A question about undergraduate admissions...

[Conflagration]

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I was just accepted to Campbell's Pre-Pharmacy program within the past week or so.

Now, I'm changing it to Pre-Professional Biology. However, I could go to other state institutions and do the same major for cheaper (I'm a NC resident).

My question is how much effect would having Campbell as my institution over a state institution (like NCSU or UNC)? I'm going to start college in Fall 2012, so I have some time to think about it, and I'd rather know which idea would be better(saving money is very seldom a bad idea unless there's a reason to spend more, so I guess my question is what tier is Campbell compared to NCSU and UNC).

 

[RogueUnicorn]

never heard of any of these places

edit: except unc

 

[chronicidal]

pretty much. only UNC-CH has name recognition.

 

[gloeotrichia]

I think the only time going to a private school beats out saving tons of money going to a good state school is if that private school is really well-known and well-respected. Since you're an NC resident, you should just go to UNC, which is a really well-known state school, whereas I've never even heard of Campbell. I went to a state school and am having no trouble getting accepted to med school. Also, I have $0 in debt, so the debt I'm taking on in med school is WAY less daunting.

 

[music2doc]

Is a campbell a community college? I kid, I kid. But seriously. Unknown private schools aren't going to help you get into med school. Hell, even an Ivy league school only helps marginally. You are generally better off with the state school (esp. a well-known one) than a private school unless the private school's scholarships more than make up for the difference in price.

 

[IlDestriero]

Is a campbell a community college? I kid, I kid. But seriously. Unknown private schools aren't going to help you get into med school. Hell, even an Ivy league school only helps marginally. You are generally better off with the state school (esp. a well-known one) than a private school unless the private school's scholarships more than make up for the difference in price.

I've never heard of campbell. It won't help you at all. I'd assume UNC CH is a much better school, and it probably is.
The only schools worth considering private over public are US News national top 20, and maybe not even all of them. Forget about tiny unknown privates unless they offer you $$$$ and have a fabulous program for your plan B.

 

[Conflagration]

Thanks, everyone. I'll get together some applications to make for Regular Decision. =D

 

[dougfunnie]

I don't know a ton about basic science or pre-med resources at Campbell. UNC and State churn out tons of medical students and I know from personal experience that they are both great options. You may notice a little less hand-holding for pre-med students than private or other state's institutions because of the massive budget cuts that NC public institutions are dealing with. The resources and opportunities are here for us, but you have to go figure things out for yourself. That being said, if you are willing to take the initiative, you will find pre-health advisors and tons of other undergrads that have great advice (at least I did).

If you are between UNC and State, the big difference will be the competitiveness of UNC. UNC has some of the toughest grading in organic and analytical chemistry in the country (think bell-curved to a B- or C which means that less than 30% of the top pre-med students in NC will earn an A or B in those classes). On the other hand, UNC offers WAY more clinical, volunteer, and research opportunities. You will come out of State with a better GPA or UNC with better experiences.

 

[sector9]

Moving to hSDN

 

[candav]

I faced a similar decision this past year: stay at my Midwestern state school, attend a relatively unknown school abroad, or attend a well-known Ivy back East. After much thought, I determined that prestige alone wasn't that important to me; living in a large metropolitan city, having access to a thriving dance scene, and being a part of a collegiate system within a larger university was. You will only know what your criteria are after visiting, talking with current students, and thoroughly researching the options you have. To that end, I strongly encourage you visit each campus and talk with current students. Don't let other people or financial factors influence your decision.

That said, your major and career plans may change drastically once you step foot on campus. It's generally a good idea to attend a school that is strong in all fields so that if you do decide to change paths, you won't have to transfer to a different school.

Are you at UTSG, by chance? Just wanted to drop in and say hello to a fellow UofT'er! 🙂

 

[MilkmanAl]

I still do not understand how the campus visit helps you predict how much you will like that place.

I went to Duke, and every student I talked to either blew me off or said he/she didn't like it. I had the exact opposite experience at UNC and ended up attending there. Chances are you won't have such polarizing experiences, but if you talk to enough people, you'll get some solid opinions and info to work with.

Incidentally, after spending 5 years in Chapel Hill, I've never heard of Campbell, either. 😛

 

[MilkmanAl]

If you don't get the info you need from students, you're talking to the wrong people and/or asking the wrong questions. During school is exactly when you should be there since the students will obviously be around. I don't recommend going to every school due to time and expense issues, but if you can pick out 2-3 places you're really interested in, you'll get some good pointers.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Campbell University is opening an Osteopathic school, so if that may interest you, you might want to go there. Personally, I'd attend UNC (any of both campuses) if they are cheaper.