Still stuck at the crossroads - what should I do?

[xFoRTiTuDe]

<p>…I’m gonna try to reply to everyone. haha.</p>

<p>Thanks for that bit clfdwlr, diontechristmas. I kind of got the impression Drexel overhyped themselves when I visited (especially with how they handled their admit days, rofl). </p>

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100K in debt for your undergraduate education strikes me as way, way too much if you’re planning to pile med school debt on top of it.

Not necessarily 100k in debt, but 100k in cost. I do actually plan on coming up with some solid plans for the year, but for now, I’m scouting out some good internships.</p>

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I don’t know your stats or what state you live in, but it looks like $$ is really an issue for you. IMO you should take the gap year, improve SAT/ACT scores if possible, and really search out the scholarships, possibly at lower-ranked schools. Good luck.

Thanks! If my stats matter: GPA: 4.55 W / 4.00 UW, fourth in class, 30 ACT (lol, I got a 35/33 in eng/math but reading/science really, really dragged me down) and I’m from California. Hate those test scores though - I probably would’ve applied to BS/MD programs if I had the scores for them. (Well, and if I knew their deadlines were so early. My school’s counselors seriously know nothing past the UC application process…)</p>

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Understand that if you didn’t get need-based financial aid from Emory, you’re not going to get any from Rice. And if Rice waitlisted you this year, the chances of receiving substantial merit-based aid from them is pretty slim. It’s probably most prudent to set aside your dreams of such schools, because they are fiscal high reaches.

True, hence applying ED, since I’m a lot more sure now at the end of everything where I’d like to be than when I started out with all this… I guess that’s faulty planning on my part. Speaking with their financial aid counselor though, Rice seems better about providing -some- need-based aid than Emory’s been.</p>

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It sounds like you don’t really want to go to Drexel, and can’t afford UCLA. If that’s the case, do the gap year. You’ll be able to earn a little more cash, maybe travel, and, hopefully, reapply during a less competitive year. Since you are on the young side, it also may make a big difference in how much you enjoy college life.

Good point there. I’ll remember that one when I put the proposal by my parents, haha.</p>

<p>Keep 'em coming guys!</p>