<p>I have a profound hearing loss, and I am using an American Sign Language interpreter. I have a high GPA, and I want to go to Duke for undergraduate and Stanford for graduate/medicine. But, my father is concerned that if I get an average lower than an A in Duke because it is a very tough school, I would not be able to go to an excellent school like Stanford. In fact, he suggests that I should go to lower college than Duke like William and Mary (with respect)for undergraduate and get an excellent GPA, and then apply to Stanford or Duke. I disagree with my father, and I believe that I would get a better chance in Stanford for medicine if I get lower GPA in Duke than high GPA in William and Mary or other colleges that are lower than Duke. What is your opinion?</p>
<p>Well, how much lower is the (un)answerable question. I agree that if your GPA is 3.75 at Duke and 3.8 at Wm & Mary, the Duke choice was correct. On the other hand, a 3.0 from Duke will not trump a 4.0 from Wm & Mary. Somewhere btwn those 2 extremes lies the answer to the question "how much of a boost will adcoms give you for going to a top school?". That kind of precise info is not available from anyone, so don't even bother asking.</p>
<p>My advice is that if you feel better about Duke and your family can handle it, then you will probably do better there because you're going to be more content. If you feel forced into going to another school, your grades might even reflect your disappointment. </p>
<p>Visit both campuses, maybe as a family, talk to some premeds there, and make a decision. Either way, it sounds to be like you'll be a success. Good luck!</p>
<p>william and mary is still a great school, so i mean, if you think you're going to do that much better at w&m, then i would probably go to william and mary...</p>