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What should I consider when choosing a university for a biology major?

I am a senior in high school living in Virginia, and I aspire to become a doctor. After living in Canada for 8 years, I have continued my education in Virginia since the 10th grade. I have decided to pursue a degree in biology in college. Based on the research I have done and the people I have spoken with, many suggest that due to the very high costs of medical schools, it is a wise choice to select a university with the lowest possible budget for pre-med. They believe that attending a nearby university with low costs for a biology degree, combined with a good GPA and a high MCAT score, would be sufficient to get into a top medical school. I would like to hear your opinions on this matter as well. I am about to start applying to colleges, and I have nearly completed my college list.

My college list includes the University of Virginia (my priority), JMU, William & Mary, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, University of Florida, Georgetown University, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Washington Seattle. If you have any other school recommendations, I am open to considering them. Thank you in advance for your response.

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Julia’s Answer

When selecting a university for a biology major, it's important to consider the level of funding allocated to research by the institution. This information can typically be found in information brochures or on the university's website. Moreover, universities with affiliated hospitals nearby often offer more research opportunities, as well as a broader scope and budget for undergraduate research students.
Thank you comment icon Julia, thank you! Mert
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Brooke’s Answer

Ultimately if you're funding your medical school education with loans, it'll be in the 200-400K range just for medical school. While you can certainly save money by looking at community colleges, you'll still have a lot of debt to consider. That being said, I would prioritize the following:
1. A school with a relationship to a medical school, and preferably a priority entrance system. For example, you mentioned U of M, which I believe does prioritize their undergraduates when it comes to medical school spots.
2. A school with a top program will best position you to enter a top medical school, regardless of cost. All your schools listed are top-notch, so if you're able to get in, achieve good grades, score highly on the MCAT, and supplement your resume with lab work/volunteering, you should be good to go.
3. One thing to consider re: cost would be that some medical schools are going free/no tuition. Research these and see if there are undergraduate sister programs that would allow you to have a higher chance of entry into these schools. That would really be a game-changer for finances.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Mert
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Jordan’s Answer

Hi Mert!

I agree with what others have advised you, attending a top school is not a requirement to get into medical school. I would not recommend breaking the bank for your undergraduate degree. What really matters is your GPA, MCAT score, recommendation letters, experience, and extracurriculars. Once you begin college, it's never too early to start reaching out to get clinical experience and lab work. I would also recommend finding premed organizations or joining a premed fraternity (if your future school has one). Joining organizations will help you form connections, gain experience, and if you chose to take a on a leadership position (which I highly recommend!) will make your application stand out more. Premed fraternities also offer opportunities for beneficial career experience and the chance to meet people who are at a place in their career where you hope to be down the line. Make sure you go to your professor's office hours, raise your hand in class, or even schedule time to get coffee and learn more about their career. The better your professors know you, the easier it is for them to write quality letters of recommendation for you. Those letters can go a long way.

It's less about the title of your school, and more about what you do with your time there. What opportunities were offered to you? Did you take advantage of them?

Hope this is helpful and best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Mert
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Kyle’s Answer

Hello there! As an alumnus of the Biology program at the University of Virginia, I'm more than happy to share some insights on your query. As several others have pointed out, the chance to participate in research as an undergraduate is a crucial stepping stone in the realm of Biology education. It's also a key factor when it comes to applying for medical school. The institutions you're considering are all renowned for their robust biology programs and stellar reputations.

Moreover, the presence of a hospital in close proximity is a fantastic asset. It opens up a world of opportunities for clinical work and volunteering, which are other important elements of a medical school application.

Focusing on UVA, I can confidently say that many of my fellow students found the Biology major immensely rewarding as they journeyed towards medical school. They were able to secure a plethora of clinical and volunteering positions at the hospital, as well as research roles in the medical and biology fields. A significant number of my classmates successfully gained admission to medical school straight after college, while others took a gap year before achieving the same success.

I wholeheartedly wish you all the best on your exciting journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Mert
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Zunaira’s Answer

Witnessing individuals who have navigated a journey similar to yours and are currently enrolled in prestigious medical schools can be inspiring. It underscores the fact that choosing an undergraduate institution with lower tuition can be a financially savvy decision. However, these individuals have shared that this path required them to put in extra effort, including maintaining a high GPA and achieving a strong MCAT score. They also emphasized their active participation in various organizations, consistent volunteering, and the accumulation of clinical hours through roles such as scribing. The key takeaway is that gaining admission into a top-tier medical school is certainly achievable. The prerequisites are a strong academic performance and a high MCAT score.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Zunaira! Mert
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alexandros’s Answer

I would look at their research opportunities so you can join in on that.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Mert
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Alex’s Answer

A crucial part of selecting the right school is visiting the campus and attending a few classes in your intended major. This experience will help you determine whether you feel comfortable and if the environment is conducive to your success. As previously mentioned, GPA and standardized test scores are significant factors, so consider how the combination of faculty, opportunities (including financial aid and work-study programs), and overall campus culture will support your academic and personal growth.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Mert
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