Wilkes Honors College @ Florida Atlantic University

Is the Max Planck Honors Program (MPHP) at Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) a good option? I am intending to pursue BS in Neuroscience and potentially graduate into Med School or pure Neurology Masters. I’m sold on the MaxPlanck/Scripps/Jupiter environment at Wilkes but am skeptical given the FAU University’s overall low reputation. My other options are PennState and UI-Urbana Champaign both of which are higher-ranked universities. But the Wilkes-MPHP is something that seems attractive.
Am I being blinded by my love for Neuroscience and the reputation of MaxPlanck/Scripp in Biomedicine?

Any info would be helpful!

So you get Summer research experience. That’s a win. You can potentially hook up with professors anywhere though and research.

To me, you’re looking at a very small school vs enormous schools.

So there’s a huge dichotomy right there ? Sure there’s other things… weather. Cost.

But FAU Honors is tiny. You’ll have those intimate and deep connections with staff and others.

If that inspires you, then it’s a fine choice.

If you want big, sports, Greek, party, etc (and cold winters), then your experiences will be better elsewhere.

I would factor experience and cost if it’s an issue for you, not rep.

Edit. According to the school grads have gone on to study neuroscience at Chicago, Miami, Virginia and Wisconsin. But if you have concerns reach out to a professor and discuss your concerns. But no slouches on that list.

Best of luck.

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Thanks so much for your thoughts. Cost is indeed a big factor in my decision. However, after several thought iterations, I’m almost decided on going to the Univerity of California San Diego (UCSD) which also offers a high research pedagogy. It is three times more costly and expensive school but I’m doing the tradeoff even if it means big debt as finish school.
Anyone knows the med school acceptance rates at WHC which I could not get?

If you are going to med school, then keep costs down. The only thing that matters is your GPA and MCAT - because medical school costs a fortune.

Each school will let you know their acceptance rate - however, realize not all kids are sponsored so not all apply - i.e. the #s are gamed.

If you’re going to MD, where you go - of little matter. Saving money - matters.

UC OOS - not a smart move financially…you don’t want to be in debt b4 medical school. If your parents can’t afford it, then you can’t affodr it.
Good luck.

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Thanks so much for the candid response! Definitely, your argument makes sense.

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