First let me start off with a little about myself.
Very smart, I was in GT back when you had to have an actual gift, not just a teacher recommendation(in elementary every year and never again). I scored 99% on a Stanford math exam to get into gt again in middle school, turned it down because I didn’t want the workload.
I also practiced religiously in my sport, which unfortunately does not have many scholarships for guys. However, I got to be at the cutoff for d1, basically attractive to most d3 schools.
I got first team all district and second team all region as a freshman, that was a huge accomplishment. I also had a 3.5 gpa, nothing special.
Now, I am glad that I didn’t go to my reach school, because thinking about it. I’d much rather be able to relax and have a good time in undergrad while getting a pre med degree than have to study 9 hours just to be breaking 50% in my class.
Now that I know how much more I succeeded in a match, I am glad I didn’t go into my reach.
For any parent that is trying to figure this stuff out with their kid, would you rather go to an lac rated 50 in the country or 25. Do you want to be able to enjoy the weekends, or be stressed to death trying to make the cut.
I applaud everyone that gets into amazing schools, but think about where you will be most successful, I know for me it wasn’t the best school I got into, but where I fit in best.
Go you - this is so inspirational. I feel the same way - the name of a college is just a brand. I’m honestly so much more impressed by people who do incredible things with their college years than the average MIT student who does nothing but study.
@maxwellseq I agree, the difference was a school ranked in the 50s or a school ranked top 20.
I am more successful because I have less competition even though my school isn’t as good according to ranking. I have a higher gpa because the grade curves actually help rather than take me into barely passing.
Sorry, but what is GT - gifted and talented program? Our area doesn’t have that so I’m guessing that is what you mean but probably better to be more specific if you can.
My daughter is also facing the same issue for pre-med, more competitive program at a school with a reputation for piling on the work to an extreme level, vs honors program in a large university with a lower rank and probably better balance. Hard to pick (both are in areas known for crappy weather so can’t use that as a deciding factor either ;-( so interesting to read your post.
Where are you in the process, are you still in college, in medical school or further along in your career?
@myjanda applying to med school with a 3.7 gpa. I would have a 3.2-3.4 at my top choice since I would have not gotten so much help from the grade curves my freshman and early sophomore year.
GT is gifted and talented.
I definitely suggest thinking about what you want to do in terms of a career. Do you want to be a leading researcher or do you want to be a practicing physician. You don’t need a Harvard degree to be a doctor, though it would help in the field of research.