UVA or UPENN

I have a little more than a week to decide where I will spend the next four years of my life, and I am torn between these two schools. I want to major in Biology or something health related on a pre-med track, which will not change. I want to become a doctor, it has been a goal of mine for a long time. I did not receive financial aid from either school. Penn would be almost 80k and UVa would be 32k because I am a resident of Virginia. Is it wise to pay this large amount to get the prestige of an Ivy League, even though I am going to med school, or stay in state, and be more financially stable for med school. I do prefer Penn a little bit more than UVa due to the type of people and location, and the name. But I like Uva’s Campus and facilities and they have a better social scene, sports teams etc. I am a flexible person, and would be happy at both schools. Please advise.

UVA! Great school and you’ll save money for med school.

Med school is expensive. Save your money, and go wherever you can get the highest GPA.

My First Year sons and their roommates (both of whom happen to be pre-med) have had a really excellent experience at UVA. Academically all are doing exceptionally well and enjoying their coursework (with some minor griping about statistics). But it’s really the extracurricular experience that’s made them ridiculously happy. My guys are doing improv, writing for the school paper, going to Nationals in a club sport, playing intramurals with friends, seeing Marvel flicks, throwing game nights, attending many of UVA’s Division I games / matches, hiking the Blue Ridge, playing pick-up Spikeball, picking apples, grabbing wings / smoothies / sushi on the Corner, etc. They were hesitant about UVA because they don’t drink, are serious students, and didn’t see themselves in the fraternity system. (Though they have learned to enjoy Vineyard Vines tees…) But there’s just a ton of options in terms of activities and cohorts. Not trying to talk you out of Penn if you liked the vibe there — it’s a great school, too — but I really don’t think you can go wrong at UVA. And it would be nice to have money in your pocket for medical school!!

“Is it wise to pay this large amount to get the prestige of an Ivy League”

Fred Trump thought it was worth it for Donald.