How much benefit does going to a state school’s undergrad grant if you’re not from that state?

[lpe71]

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I’m a student at UNC Chapel Hill but my home state is not NC. If I don’t achieve NC residency (which is likely, they’re super stingy about it) by the time I apply, how much of a benefit will attending UNC for undergrad give me? I know it won’t be as much as being from NC, but will it be substantial enough for me to apply without having a 3.9+ and 36 MCAT? It seems those are the stats UNC takes from out of staters.

 

[IlDestriero]

The only benefit will be that that have a lot of experience with UNC grads. So they know how a 3.6, 32 MCAT, biochemistry major should perform. If you get past the in/out state status, you might get a break. Of course that works both ways.


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Il Destriero

 

[STLouisVuittonDon]

I think it's a pretty significant benefit. Destriero has a great point. Looking at the new MSAR, it looks like the stats between IS and OOS accepted students isn't too different. They mostly accept IS because they think there's a much higher percentage chance you'll go there (think yield). If your'e already a ug there, and can talk about how you see yourself living in NC for your career, then they'll really like that. I think one of the most important questions in the interview is "Why XX school?" and you would be able to truly and passionately talk about why UNC is the perfect fit for you (assuming it is), both inside of and outside of medicine (unlike the majority of applicants who don't go there).

 

[DokterMom]

Sometimes the IS preference is discretionary; sometimes it's statutory.

If the school is not legally required to take a certain number/percentage from 'technically IS' then they may consider you 'sorta IS' and give you some preference. But if their requirements are technical and you don't qualify, then it's probably only the 'known quantity' advantage @Il Destriero mentions.