UGA Honors vs. GA Tech for pre-med? Plz help!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Georgia
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I would love advice in making the decision! I have visited both campuses multiple times and honestly don’t have a preference to either one. I do love liberal arts, but want to major in either Bio or Psych, most likely neuroscience (which Tech is set to have by 2016-2017, confirmed by professor). I plan on going pre-med, or aiming to do so if I do not change my mind. At tech I would probably major in BME, at UGA probably cognitive science.

So here are the things I want to consider, and I would love any and all input and advice as far as these points:

  • Pre-med Grad placement->I aim to go to either Vanderbilt or UChicago for med school/Grad school (I set high goals for myself, and I really LOVE these schools), so I take stats as far as pre-meds getting into med school and into really good programs seriously
  • study abroad -research/internships--> opportunity, quality, grants, and variety
  • activities
  • average GPA
  • If you go to either UGA honors, or Tech please describe why you chose to go there?
  • variety of classes--> whats one of your fav classes/most memorable? How are classes varied at each school for pre-med?
  • How do professors compare? -activites/honors societies/ academic association on campus? -food/dorms/facilities

Thank you, I really appreciate your help!

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  • also what is the community like in each school?--> competitive, collaborative, studious, etc?
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First off, here are some handy subreddits that you might find useful: /r/UGA, /r/GaTech, and /r/GradSchool.
Feel free to ask in any of those subreddits, as they’re all more active than the CC community here (especially for UGA). /r/GradSchool may be of most use, since it’s populated by adults that are either applying or already in graduate school.

As for my personal input…
I would honestly recommend avoiding attending Georgia Tech if you plan on going the Pre-Med track. In general, Georgia Tech is a school notorious for ruining students’ GPAs due to sheer difficulty in curriculum. However, if you’re someone who is adept at math/science courses, then it might very well pay off.

You would likely have an easier time maintaining a high GPA at UGA. Of course, this’ll vary depending on which major(s) you ultimately settle on.

Keep in mind that for everyone attending graduate schools, a high GPA is critical. It won’t be the only thing that’ll be reviewed on your application, but it will act as a significant indicator of your undergrad accomplishments.

And, I say this as a prospective UGA student, you will want to keep in mind that a degree from Georgia Tech will be more prestigious than one from UGA. Tech has a claim to fame with their established STEM reputation, which UGA does not have.

What you need to ask yourself is whether you think you can keep up with the workload at Tech. Every major at Tech - even business and psychology - require certain math/science courses that would otherwise be reserved for STEM majors exclusively at other colleges. If you’re going to major in a STEM field, you will be challenged academically at Tech. This is not to say UGA is terrible for STEM majors, but UGA does not carry the same prestige that Tech does with these areas.

So again, ask yourself this: Can you sustain a high GPA at Tech, given their rigor?

A 3.5 GPA at Tech will not be above a 4.0 GPA from UGA. Obviously, I’m shoving these numbers at you, but it’s a bit of perspective.

I’ve had two friends in the past attend UGA over Tech for their Pre-Med future. They tell me they don’t regret their decisions, given all the struggles they hear from their Tech buddies.

As much as your quality of education matters, your numbers do too. Your GPA is critical for acceptance into a good graduate school such as UChicago’s. I recommend really thinking through your options before committing to either school. I really suggest you ask around in the subreddits I mentioned above.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

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Call / email the Honors college and explain your situation. Ask if they can put you in touch with some current pre med student or Alums that have gone to med school. The best advice you will get is from students who are heading in the same track as you.

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im a graduating premed here. pm me if u need qs