6 answers
Amanda
Student
McKinney, Texas
12
Questions
Asked
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As pre-med student, is it more beneficial to attend a cheap, less prestigious university or a more expensive university with a better pre-med program?
At one institution, I received a full-tuition scholarship, and it's close enough that I can live at home. However, it has limited pre-med opportunities outside of the curriculum. At the other institution, I received zero financial aid but was accepted to a prestigious honors pre-med program with multiple benefits (guaranteed freshman research positions, smaller classes, capstone program, etc.). I'm majoring in biochemistry in both, with plans to go to medical school to become a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
Is it more worthwhile to avoid debt at a smaller school with fewer pre-med opportunities, or invest in a school with abundant opportunities?
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6 answers
Midwest Heart Surgeon
Cardiac surgeon
57
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Midwest’s Answer
Amanda, this is an excellent and mature question, and an extremely difficult one to answer! This is a continuum of cost/benefit which is going to be a little bit different for every individual, depending on your academic performance, financial situation, and future plans. My first impression from reading your scenario is whether the institution to which you received a full tuition scholarship (congratulations!) is a viable pathway to medical school or not. My impression is yes, but this is something you must honestly and robustly investigate before committing. How many students have they had successfully matriculate to medical school in the past 5 years? What sort of experiences at that institution did those individuals have?
While the prestigious institution sounds appealing for many reasons, you must realize that you must do essentially equally well there as you do at the other institution. You will be judged rather objectively on academic performance and MCAT no matter which institution you are coming from. If you are leading the pack from the prestigious university then this of course is better, but it is difficult to know that. You will be compared and contrasted to your classmates who are also applying to medical school from that same prestigious place which has the potential to hurt your candidacy rather than standing out above all overs from the other institution.
I do think choosing a college is proximal enough in your education that you don't have to specifically key in on MFM and offering that. However, you mentioned "few premed opportunities" at the university where you'd receive a full ride and in addition to everything mentioned here it is important that during college you have the opportunity for frequent and legitimate exposure to the healthcare setting. This is less about what's structured and more important that there is at least one or more major medical center in the vicinity so that you can explore shadowing, mentoring, volunteering, working, and other potential roles in a healthcare setting.
With regards to how beneficial it is to avoid this level of debt, only you can truly answer that. There are some programs available including financial aid, scholarships, HPSP military service programs, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for medical school costs, and many others.
While this appears to be a huge decision, the most important fact to recall is that if you do well and are high achieving anywhere, you will be successful. Whether the boost in resources and prestige is worth the price, only you can answer this.
Hope this helps, good luck, and congratulations!
While the prestigious institution sounds appealing for many reasons, you must realize that you must do essentially equally well there as you do at the other institution. You will be judged rather objectively on academic performance and MCAT no matter which institution you are coming from. If you are leading the pack from the prestigious university then this of course is better, but it is difficult to know that. You will be compared and contrasted to your classmates who are also applying to medical school from that same prestigious place which has the potential to hurt your candidacy rather than standing out above all overs from the other institution.
I do think choosing a college is proximal enough in your education that you don't have to specifically key in on MFM and offering that. However, you mentioned "few premed opportunities" at the university where you'd receive a full ride and in addition to everything mentioned here it is important that during college you have the opportunity for frequent and legitimate exposure to the healthcare setting. This is less about what's structured and more important that there is at least one or more major medical center in the vicinity so that you can explore shadowing, mentoring, volunteering, working, and other potential roles in a healthcare setting.
With regards to how beneficial it is to avoid this level of debt, only you can truly answer that. There are some programs available including financial aid, scholarships, HPSP military service programs, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for medical school costs, and many others.
While this appears to be a huge decision, the most important fact to recall is that if you do well and are high achieving anywhere, you will be successful. Whether the boost in resources and prestige is worth the price, only you can answer this.
Hope this helps, good luck, and congratulations!
Frank Chen
Doctor
1
Answer
Orange, Texas
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Great question. I would avoid debt and accept the full scholarship providing that you can find opportunities for research and volunteering at this home location. If the school is so small and has very little resources, then I would steer clear. Another question would be, has there been students attending this school who have been accepted to medical schools in the past. Does it have a premed organization? Reach out and speak to those students. Research doesn't have to be with the school you attend. You can reach out to many institutions outside of your area now that so many things can be done virtually. Schools are looking for well rounded individuals with passion. Passion for medicine is only one factor. Passion for community and for service. There are students from various backgrounds and colleges who are accepted into medical schools. It really depends on your full-tuition school and the "prestigious honors pre-med program with multiple benefits". My personal opinion is that many students and colleges place large emphasis on honors programs and prestige. I don't think it's necessary. DO WELL ON THE MCAT. It is the great equalizer. Stand out where ever you land. Take leadership positions or create pre med opportunities at the smaller school. Maybe that school just needs someone like you to help create opportunities. I have a son who graduated from medical school in 2022, and a daughter who will graduate from medical school in 2024, and they both attended the same state school. It can be done. Good luck.
George Ducach
Podiatry
35
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Amanda. Your question is excellent and probably does not have an easy answer. I believe that if you attend a highly-ranked University/College your chances may be better to be noticed during the admissions process to a Medical School. However, if you are an excellent student and a well-rounded individual, you will be recognized by Admission officers regardless of the University/College you attended. Maybe the statistics show that if you are a Harvard Graduate (for example), your chances are higher. But, my son, who is now an ER doctor, graduated from U-Conn (University of Connecticut) and was interviewed by various major Medical Schools around the country, including Georgetown University and the University of Pennsylvania. He did receive an excellent Medical Education from the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine. Therefore, if you apply to a school like U-Conn and other very good State Universities, you may find they have excellent Pre-Med programs and may be reasonably priced as well. Good luck and keep up the good work you are already doing!
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
If I were in your position, I'd do extensive online research to answer this question since it's so important. The key goal is getting into Med School and https://www.accepted.com/medical/med-selectivity-index lists schools with est. acceptance rates. If this site is accurate then acceptance rates very low and you'll have to stand out to have a chance.
These sites provide info on how to get into med school and could help with your decision https://www.collegevine.com/schools/best-colleges-for-pre-med and https://www.medschoolcoach.com/best-premed-schools/ According to the last site, Harvard grads have a 93% acceptance rate vs. 70-80% for lower ranked ones. One may conclude that pre-med programs that aren't on this list have significantly lower acceptance rates.
Maybe start by asking your question to the admissions people at the Med Schools that you're considering. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings has med school rankings. I'd also ask the placement people at the schools you were accepted at to see if they have data on their graduates' med school acceptance rate.
In the end, the decision comes down to your risk tolerance. Are you willing to take on a lot of debt to potentially have a better chance to get into med school or do you want to graduate without debt with potentially a lower chance to get into med school. If you find out that there isn't a significant difference in acceptance rates from your two pre-med schools then one would conclude the no debt path is best.
Also investigate options if you don't get into med school. Do employers hire more biochemistry majors from one school vs. the other and do they pay more? If that's the case then maybe going to the more expensive one still has an upside and will pay off in the long run.
These sites provide info on how to get into med school and could help with your decision https://www.collegevine.com/schools/best-colleges-for-pre-med and https://www.medschoolcoach.com/best-premed-schools/ According to the last site, Harvard grads have a 93% acceptance rate vs. 70-80% for lower ranked ones. One may conclude that pre-med programs that aren't on this list have significantly lower acceptance rates.
Maybe start by asking your question to the admissions people at the Med Schools that you're considering. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings has med school rankings. I'd also ask the placement people at the schools you were accepted at to see if they have data on their graduates' med school acceptance rate.
In the end, the decision comes down to your risk tolerance. Are you willing to take on a lot of debt to potentially have a better chance to get into med school or do you want to graduate without debt with potentially a lower chance to get into med school. If you find out that there isn't a significant difference in acceptance rates from your two pre-med schools then one would conclude the no debt path is best.
Also investigate options if you don't get into med school. Do employers hire more biochemistry majors from one school vs. the other and do they pay more? If that's the case then maybe going to the more expensive one still has an upside and will pay off in the long run.
Kristin Partin
Manager of UX Design
5
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
This is a great question to ask, and I'm glad to see you're using some resources to help make a decision.
The job market favors networking and connections, *especially* when you're looking to start work in a specialized role. With each job you will apply for you can expect hundreds of other equally qualified candidates to apply as well. "Guaranteed freshman research positions, smaller classes, capstone program" etc. that you had mentioned will all be excellent and unique opportunities to build connections that lead to strong recommendations for finding work and attending medical school.
However, a lot of networking and connections can be made outside of college if you start reaching out personally. In general, people love to help and give advice when they are asked. So if you feel that you are up to starting conversations with professionals in the field - and enhancing your network - then there is a lot of stress that is relieved from job hunting when you attend a college without worrying about any financial debt after.
Unfortunately, it's tough to predict how things will land after college for any person. But it's good to think about how you already apply yourself to expanding your education and opportunities, and then choosing the college that will best support your capabilities.
This is a great question to ask, and I'm glad to see you're using some resources to help make a decision.
The job market favors networking and connections, *especially* when you're looking to start work in a specialized role. With each job you will apply for you can expect hundreds of other equally qualified candidates to apply as well. "Guaranteed freshman research positions, smaller classes, capstone program" etc. that you had mentioned will all be excellent and unique opportunities to build connections that lead to strong recommendations for finding work and attending medical school.
However, a lot of networking and connections can be made outside of college if you start reaching out personally. In general, people love to help and give advice when they are asked. So if you feel that you are up to starting conversations with professionals in the field - and enhancing your network - then there is a lot of stress that is relieved from job hunting when you attend a college without worrying about any financial debt after.
Unfortunately, it's tough to predict how things will land after college for any person. But it's good to think about how you already apply yourself to expanding your education and opportunities, and then choosing the college that will best support your capabilities.
Sabra Bellovin
Family Practice Physician
2
Answers
Chesapeake, Virginia
Updated
Sabra’s Answer
Hi, Amanda:
Congratulations on both acceptances! To help you decide your path, consider the following steps:
1. Evaluate the benefits of each option: tuition coverage and close proximity to home versus prestigious program with research opportunities and smaller classes.
2. Research the medical school acceptance rates for both programs.
3. List the extra-curricular activities offered by each school and determine which align with your interests in research, volunteering, leadership, community causes, and sports.
4. Explore student membership in organizations such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and the Biochemical Society for knowledge enhancement, collegiality, and and to illuminate the potential paths available from your passion for biochemistry (M.D., PhD., teaching, research, policy-making, practicing medicine.
5. Look into summer internships and research programs to gain experience and clarify your career direction.
6. Investigate additional scholarships, such as those offered by www.smartscholar.com, www.scholarships.com, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP), and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).
7. Compare medical school in-state and out-of-state acceptance rates and tuition costs.
8. Research medical school scholarship opportunities like the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP),which offer two, three, and four year military scholarships for civilian medical school tuition as well as a stipend, in exchange for a military service commitment.
Remember, medical schools base their selection on factors like grades, undergraduate school, MCAT scores, and extra-curricular activities. Once you've carefully weighed your options and gathered the necessary information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision. Best of luck!
Congratulations on both acceptances! To help you decide your path, consider the following steps:
1. Evaluate the benefits of each option: tuition coverage and close proximity to home versus prestigious program with research opportunities and smaller classes.
2. Research the medical school acceptance rates for both programs.
3. List the extra-curricular activities offered by each school and determine which align with your interests in research, volunteering, leadership, community causes, and sports.
4. Explore student membership in organizations such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and the Biochemical Society for knowledge enhancement, collegiality, and and to illuminate the potential paths available from your passion for biochemistry (M.D., PhD., teaching, research, policy-making, practicing medicine.
5. Look into summer internships and research programs to gain experience and clarify your career direction.
6. Investigate additional scholarships, such as those offered by www.smartscholar.com, www.scholarships.com, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP), and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).
7. Compare medical school in-state and out-of-state acceptance rates and tuition costs.
8. Research medical school scholarship opportunities like the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP),which offer two, three, and four year military scholarships for civilian medical school tuition as well as a stipend, in exchange for a military service commitment.
Remember, medical schools base their selection on factors like grades, undergraduate school, MCAT scores, and extra-curricular activities. Once you've carefully weighed your options and gathered the necessary information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision. Best of luck!