UMichigan or UToledo (BS/MD program)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So I got accepted into UMich Engineering and the University of Toledo's BS/MD program. Honestly, I am torn about where to go. All the people I have talked to have gone both ways after telling them my rationale for going to either college. The pros of the BS/MD program at Toledo are rather nice... no MCAT required/guarantee into their med school as long as I maintain a 3.5 GPA. The program requires me to do biomedical engineering for undergrad, which I'm not totally excited about, but I'm pretty sure I can handle it there. However, I really was not a fan of the campus and atmosphere at UT and there's just something about the university that's really unappealing to me, but then again, the perks of this med program are pretty tempting.
On the other hand, there's UMich Engineering, which I know is incredibly hard and competitive. I plan on doing Biomed engineering there too, and then eventually apply to med school. It's just so much more work to go to UMich and through the whole med school process, and I'm now thinking about switching into LSA after my first year because I don't want to jeopardize my chances of getting into a med school by having a crap GPA (I am aware that many med schools value biomed engineering a lot, but I'm still very concerned, especially because I have never been fully into the idea of me doing biomed engineering for undergrad). And who knows, maybe after all that work, I still won't get into a med school? A positive note is that I absolutely adore UM in general and love the campus. It's not that I don't want to go to UMich because I'm lazy and want the easy way out, but I know that I want to be a doctor and since I now have that spot already secured, I don't want to regret losing that safety. </p>

<p>In terms of finances, I got a large scholarship to UT, but it is still more expensive than going to UMich (I live in Michigan and I would live in an apartment at UMich b/c my sister goes there). Money, however, is not really that much of a factor on my decision.</p>

<p>Please feel free to give me any advice or insight on my situation. Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>My son had a similar dilemma last year at this time. He had to choose between a school he loved, but didn’t get into the major he’s always wanted, or a school that was just o.k, with a guaranteed acceptance into his major (physician assistant studies). He stuck with his major and attended the less desirable school. He is happy with his decision. He loves the major and is one of the top students in his class, which has really boosted his self-esteem. He’s met some really nice kids and seems to be fitting in just fine, which makes me realize that most students can adapt well to whatever school they end up attending. Even though attending school for 7-8 years sounds like a long time commitment, think about the fact that you’ll have the rest of your life to do what you’ve always dreamed of doing. I’m not affiliated with the university, but can tell you that I know plenty of local kids who go there and seem to enjoy it.</p>

3

<p>If your son is 100% sure he wants to become a doctor (10+ year commitment before he starts seeing any compensation), Toledo is the better bet here. He can complete his undergraduate degree, apply to other Medical programs at the end of his undergraduate years. Should he get into a program that he prefers, he can go there, if not, he can go for Toledo Medical School.</p>

<p>On the other hand, if he is not certain that he wants to go into Medicine, Michigan would be a better choice.</p>

4

<p>If he changes his mind Michigan will offer a great major/program/department in virtually any area he goes into. Toledo gives him one option. I would opt for Michigan.</p>