Disadvantages of a state school?

[Kong Bu]

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I just wanted to know the disadvantages of a state school when it came to research/EC's. I know all the advantages (cheaper, etc etc) and I know that (hopefully) adcoms don't care if you go to a state school vs. private.

So what are the disadvantages of state schools when it comes to research and EC's? Seeing the large student population, I can imagine an endless battle for research opportunities, lab jobs, and even volunteering and shadowing (the school I had in mind has it's own hospital).

Not only that, but considering the large lecture halls for science classes and thus less personalized attention, I mean, isn't life tough as a student who has dreams of going into a top medical school?

Comments, thoughts? I don't mean to bash state schools but I know enough about the advantages. I just want to weigh things out.

 

[BerlinDude]

I just wanted to know the disadvantages of a state school when it came to research/EC's. I know all the advantages (cheaper, etc etc) and I know that (hopefully) adcoms don't care if you go to a state school vs. private.

So what are the disadvantages of state schools when it comes to research and EC's? Seeing the large student population, I can imagine an endless battle for research opportunities, lab jobs, and even volunteering and shadowing (the school I had in mind has it's own hospital).

Not only that, but considering the large lecture halls for science classes and thus less personalized attention, I mean, isn't life tough as a student who has dreams of going into a top medical school?

Comments, thoughts? I don't mean to bash state schools but I know enough about the advantages. I just want to weigh things out.

When it comes to research, the most important thing is what lab you are in, not what school. Most of the best labs are in private big-name schools though.

 

[Greonis]

Your question is impossible to answer. There are no absolute disadvantages to be found in either research or EC's at public schools versus private schools. I would argue that it is far more important to take into account the size and funding of the school (neither of which necessarily have to do with being public or private) to assess research/EC quality, and even then, you may not find the answers you seek, since the topic is extremely broad.

Given this, I believe that any applicant's goal should be to find an undergraduate school that fits them best, independent of whether it is big or small, public or private. For while some schools undoubtedly have more/better opportunities than others, it won't matter if the students are not content with their place and fully able/willing to make the most of what they have. I would guess that an applicant who comes from a smaller school with fewer resources, yet puts more effort into making the most of what they have, almost always trumps an applicant from a larger, better-funded school that does not take advantage of their environment.

 

[DrYoda]

So what are the disadvantages of state schools when it comes to research and EC's? Seeing the large student population, I can imagine an endless battle for research opportunities, lab jobs, and even volunteering and shadowing (the school I had in mind has it's own hospital).

I can only speak from my own personaly experience, but I didn't have a hard time finding research opportunities. Even at the massive premed mill of a university I went to, I found that many students just have no interest in research (even premeds😱). Some of the science departments at my uni even require that all students do research.

I don't know about the hospital, the one I volunteered at wasn't assosciated with a university. Which is what I suggest as a solution if you find your school's hospital is overrun with premeds.

Not only that, but considering the large lecture halls for science classes and thus less personalized attention, I mean, isn't life tough as a student who has dreams of going into a top medical school?

This really depends on the university, some small state universities don't have this problem. Downside of those is they tend to be less researchy, so you (generally speaking) will have a trade off with these two things in state schools (and probably private schools too if you go to a tiny lib arts college).

There are tools to help you learn if your having problems: office hours, "free" tutoring, suplemental instruction (usually just for larger classes) and recorded lectures(depends on the prof).

Also, not every class is giant even at big public universities. I had one class with ~600 people, another with only five. How many large classes you have will depend on your major: Popular major=lots, unpopular major= not so many.

 

[redlight]

well it depends on the quality of the state school, right? i cant imagine schools like cal, ucla, and michigan lacking research and EC ops....right?

 

[TexasPhysician]

When it comes to research, the most important thing is what lab you are in, not what school. Most of the best labs are in private big-name schools though.

No, the most important thing is how much you PUBLISH.

 

[dw2158]

OP, college is what you make it. IMO, it's silly to pick a school for undergrad based on your preconceived notions (that are probably wrong) of how "good" the school is at getting people into med school. mostly because that stuff is crap, but also because your plans might change and you might want a career in (gasp!) something other than medicine. where are you going to be happy? where will you learn a lot, make a lot of friends, etc.? if you are dedicated, you can get into med school from any college.

 

[schrizto]

I'm going to Pitt in the fall and I picked it especially for the research opportunities. They have an amazing medical school and lots of hospitals. Going to a major research institution has its perks. I don't think I would be happy at a small liberal arts college, no matter how selective it is.

 

[BerlinDude]

No, the most important thing is how much you PUBLISH.

Most premeds or even medical students don't publish anything though. It can take years to complete a study from start to finish. If you have something, great, but that's rare.

The letter of recommendation is the best way to gauge your research exposure, and letters from well-known people carry the most weight.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Most premeds or even medical students don't publish anything though. It can take years to complete a study from start to finish. If you have something, great, but that's rare.

The letter of recommendation is the best way to gauge your research exposure, and letters from well-known people carry the most weight.

Actually MANY medical students DO publish. Few pre-meds do, but it is definitely something that is looked HIGHLY upon.

 

[MossPoh]

Oh please, most med schools don't give a damn what lab you are in. The vast majority of what premeds do is scut monkey stuff anyway. It isn't the same as getting a phd. There are just too many areas for people to keep up to date on and know who is at the forefront. I researched in usability engineering with radiology. You honestly think most adcoms will know or care about who is big in that area?

They just want to see that you show an interest. If it is a research oriented school then they want to see that you have a solid basis in the basics and know the process. It is truly rare that an undergrad makes a true intellectual contribution to research in any lab, let alone the top ones with some of the greatest minds on the planet.