I had a question about college selection. In terms of undergraduate selection, would it be better to choose an in state public school that offers close to a full ride or a costly out of state school. I have heard people say that prestige is extremely important and undergrad experience at a top college will lead to higher pay. Would it be beneficial to attend a public school in state and focus on research and volunteering to attend a better school for graduate degree or is it extremely hard to get into a good graduate school if you do not attend a top undergraduate college?
Well its hard to give a black and white answer. Generally colleges care more what about what you do in your undergrad than where you went. And depending on your field, graduate school can be expensive. In your in state can give you the internships and research experience you need and its a good program for your major. It’s a very good choice. Top graduate schools take from all over, from state schools to private schools to international schools. It’s up to you, your grade, and your GRE.
you will get more specific answers if you give your specific scenario.
There is also good info in the graduate schools forums under FAQ’s
I am interested in applying for medical school. I am considering UF or schools out of state such as Vanderbilt, UChicago, Johns Hopkins, and UPenn. I feel that if I attend UF, I can get a good scholarship and focus on internships, research, and shadowing as well as maintaining a good gpa. However, out of state would be harder to have a good gpa and will not lead to much time for other extracurriculars. I have heard connections are better out of state and it will be easier to get into a good med school. I am considering schools like Duke, NYU, UChicago for med school.
USF receives a mention in an online list, “The Experts’ Choice: Colleges with Great Pre-med Programs.”
It depends.
Well if your premed, generally you want to come out with little to no debt. As you’ll be tackling on med school prices. UF is known to be a respectable school, I think its a great choice. Never disregard a school just because its in state or easier to get into. You listed some very prestiges schools, but going to a prestigious school does not greater your chance for med school. Get the prereqs done, kill the MCAt, come out with a great gpa, and hopefully an internship or volunteer work at a hospitable.