UCLA vs Cal vs Colby vs Northwestern Pre Med

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>Hey everyone! I've finally decided to make the dive and commit myself to pre-med (previously, I found the course work and competition to be a little daunting but after talking to residents and practicing doctors, I've come to terms with these fears but that's besides the point right now).</p>

<p>UCLA is WAY close to home which I don't exactly like but it's the cheapest at $6,000 while Cal is $15,000 (I received a scholarship at UCLA).</p>

<p>I'm a little afraid of the size of these institutions... especially the competition just for GETTING GE classes (since, at least at Cal, it's based on a lottery system).</p>

<p>Northwestern, I know, has a great reputation for its medical school. However, as I mentioned earlier, I wasn't sure about my future and so I didn't apply to NU's 7-year track. Also, it's priced at high $30,000 for me. :( At that point, NU isn't financially feasible for me but I'm hesitant to take it off the table because it was my #1 school... before I saw the aid.</p>

<p>Colby College is in rural Maine and its small size and isolated area makes me hesitate. However, I'm a Presidential and Bunche scholar here and it's reasonably priced at $11,000.</p>

<p>When I realized I wanted to become a doctor, I thought Colby would be the right way to go -- a reasonable amount of debt and great attention from faculty. However, after reading up a little on the pre-med boards here at CC, I've begun to doubt myself again. </p>

<p>Does anyone have any advice or light to shine on this subject? I'd greatly appreciate it!</p>

2

<p>TO clarify, are you saying that the cost to you after grants is:
UCLA $6K
CAL $11k
Colby $15k
NWU $30k
per year?</p>

<p>I would look at affordable finances first, do each of these include room & board costs & travel?</p>

<p>Then look at the the place where you think you will be most successful.</p>

3

<p>somemom, you reversed Cal and Colby. </p>

<p>(Assuming we are talking total costs both out of pocket + loans): </p>

<p>NW is out. </p>

<p>Colby at $11K and UCLA at $6K look pretty good to me. And most folks I know would only have one of those two schools on their list. :wink: Maine or SoCal? A billion students or 14? LA or Waterville?</p>

4

<p>Hi! Thanks for the response. :)</p>

<p>I’m visiting Colby this weekend so we’ll see if I like it but I’m actually very open to both schools. I’m actually more apprehensive about the UC systems since they’re so big and I’ve heard that their pre-med advising is not… the best. However, I’m willing to go to whichever school that provides me with the most opportunities to succeed as a pre-med student and I really just wanted to hear the opinions of you all who seem to be much more experienced than I am!</p>

<p>To be quite honest though, after some more thought on the subject today, if I enjoy my stay in Waterville, I’m going to Colby.</p>

5

<p>You should know after the weekend. Good luck!</p>