WashU (full-tuition scholarship) vs. Harvard?

Hey everyone, I’m currently a high school senior deciding between Harvard and WashU on a full-tuition merit scholarship. I’m planning in following a pre-med track and double majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience and Business. If I went to WashU, I would probably major in PNP and Business on the pre-med track, while if I went to Harvard, I would probably concentrate in Neurobiology and Business.

I know that I’m extremely blessed to have these options, but I’m having a ton of trouble deciding! I’m super indecisive, so I don’t know what to do. I did an internship at Harvard for the past 3 years and live in the Northeast, so I know I’m already comfortable with the vibe there and I love the campus. I visited WashU recently for Scholarship Weekend and felt right at home too, but I definitely prefer Boston as a college town over St. Louis. I’m also really used to the Northeast so I’m not sure how a change to the Midwest would be.

Financially, I would be paying around $10,000 each year for room & board only at WashU, while I would be paying around 4x that to go to Harvard. I know that both schools are amazing academically and I’m blessed to get such a great opportunity from WashU, but like anyone, I can’t wrap my head around turning down Harvard. My parents and I spoke and we’re okay with spending the extra on Harvard, but it doesn’t feel right to turn down a 200K scholarship. I feel the “fit” more at Harvard since I’m on campus so often to intern and I’m used to Boston and the Northeast, but I think I would be happy at WashU too.

How do the academics compare? School spirit? Competitiveness? Support and advising for pre-meds? Stress levels? Student body?

I know that WashU has a high population of pre-meds, so how would that affect my experience?

Is the prestige and possibly greater job opportunities at Harvard worth 200K at WashU? How about in terms of getting to a good medical school?

Please let me know if any of you have experience with either schools. HELP!

So you’re responsible for about $50k/year at Harvard and, what, about $16k/year at WUSTL?

If that’s accurate – is your family willing and able to pick up the extra ~$135k over four years?

Not nearly enough information provided in order to render an intelligent opinion.

@prezbucky Yes, that is accurate. My family is willing to, but I don’t know if the Harvard “experience” is worth 200K in loans.

I can’t give you much advice on your selection, but you are not alone. My daughter faces a similar situation (without the added burden of having Harvard in the mix). Best of luck.

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1877695-vanderbilt-v-cornell-engineering.html#latest

Med school admissions is numbers based. Med school is hideously expensive. The standard advice is to choose the place where you think you can get the best grades for the least cost. How serious are you about med school? Are you more interested in business? What could you and your family put that $200k toward if you choose Wash U? Start up money for your own business?

@altmusicman Thank you! She has a hard choice too, I’ll keep my eyes on that and see what people respond with. Good luck!

@happymomof1 I’m almost positive that I want to go to med school, which is why I’m iffy on turning down a $200K scholarship. Do you happen to have any experience with the different learning environments at WashU vs. Harvard? Both seem like schools with highly intelligent students, but I’m not sure competitive-wise.

I’m more interested in med school, I’m majoring in business just out of interest. My parents are encouraging me to commit to Harvard and give up the scholarship, but my main concern is if the education is worth it in terms of preparing me and getting into med school.

If you are set on med school, WashU all the way.

Unless $135K just doesn’t mean much to you and your family, this isn’t a terribly tough decision.

BTW, WashU is known for being full of pre-meds, but Harvard probably has as many pre-meds as WashU.

Would your parents be willing to put that extra Harvard money aside for med school if you go to Wash U?

It’s a great school!

No. It is 100% not worth 200K to go to Harvard over WashU.

@PurpleTitan I’m set on med school. $135K is most definitely at lot for my family, so based on the other posters’ responses. I think I will be committing to WashU.

@thumper1 @usualhopeful Thank you for your helpful responses! I’m definitely leaning toward committing to WashU now, Harvard most likely is not worth 200K, correct?

If your family had the money available it would be one thing, but it sounds like they’ll have to take out loans for the difference. If that’s the case, then no, Harvard would not be a good idea.

Harvard’s worth 200k if you’re in the top 0.5%; otherwise, it’s definitely not. Harvard has the widest name recognition, but in any situation where prestige is important, WashU is on the same level.

WashU if you are sure about med school. I can tell you that if Harvard is asking for 50k now, they will ask for that and about 30k in loans in your name if you get into medical school at Harvard.

Washington U.

I would do undergrad at WashU and do medical school in Harvard… That would be the best way to get experience at both.

Wash U is an absolute no brainer.
NO U is worth $200,000 more than WU.

It’s been a long time since I was at Wash U ('90 grad) but at the time, a number of profs were Harvard grads and I remember one in particular who said more than once that the undergrad teaching at Wash U was superior. Now I"m sure he was biased since he was teaching at Wash U and not Harvard, but in any case, that extra money will go a long way toward med school tuition. If you’d be funding the difference with loans rather than money your parents already have stashed toward your education, graduating without debt makes a huge difference to having over $100K in student loans just from undergrad.

It depends on your family financial situation. If they can comfortably cover Harvard and med school then go for it. If not then Wash U is a wonderful option.