from now.</p>
<p>Avoid debt at all costs ;) really.</p>
<p>hubbell, Congrats on Emory BTW. Which Texas schools did you get in? (As I can see my D facing the same type of conundrum a few years from now. ) Also, do you believe based on feedback that grade deflation hurt you at Baylor and Southwestern?</p>
<p>I'd go with the Texas schools. There are very few schools I'd choose prestige over money for and Emory wouldn't be one of them.</p>
<p>hubbell, send me an e-mail (or turn your dang p.m. on ;)) if you get a chance. I have a question.</p>
<p>Curmudge:</p>
<p>Texas schools: San Antonio, Texas A&M(going with San Antonio for reasons known to you).
And, yes, I believe the grade deflation that my college is so fond of did hurt me at certain schools-Baylor is known for being 'GPA-centric'(I am quoting a friend who was 2 years ahead of me at Davidson who finally ended up at Southwestern after getting in off the waitlist at the last minute-he had same MCAT and similar ECs as mine).</p>
<p>$120K in debt is a lot of money, and I certainly will not deny that. But it might -- depending on how you like the schools, what you want to do with your future, etc. -- be worth it.</p>
<p>By the way, congratulations on the multiplicity of acceptances.</p>
<p>I would urge you strongly NOT to decide anything quickly. You have three months left. Visit the schools again -- Emory in particular will probably pay the expenses for your "second-look" weekend.</p>
<p>I was admitted to a more prestigious AND cheaper state school which I ultimately found I could not tolerate thanks to the atmosphere. I turned it down and am constantly glad to have "escaped".</p>
<p>Debt is nothing to scoff at if you have the option of getting through without any. I do agree with BDM though that it's important to look at the atmosphere and if that's going to be a place where you can be happy. I'd use that criteria rather than "prestige".</p>
<p>Also, congratulations on getting in! Hopefully you've taken some time to celebrate the right way (by letting people buy you drinks!)</p>