Totally confused. Your valuable advise needed!!!!

College Search & Selection
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<p>Just wanted to run this by you all to understand the various options available so we can make an informed decision. </p>

<p>DS is considering between MIT and Caltech. At this time, he says he is interested in majoring in Bio/Chem and then go to Med School. Is this doable? I know the curriculum is hard and both these schools are tough on grades. How big a role does grade deflation play in med school admission? Do med schools even consider grade deflation in highly competitive schools such as MIT or Caltech during med school admissions? </p>

<p>When we visited both MIT and Caltech, one of the parents of a prospective student at MIT who is also an assistant dean of admissions in a medical school indicated that they do consider the difficulty of the undergrad school when considering kids from such schools. Has anyone been on that track and have input in this? </p>

<p>The other option is to go to one of the UCs – UCB, UCLA or UCSD. DS also has admission to a 7 year program but is contemplating going to MIT or Caltech. He says that by going to a rigorous school it will provide him with – 1. an opportunity to explore other fields and make sure that he is ready for med. school, and 2. get ready for the rigors of the medical school by getting a head start with the rigors at the undergrad. </p>

<p>I am not sure what to suggest. On one hand, he has guaranteed admission to med school. So, why go through this whole process. (I am thinking – “a bird in hand is worth two in a bush”). On the other hand, if he really wants to explore, do it in a rigorous public school like UCB. DS says that he wants to have a focused environment that is not too distracting. </p>

<p>I don’t know how many have actually attempted and have matriculated into the medical schools from MIT and Caltech. We did ask that question when we visited and they gave us a list. But I don't know how the process works in these schools. Do they filter out people that they feel will not be to take the load and divert them to other fields? What can DS expect if he goes to one of these schools? He knows it is not going to be a walk-in-the-park experience. </p>

<p>Any inputs in this is very much appreciated. </p>

<p>Sorry this post is so long. </p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Globoman.</p>

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<p>A guaranteed admission to med school is a very valuable thing and the med school prerequisites (and likely other classes as well) will be plenty challenging for all students at such a school.</p>

3

<p>Congrats to you and your son on his acceptances!</p>

<p>If I were your son, I'd choose MIT. I say this for several reasons:</p>

<ol>
<li>Your son is obviously very smart and will likely excel in the environment at MIT.</li>
<li>MIT is more well rounded than Caltech...he can even take some classes at Harvard.</li>
<li>Like you mentioned, his interests may change. He could be fascinated with biochemistry and then get an entrepreneurial spirit and start up a business...who knows? The MIT degree (or a degree from any of his choices, for that matter, will open doors for him).</li>
</ol>

<p>If he's deadset on becoming a doctor, then I would encourage the 7 year program route. If he has any doubt, I would encourage MIT, Caltech or Berkeley.</p>