<p>So, my situation is as follows. I got into UW-Madison, as well as Rutgers (in-state). Rutgers is offering me 7.5k/year to go, making the cost around 15k/year, while UW-Madison probably won't be giving me any money. My parents would likely be able to pay for all of my undergrad at Rutgers, but only the first 2 years or so at Madison (Wisconsin=34k/year). I'm looking to be a denist, so I also have dental school to worry about. But, my undergrad major will biochemistry and/or math. Wisconsin is one of the top 5 colleges for the biological fields and research, while Rutgers is probably around 25 or so (math is also Wisconsin ~10, Rutgers ~25). Keep in mind, New Brunswick isn't the nicest of towns, while Madison is regarded as one of the best college towns in the country. So my question is, is the extra debt I'll be incurring worth it to attend Wisconsin? Basically, is a biochemistry/math degree from Wisconsin that much more highly regarded among medical/dental school than Rutgers? Thanks.</p>
<p>i dont think it is. undergrad is generally accepted to be less important prestige-wise and more based on what u did where u were. do ur best at rutgers and u will most likely be better off, imho.</p>
<p>i would say go to rutgers:)</p>
<p>Go to Rutgers and do well. Rutgers is well regarded, and UG prestige is not as important as your UG performance.</p>
<p>The best person to ask would be UCBChemEGrad. UCB has a great perspective on this.</p>
<p>its also possible that by working over the summers I'll have enough to cover a third year's cost (the work combined with what I have in the bank right now), leaving me with only about 34k debt</p>
<p>but I'm still unsure :</p>
<p>Is there an option for you to obtain, say, additional scholarships and/or get into an early admit DDS/DMD program?</p>
<p>If not, 34k can set you back. It's probably not a great idea for you to take it if you don't feel that you'll either be able to make it up in scholarships. </p>
<p>Still, I remain convinced that Rutgers is pretty much equivalent to UWisconsin for the purposes of dental school if you do well as a UG in Rutgers, you'll do well in dental school admission, no?</p>
<p>There are some intangible differences. Like many would consider UW the best 4 years of their life while not so many would feel that about RU. Also some additional money come be forthcoming if you do well your first year or so. Many UW depts have substantial aid money for UG majors. Also apply for your local UW Alumni scholarships. Often about $2500/yr. You apply directly with the alumni group in your area.</p>
<p>Wisconsin</a> Alumni Association - Chapters and Affiliates</p>
<p>I'd take in-state tuition, personally. Going into dental school (or any sort of grad school) debt free would be a very good thing. Grad/Dental school is so expensive; don't add on additional costs if you don't have to. </p>
<p>It really comes down to what you want to do, though.</p>
<p>Personally, I think happiness is all about attitude. You have the potential to be happy at either school, so go to the one that won't cost you and your parents a fortune (save that money for grad school).</p>
<p>Dental school is expensive, and setting up a dental practice is also quite expensive. Don't put yourself in a hole for your undergraduate degree. I know that being $150,000 in debt vs $220,000 in debt doesn't have a lot of meaning for an 18 year old, but when you are 30 and still paying off that last 70 grand, it will sink home. Seventy thousand equals the down payment on a home. Sit down with a loan calculator - I think there is one on collegeboard.com - and take a look at your future.</p>