<p>Which one is better? SMU and UTD's ACT/SAT averages are about the same, and so is their acceptance rates. But I think SMU is much more "known" nationally and I heard that top top med schools like harvard, JH and Duke take the prestige of the undergraduate institution slightly into consideration. As I am hoping to attend one of these prestigious medical schools, which do you think would better prepare me for such an undertaking?</p>
<p>SMU is not that prestigious. It is rather well-respected around the DFW area b/c of its business/law programs and great alumni network, but not much nationally.
For pre-med, I would say it's the same, if not less, than UTD.
Harv, JH, and Duke are EXTREMELY hard to get into. I would say only about 1-2 kids each year get in from either, if not less. (this is based on Harvard Law School admit for each undergrad, which is 1 for both). Your best bet for a good, solid med school is Baylor and UT Southwestern, which is among the top 10-20 nationally.
SMU has a SOAR research program w/ UT SW that can actually begin as freshmen, so that gives you an edge on getting in UT SW.
UTD is also well-regarded in the Dallas area, mostly for its engineering/computer science/business programs. </p>
<p>I would say both are pretty good, except the financials are vastly different.</p>
<p>so if I go to UTD or even SMU for that matter, I pretty much have zero chance to get into HMS, JH or Duke?? I mean i have nothing against Baylor and UTSW (they are definitely amazing schools) but my dream has been to go to one of these prestigious med schools.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say you have zero chance. I would just say that it is a very small chance.
If you have an amazing GPA and MCAT scores and also a very beefy resume, then go for it all the way.
Remember that also many super smart kids pick these schools for their big monies. (I was offered a full ride to SMU (rank 6th), and my friend, who is rank 8th, is going to UTD for premed w/ a full-ride + monthly stipend $1,100. We come from a very competitive public. I would assume among top 10 in Texas.) So you would definitely be facing competition. </p>
<p>It's great to keep your hopes up, b/c then you have motivation, but I would definitely prepare myself for the other situation.</p>
<p>hmm , thanks for your prompt response</p>
<p>No problem. Hope I was of help.</p>
<p>If you're indeed one of the full scholarship kids or one of those kids that soar above and beyond in college, then I would say keep the fire of your dreams alive and burning. Med school is 4 years away, and who knows what can happen b/t then. Plus, it never hurts just to apply. </p>
<p>^________________^</p>
<p>lulupony pm me on who your friend is. i want to know lol</p>
<p>lol. first pm me on who you are. ;)</p>
<p>SMU is ranked 2nd tier, UTD has lately become more selective...and they are pushing to become 1st tier within the next 10 years (IE: the UTs want to become something more like the UCs....)
SMU has more of a name, which matters, UTD will probably be cheaper. And UTD is more ethnically diverse (about 10% Hispanic, 7% AA, 20% Asian, american Indian 1%,4% International)
I would personally take UTD, but honestly... if money is not an issue....take SMU, it has more of a name...
I love UTD though, and I would seriously consider it if it was not for that I lived in Dallas and want to go out of state...
Nothing is impossible, but I would go to UT Southwestern for med...you'll have a feel for the area, you'll get discounted for being instate (unlike Baylor, which is a private school), and it is also very prestigious...Maybe not like Harvard...but none the less very very prestigious.</p>
<p>SMU has a more traditional campus/collegy feel than UTD, if that matters to you. By the way, UTD just won the collegiate chess championships.</p>
<p>lol what is that, 3 years in a row now? or 4?</p>