Are some colleges better than others?
I have been searching for colleges that I would like to apply this upcoming December. But does the college that I attend to affect me later in life? I want to major in medicine and education. Please help! #colleges
7 answers
Daniel H. Irvin
Daniel H.’s Answer
The short answer is "yes" it matters, but it is not the complete determiner of your future. My recommendation is determine what degree program best suits your goals (do you want to be a doctor, teacher, engineer, etc.). Then look at the reputation of that degree program - instead of just looking at the reputation of the whole university. It would also be wise to consider the cost. You should think early in your planning whether it would be better to attend a school with a slightly lower reputation and leave college with less debt than attending a more prestigious school with a large debt. Finally, find a school you think you will be happy in. Do you like the area, is the campus inviting, friendly, etc.? Once you graduate, your personal drive is what will shape your future the most. Hopefully, this gives you some food for thought. Good luck in school.
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Sophie,
You may also want to consider looking for a University / College that combines your undergraduate studies with medical school. If you are sure that your passion is medicine and education, look into programs that may allow you to complete your combined studies in less time. One such program is NEOMED in Northeast Ohio - combining education with clinical training in a consortium of teaching hospitals. www.neomed.edu.
There may be other such programs as well. Best of luck to you in such a rewarding career!
Scott Westerfield
Scott’s Answer
Depends on what you mean by "better." There are absolutely differences from college to college. There are intrinsic differences. For example, at a more exclusive university, you will be networking with peers that, like you, are generally more achievement-oriented. That is a benefit in itself. Such schools generally have the resources to attract better students, better faculty and provide more resources to you.
If you're looking at a post-graduation career, you better bet your access to the best jobs will be impacted by your choice of major, your demonstrated academic achievement and, yes, the school you went to. Does it guarantee anything? No. I found graduating from an exclusive Ivy League school in 1979 didn't mean much in the Southern California job market when I graduated. However, it eventually opened a door for me and led to a new career opportunity I might not otherwise have had. As in real estate, the admonition "location, location, location" is true. It could give you the leg up you need when competing for that first or second job out of school.
Kelly’s Answer
Enrolling in a non-accredited program can have several drawbacks. These programs might not be recognized by employers or other schools, which could limit your future education or job prospects. Accreditation guarantees that a school meets certain quality standards, and non-accredited programs might not meet these standards, leading to a substandard education. Most types of financial aid are only available to students at accredited schools, so choosing a non-accredited program could limit your financial support. If you plan to transfer credits from a non-accredited program to another school, you might face challenges, as accredited schools often have strict rules about accepting transfer credits. Some professions require credentials from accredited schools, so graduating from a non-accredited program could limit your career options.
Non-accredited schools might be seen as less reputable or rigorous than accredited ones, which could impact how potential employers or graduate schools view your qualifications. These schools might also be more likely to face financial instability or closure, leaving students without a completed education or a way to get their tuition fees back. I've seen this happen to several medical students in a local program in my state. They couldn't pass their clinicals or nursing exams, and they also lost their money.
Katie’s Answer
Hi Sofie,
I found these resources really helpful for me because they list some of the best colleges in the US. It helped me understand how competitive their applications are (for example what % of applications they accept), what kind of school culture they have, where they are located, etc.
US News and World Report Rankings: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges
You can purchase this in the magazine sections of most places or in a book store.
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2016: http://www.fiskeguide.com/
You can usually find a version of this book in book stores or in the library.
Richard’s Answer
There are some fields like politics or business that rely on connections you can make during school. In other fields like science, engineering and medicine, the institution on your diploma matters less.
You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance. So pick a college and major where you will be happy studying long hours.
Ken’s Answer
Hi Sofie!
Here is some helpful information:
http://grownandflown.com/where-you-go-to-college/