<p>As bluebayou would say: “source?”</p>
<p>I’m sorry. Most of what you said is incorrect Sam. A pre-med community refers to a strong presence of extracurricular activities for pre-medical students as well as a high representation of pre-med students. Yes, this means lecture hall courses and gunners, and it also means a large and active AMSA chapter(I can’t tell you how generic pre-med club activities get after a while in the eyes of admissions), robust clinical volunteering and shadowing opportunities(at the hospital and private practice level), tutoring and study programs(usually linked with honors programs) for pre-medical students, a wide offering of upper level elective courses geared towards pre-med students (think surgical anatomy, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry(for pharmacy folks), advanced pathology and maybe even advanced histology). Larger schools generally have more opportunities for research. </p>
<p>Sit on several medical school adcom before jumping to conclusions. </p>
<p>While we’re on the topic, I can promise you that you do not want to take out loans for private school education if you’re planning on applying to dental, medical or pharmacy school. Some private schools do a great job, but others do not. Great job or not, it is NOT worth the extra money regardless of who’s paying. Small liberal arts schools will not give you the research opportunities you’re looking for, and private schools like Emory and NYU will cost you an arm and a leg when you can get the same education and more opportunities for 1/4 the price. Public education is your friend, friend. </p>
<p>You know how they say doctors are bad with money? Well, they’re right. Don’t start problems while you’re in undergrad.</p>