<p>This thread is interesting and helpful. I can add that we also looked at the proximity of the tennis courts and the fitness centers. She was not a recruited athlete- however, she is a serious tennis player and likes to work out so a trip to the courts as well as a meal in one of the schools dining hall was an added thing if we had the time.</p>
<p>Now, D2 is beginning her search and this thread reminds me that she may be looking for similar but also different criteria and we’ll be careful to follow her lead.</p>
<p>Checking cost can eliminate pointless applications. For example if a school’s net price calculator* produces an unaffordable net price, and the school does not have any large enough merit scholarships that the student may be able to get, it is not worth applying to that school.</p>
<p>Note that if the student needs the merit scholarship to make it affordable, the reach/match/safety assessment must be made on the chance of getting the merit scholarship, not merely admission.</p>
<p>*Use the school’s net price calculator rather than assuming that a given school is affordable or unaffordable.</p>
<p>Note that there is accreditation for the school, and accreditation for some (not all) majors. In the US, look for regional accreditation for the school as a whole.</p>
<p>Only some majors have major-specific accreditation:</p>
<ul>
<li>Engineering and engineering technology: ABET</li>
<li>Business and accounting: AACSB</li>
<li>Chemistry: ACS</li>
<li>Architecture: NAAB</li>
<li>Computer science: ABET (not especially important per se, except for the patent exam, but non-accredited programs may need to be scrutinized more carefully for suitability)</li>
</ul>
<p>kathymom. Physician here. Your son should apply to schools that match his ability and fit him academically, socially and financially. Most colleges work for medical school. Do not try to game the system by looking at statistics on how many get into medical school et al. Take medical school out of the equation but do insure the college has some sort of premed advising available (most schools will list premedical school advice somewhere on their website, ask in an email if he doesn’t find this type of info).</p>
<p>Your son needs a school with majors that interest him. He needs a school with his academic peer group- include your state flagship. He needs to be interested in his school as he will do his best where he is happiest. Any major works for medical school- all he needs are the required prerequisites (many medical students do major in a science since that interests them the most). The undergraduate years are the time to study whatever he wants- there will be plenty of time for medical subjects later. </p>
<p>Most premed students either change their minds or do not get into medical school. He therefore needs to consider a Plan B. Many or most college freshmen will change their proposed major, he shouldn’t worry about the choice he makes while still in HS. Your son will grow and change in college so allow for that- do not make medical school the all encompassing goal. Once he is in college he will learn more about his goals and other opportunities.</p>
<p>Short answer- make college choices regardless of his interest in medical school. Do not worry about that. Colleges/universities that interest him will work. One less thing to worry/obsess about. Most physicians will go to “average” medical schools where we all learn enough to become competent physicians. Most will not have gone to the most elite colleges- many will go to their state medical schools from their state flagship or other top schools in their state (or region). Some will go to unexpected schools.</p>