Future decision: UT-Austin or U of Kentucky?

[sjshon]

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Hi! I am a senior that is going to be a college Freshmen this coming fall!
My plan is to go to a university and take MCAT and then to a med school.
My concern is should I major in Biological Science or Medical Laboratory Sciences?
I am going to decide between:

University of Kentucky (UKY), Pre-medical Laboratory Science
University of Texas-Austin, Medical Laboratory Science (entry level)
Texas A&M Uni., Biological Sciences

But I do admit that I have strong feelings for UT-Austin or UKY.
I mean, UT-Austin is a good school that is well know, and not that UKY has "stupid students" but if I go into UT-Austin I will compete against people who are most likely will be smarter than that of UKY's pool. So, my other concern is, I think there will be a better chance for me to get a slightly better GPA when going to UKY, but I think at the same time it is a loss for me to not attend UT-Austin. I am just completely lost here and I have talked with several people (parents, counselor, teachers, etc...) and I still feel lost.
And I know what my abilities are and I know I try hard but trying only gets you so far. To be great, you need that "extra" factor and a lot of gifted people out there (not that I am not gifted its just there are a lot of smart people who are just smarter than I am out there).

So, I really would like some advice from older wiser students, doctors what I should do. I think viewing this in a different angle will help me make my decision for my future. What do you think about this matter?

I am open to any criticism, advice, comment, etc...

Thank you so much!

 

[Tolbert]

My concern is should I major in Biological Science or Medical Laboratory Sciences?

As far as major goes, you'll see the more you research that medical schools don't care what major you pick, but rather how you do. GPA and MCAT is what matters. As far as schools though, can't really help you, sorry. Maybe weigh the pros/cons (location, cost if that's a factor, rank if that matters to you, ect.)

Good luck with your decision, and welcome to SDN.

 

[Hillo]

I personally chose Texas A&M over UT Austin because

1) it has no +/- grading system (90% is enough for an A)

2) it accepts so many of my AP and college credits that I would only be required to take 8 credits of classes over the first three semesters THEREFORE giving me the opportunity to take courses that will prepare me for dental school AND courses that I enjoy with a 12-credit course-load

3) for me, it refunds an expected ~$6,855.32/yr after tuition+fees+food+housing are paid

4) it prevented me from getting additionally stressed by automatically accepting me to my major of choice (Biomedical Engineering)

Clearly, I wanted to maximize my chances of getting the best GPA possible (as well as profit from being a student). But of course, I'm most likely less intelligent, and definitely less diligent, than you are.

It truly depends on what you value.

For me, it was being able to support myself independently as well as being able to apply to my desired dental school after one year with confidence.

 

[nysegop]

I personally chose Texas A&M over UT Austin because

1) it has no +/- grading system (90% is enough for an A)

2) it accepts so many of my AP and college credits that I would only be required to take 8 credits of classes over the first three semesters THEREFORE giving me the opportunity to take courses that will prepare me for dental school AND courses that I enjoy with a 12-credit course-load

3) for me, it refunds an expected ~$6,855.32/yr after tuition+fees+food+housing are paid

4) it prevented me from getting additionally stressed by automatically accepting me to my major of choice (Biomedical Engineering)

Clearly, I wanted to maximize my chances of getting the best GPA possible (as well as profit from being a student). But of course, I'm most likely less intelligent, and definitely less diligent, than you are.

It truly depends on what you value.

For me, it was being able to support myself independently as well as being able to apply to my desired dental school after one year with confidence.

Texas A&M FTW! I'm applying there.

 

[Tolbert]

Texas A&M FTW! I'm applying there.

because anywhere you go is automatically amazing 😎 😉

 

[nysegop]

because anywhere you go is automatically amazing 😎 😉

Exactamente señor.

 

[Hillo]

Exactamente señor.

*Exacto

 

[clutch21]

I'll start by saying that I'm a UT Austin student and know nothing about UK (except that I hate the basketball team, haha) so I'm likely biased. However, I think UT is a great place to thrive as a premed. There are a ton of research opportunities and other application boosters you can find. The culture, atmosphere, night life, sports stuff, etc. are all great. I'm graduating this year and have absolutely loved my time there.

Addressing what somewhat else said- Yes, the plus/minus system does suck, but TMDSAS (if your applying to Texas med schools) corrects for the plus/minus system. So no need to worry about that. I'm not sure if AMCAS does the same though. Also, are you a Texas resident?

 

[nysegop]

UT - Austin is more prestigious, but Texas A&M has a very tight premed community if you're into that. I don't know anything about Kentucky.

Texas A&M is cheaper, especially if you're OOS. As for the major, I would choose biological science, but that's because I enjoy the subject. Just major in whatever interests you. Do finance, nobody give a ****.

Quick note on the +/- grading system:
This can also hurt you. If you get an 88 instead of getting the B+ you deserve you will end up with a B.

 

[Mufid]

What's with all the juniors thinking they now everything?

LOL, just kidding.

Sjshon, you need to tell us where you're in-state and how good's the FA and the merit scholarships at each.

It seems A&M doesn't seem like a good fit since your heart is pulling you more towards UT or UK, so I would recommend not considering it.

If the only reason you would attend UK over UT is because of a perceived easiness over there, that is a horrible reason to choose a college.

I'm not biased because I'm from Michigan.

 

[Hillo]

What's with all the juniors thinking they now everything?

LOL, just kidding.

Sjshon, you need to tell us where you're in-state and how good's the FA and the merit scholarships at each.

It seems A&M doesn't seem like a good fit since your heart is pulling you more towards UT or UK, so I would recommend not considering it.

If the only reason you would attend UK over UT is because of a perceived easiness over there, that is a horrible reason to choose a college.

I'm not biased because I'm from Michigan.

At my high school, the juniors sure "now" more than the seniors do.
There is a perceived "heart-pulling", but not a perceived easiness (we should all know UT is tougher).

I personally believe the best college for anyone is the one that will best help the person achieve his/her goals.
Some people just know exactly what they want.

Of course, I'm "biased."

 

[Mufid]

Sorry for the typo. I didn't know that was such a big problem on this type of forum. Just be sure not to slip up. 🙂

And if you (collectively as a group) did "now" everything, why is it that no one has asked him the financial aspects in regards to his college choices? That should be one of the primary focuses anyone takes heed to when deciding on a college to go to. (Oh no, I ended my sentence with a preposition...)

The "biased" remark was in regards to clutch21 who is obviously going to bolster his school over the other choices, which is perfectly fine. I have no vested interest in any of the schools so my opinion will be less biased than clutch's.

There is a perceived "heart-pulling", but not a perceived easiness (we should all know UT is tougher).

First, you cannot say with complete certainty that UT has a more difficult curriculum than either of the two schools. The majors are different at all three, the ECs he/she will participate will be different in all three, and the support group he/she will have will be different at all three. There are too many variables to consider to make this assumption.

Would you go to a college that you hate or dislike? Do you believe emotions should not be taken into consideration?

Whatever happened to challenging yourself and striving for your goals? Does anyone nowadays take pride in their onerous and diligent work?

All are big public schools. All will provide ample resources to succeed when applying for medical/dental/podiatry/so and so forth school as long as he/she is motivated to pursue them. All will help him/her achieve his/her goals.

 

[Hillo]

I just wanted to show some irony (don't kill me).
The seniors at my high school are pretty childish, and I just wanted to show my love for the juniors.

Also, I just thought the biased remark was strange (since clutch21's post even pointed out that he was biased).

People can be challenged in different ways.

Chill!

 

[Hillo]

And I know what my abilities are and I know I try hard but trying only gets you so far. To be great, you need that "extra" factor and a lot of gifted people out there (not that I am not gifted its just there are a lot of smart people who are just smarter than I am out there).

What a sexy quote~
It's like as if it were from a movie.