I’ve been accepted to UDE Honors and still waiting to hear on acceptance to UR and if I am a semi-finalist for scholarships there. Which would be better for a science major looking to go into medical school after graduating? They’re both great schools but now that I’m definitely in the Honors program, it just puts a different twist on my decision and I feel stuck when UR has been my first pick.
What is UDE?
UDE=University of Delaware
I think both would be fine for premed. Go with the Honors program or the less expensive (save the $ for the med school).
If I were you, I would wait for UR. It’s my #1 too (for next year), but’s also because I love that school. I don’t know about Delaware though. Also keep in mind medical school is really expensive and so is UR (if you don’t get the scholarship).
Thanks southernbelle16; I agree
Thanks Erin’s Dad
UD and UR are both good schools. Several CC commenters have said that the school name matters not one bit for medical school admissions. So… #1) go with the lower cost college, if one is significantly cheaper. #2) if cost is similar, go with your gut feeling
I know Richmond has a very high med school acceptance rate…and I don’t think U Del is that much cheaper especially if you might be getting some money from Richmond (but maybe you got money from U Del also?). I would seriously compare medical school acceptance rates. I recently went to an accepted student’s reception with my daughter for a different school and there was a student there whose first choice was the school whose reception we were at. But the student wanted to be pre-med and was going to wait to hear back from Richmond because of their high success rate of getting students into med school. For what it is worth, the first choice school is slightly more competitive than Richmond, but Richmond’s pre-med program is supposedly stronger. Hope this makes sense. I don’t know anything about U Del’s pre-med but I would try to compare some stats. I know their nursing program is supposed to be amazing. Good luck!
Wait until you have the financial aid/scholarship offers from URichmond. It’s a better school academically BUT that may be a plus or a minus depending on your situation; check out the premed core classes: are they small classes or large classes at either school? Are they weed out? What percentage students get A’s? If you switch career goals (like 80% freshmen), which school is best for you (offers an alternate major you’re interested in, etc)?
Overall though 1° choose based on affordability and value; 2° if both are affordable, choose the best “fit”, use that “gut feeling” after visiting.
I received merit scholarship money from UDE; hoping that UR can match it; I will let you know. My gut feeling is UR but med. school is expensive. So looking to keep cost low for undergrad. UDE’s Honor’s program is supposed to be more intimate, smaller classes with an included study abroad. UDE also offers the Medical Scholars Program with Jefferson:
This is a unique premedical/medical eight-year academic program jointly sponsored by the University of Delaware and the Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. It is designed for students who are certain that they want to become physicians and who desire a program of study that blends the scientific and cultural aspects of the medical profession. Fifteen are conditionally accepted each year through the program if they meet the final criteria for acceptance: 3.5 GPA both in the sciences and non-sciences; a score of 30 in the Medical College Acceptance Test (MCAT) with no section score less than 9.
UR offers the MCAT prep course to all pre-med students and does have a great acceptance rate. I will need to see what UR can offer me financially.
When do you need to make 30 on the MCAT?
15, considering how many are enrolled in science at UDE, is not many.
How many honors classes would you have per semester, and how many “regular”?
UR is great for premed but great for other fields too.
It meets 100% need, so it’s good if you have a low EFC.
If your parents are upper middle to upper class, UDE may be a better deal financially.
MYOS1634 I agree; that’s not many for such a large university. I am really hoping UR can meet my financial need. I felt a connection immediately when I visited and I visited multiple times. I will let you know what happens. Thank you!
D1 was offered full ride scholarships at both UD and UR. The schools are both good for sciences/premed but are very, very different in size and feel. UD’s honors program is excellent and we know a number of students who have done very well at UD. The son of a friend majored in Bio at UD and just started med school.
D1 chose UR and is very happy there, in her junior year and double majoring in Biochemistry and Computer Science. She has been doing research since freshman year and has had paid internships during summers. She is spending this semester abroad at the University of St. Andrews, all costs covered by her scholarship.
UR premed acceptance rate is very good and the premed advising office is excellent.
We have all fallen in love with UR, and D2 was offered a full tuition scholarship, accepted, and is also very happy so far in her freshman year at UR.
I’m headed to UR!!! My acceptance to UR is a turning point in my life. Also, they are making it financially possible for me as well. This is definitely one of those days in my life that will be remembered. It was nice that my mom found out before she went in for her surgery too.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
What good news… wow, this is a top university !!! Since they make it affordable and you always wanted to go, this is excellent… I’m very happy for you! 
Congratulations @tsewell ! You will love UR