Hi everyone,
I’m having some trouble making a decision between the above schools. I have been accepted to all three of them with a major of Undecided - Life Sciences for each of them, and with about a month left to commit to a school, I’d really appreciate some help. I’ve visited Miami and Michigan so far and loved them both, but I doubt I’ll be able to find the time to visit UCLA before the decision deadline. I’m very unsure as to what I want to major in, which is why I applied to these three schools that offer many well-rounded majors.
When it comes to financial aid, Michigan and UCLA have given me nothing (I’m an out-of-state student from NJ, so I wasn’t expecting to receive anything). Miami, on the other hand, awarded me a scholarship of $29k/yr and admittance into the Foote Fellow’s program (a nomination-based Honor’s Program). I intend on going to graduate or medical school after my undergraduate studies, so finances, while not the #1 deciding factor on where I go, clearly has a good amount of influence on my decision.
Although I am very dedicated to my studies, I intend on maintaining an active social life. I believe myself to be quite good at balancing my time, so I’m definitely planning on joining numerous clubs and organizations, as well as possibly joining a fraternity.
As for my own personal opinion, Miami’s scholarship opportunities and Foote Fellowship are very enticing, but I clearly can’t ignore the prestige of UMich and UCLA. I’m sure I’d be happy at any of these schools, but I want this decision to be the best one possible. Therefore, I am extremely unsure as to what my actual and final opinion would consist of.
If anyone here has any advice (or criticisms) I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for your time.
If expensive medical school is your goal, then the cost factor may be more important.
Looks like all of UCLA (out-of-state), Michigan (out-of-state), and Miami are around $62,000 per year, but Miami becomes $33,000 per year after a $29,000 scholarship (what is the GPA needed to renew?). But Rutgers (in-state) is probably less than that even at list price with no scholarships or financial aid, and easier to get to medical school interviews at in-state public medical schools that may cost less.
Hi – my son looked at all 3 of these schools as well, but ultimately did not apply to Mich (we can’t afford it) & didn’t get into UCLA (we are instate & he reluctantly applied but wanted to go OOS). He is also in a UM with large merit $ which brings UM down to the cost of a UC. While Mich & UCLA have a bigger national ranking, another good thing to think about is the likelihood of actually getting to declare the major of your choice (at UCLA – I know nothing about Mich). If it is impacted, you likely won’t get it, or there will be severe competition to get it. You may want to look at various class sizes (# of classes with 35+ kids at each school) & whether or not you will graduate in 4 years (Miami has a low #, not sure what that’s about as it seems easy to get your classes, etc.).
There is something to be said about being a Foote Fellow – you are going to be one of their top priorities as a student, instead of 1 of many thousands at Mich or UCLA. You will have priority for housing & classes at Miami, I believe. You will not have to compete as much for lab time & internship opportunities at a smaller school where you are a bigger fish. You may have more profs who really know you (due to smaller classes) who can write you awesome LOR for med school.
What I do know about UCLA (from having considered it myself & having had many friends go there & friends’ kids go there) is that (a) it’s an awesome school with an awesome reputation, but (b) it is BIG & with that a lot of things are a hassle – getting on campus housing is a hassle (& off campus is PRICEY as you are in Westwood, abutting Bel Air); traffic in LA is a NIGHTMARE, so if you live a in a cheaper place farther off campus, your commute won’t be fun or short; parking is also a hassle; getting classes or your major is a hassle.
One other thing to look into is – what is the core curriculum/GE requirements at each school. Miami has a cool “cognates” program that my son finds really interesting & engaging. My H (who is a prof) finds it unique & doesn’t know any other school that does this. I don’t know what UCLA & Mich do, but you may want to find out, just to have more data points for comparison.
In short – you have 3 awesome choices & I’m sure you will love wherever you end up! Congrats!