<p>I'm in the midst of college applications and whatnot, and now that I've gotten a few acceptances, I'm starting to think about where I'm going. I'm applying to 12 schools, most in the top 20. 5 Ivies, McGill in Canada, WUSTL, UMich, etc. My safety is University of Arkansas. I've been accepted into both UMich and Arkansas, and just recieved a full scholarship to Arkansas today. It's starting to make me think. Is it better to go to an easier school like UArk for free, and probably get pretty good grades, or a really hard school like UMich where I might struggle a little bit? I know that GPA and MCAT score is what gets your application even considered, and I think the 3.7+ GPA would be easiest to attain at Arkansas, as opposed to a tough, grade deflated school.</p>
<p>I've read that they've sent people to Ivy League med schools in recent years, and other top med schools, but I'm sure that many schools send a grad or two to those med schools every few years.</p>
<p>What would be the best route to take? Should I go with the less difficult state school for free, or the harder more reputable school where I might not even make the GPA to be considered. I'm not saying I'll make a 4.0 at Arkansas, but I think we all know that some schools are easier than others.</p>
<p>This question gets asked a million times every college application season: "Should I go to the crappy school and get a high GPA or should I go to the top school and get a ****ty GPA?"</p>
<p>Here's my take:</p>
<p>If you are aiming for top med schools (not low or mid-tier schools), you should go to the top college. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Don't assume you will get a low GPA at a top school. The grade inflation somewhat balances out the greater competition although I admit that you'll probably still have to work harder to get a 3.8 at Harvard vs. at Arkansas.</p></li>
<li><p>Getting into top med schools isn't a matter of high GPA OR top college but rather high GPA AND top college. If you look at the class rosters of top med schools, you will see that a large percentage of the students there came from top colleges. For example, at my med school, 70% of the class came from a Top 20 college. And the average GPA is still in the 3.8 range. If you have to go to a crappy state school in order to get a 3.8 GPA, you aren't top med school material in the first place.</p></li>
<li><p>Going off what I just said, what keeps students from getting into top med schools is usually not academics. There are plenty of 3.7+ GPA, 34+ MCAT students who don't have the quality of EC's, recs, etc. to get into top med schools. And, if you're coming from a lower tier college, your EC's, recs, etc. have to be that much better, making it even more difficult. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Now, if you're satisfied with any med school, then this is a legit question. The 0.2 that going to a top college could cost you on your GPA may very well be the difference b/w getting into med school and having to reapply. But, for someone who's going to end up at a top med school, the academics is usually not an issue.</p>
<p>I think a top school is definitely worth it. I go to WUSTL, and have a really high GPA right now. Also, keep in mind you are paying for good advising systems and a lot of babying (practice tests, counseling, essay reviews). </p>
<p>"Grade deflation" is somewhat of a myth. The thing about the academics is that the science classes are tough, but graded fairly. As long as you average one standard deviation above the mean (maybe a little less) on each exam, you should get an A. Don't be scared by low means (our Orgo means were in the high 50s), it's the normal curve that matters.</p>
<p>My friend at a public school says the tests are easier (means are in the 80s) but the curve is more messed up. Like a 95 and above is an A, so the A is not earned by understanding the material, and making careless mistakes can easily bring your grade down.</p>