<p>I apologize if I am asking this in the wrong forum...</p>
<p>I'm trying to help my D (a rising senior) figure out what's really ok/best when choosing an undergraduate school. We have both done extensive reading, but to be honest much of what I find contradicts other pieces of advice. Most people say you can take the pre-med classes at any good college, but others keep mentioning that a larger research university (especially one with a med school attached) is preferable since she could get some better research opportunities there. Others say a good LAC is great since all the opportunities go to undergrads.</p>
<p>As parents, we realize that most kids thinking pre-med change their minds, so she won't choose an UG just because it might "help" get her to med school. But she seems to be leaning towards very good LACs and is wondering if they really will prepare her in case she does decide to go that route. Will she be missing something important? (Like I said, I keep reading both sides here on CC and any advice would be appreciated).</p>
<p>Have you read the stickied threads?</p>
<p><a href=“Premed Resources Thread - Start Here First - Pre-Med Topics - College Confidential Forums”>Premed Resources Thread - Start Here First - Pre-Med Topics - College Confidential Forums;
<p>There are many kinds of research. Not all pre med research involved bench science (wet lab). Or even biology research. (For example, my older D–currently a MS4-- worked in medium energy particle physics. Her MS1-2 roomie researched climate change in Alaska’s peat bogs. ) There’s also clinical research. And public health research. Additionally, there are summer programs for students who many not have science opportunities on their home campus. There are dozens of different programs, like those run by the National Science Foundation, the NIH, the Howard Hughes Medical Foundation, and companies like Amgen. (D2’s high school lab partner majored in physics at a SLAC and spent his summers doing research thru REUs and now is in grad school at top 25 program.)</p>
<p>Also consider that research isn’t strictly necessarily for med school admission–unless your D is aiming for MD/PhD programs or research intensive medical schools. About 15% of all med school matriculants have never done research.</p>
<p>tl;dr If your D wants to attend a LAC, there’s no real reason not to.</p>
<p>@WayOutWestMom – yes, I did read the stickies (and several of your very informative threads as well). Thanks so much for the answer. As of now, she is thinking either MD or PhD (not both). It’s all the conflicting threads (many on the UG forums) that have me a bit concerned. We are looking for LACs with good, strong science departments, so hopefully she can have the college experience she wants and also be well prepared for whatever she does decide to do. I just would hate to realize 3-4 years in that she should have considered larger schools. Again, thanks so much for your kind response. :)</p>
<p>On CC, the most common methods to make a school recommendation is to do a cost benefit analysis. We are trying to find the best college for the money can buy. In order to do that, we need your D’s stats, EC and your EFC and your budget. Speaking of LACs, most of the private LAC’s are CSS Profile schools and they calculate your EFC different from FAFSA schools and less affordable. But if your D is a high achiever, merit scholarships may kick in.</p>
<p>"Most people say you can take the pre-med classes at any good college, but others keep mentioning that a larger research university (especially one with a med school attached) "-
- My D. (3rd year Med. Student) graduated from college that did not have a Medical School.
- The most important positive aspect of D’s UG in regard to her Medical School application was a perfect personal match between the college that she had chosen and her personality and (very) wide range of interests. That enabled her “fee at home” and achieve great results. She just went to in-state public where she was on full tuition Merit. She still (3 years later) thinks that it was the best palce for her. She had no problem getting accepted to top 20s while applying to a very small number of Med. schools that met her personal criteria and matched her stats.</p>
<p>…D. has never used any ranking / publications, etc. She researched a lot primarily by visiting the potential places several times, getting feel of the campus and studend body, talking a lot to current students. However, she applied only to combined bs/md programs. That was her #1 criteria. But at the end, she ended up applying out any way.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who has responded.</p>
<p>MiamiDAP – My D seems to be settling on small LACs that we visited – where she felt she connected and where she could grow. Rankings aren’t the priority – fit is. That’s why I worry a bit when I keep reading that big U’s may be better than LACs for her interests. Nice to hear that it all worked out well for your D!</p>
<p>artloversplus – Our CC has gone over my D’s list with her – it seems balanced and pretty good for her stats (taking into consideration how colleges view her school). As of now, she has a mix of LACs and Us, but prefers smaller. Just trying to see if it’s a good to choose a small LAC if you are contemplating Med School. ;)</p>
<p>You mean GC…</p>
<p>Big Uni small LAC, it really does not matter, if you can keep up with the GPA and aced the MCAT, you will be fine.</p>
<p>Nice to hear that she is looking at how she feels and fit personally to the place. These are the most important to achieve, They need to feel comfortable to be grabbing those As and preparing for the MCAT. Best wishes, and remember, it is not the place that sends them to Med. School, they work hard to get there, it is entirely up to them.</p>