Importance of Undergraduate Institution

[rickvaughn223]

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Hi all,
I was just wondering if going to a public state school such as the University of Illinois at U-C would work against me when applying to Ivy League schools. I am currently at this school but was thinking of transferring over to Northwestern, but I have a 3.97 GPA, do research and volunteering and I dont really want to risk losing it.
Thanks for your help
Rick

By the way, the support on here for one another is incredible.

 

[VienneseWaltz]

Hi Rick--if you do well on the MCAT, I think you will be fine. It sounds like you have excelled at UIC, and I believe that will serve you better than $60k in debt or however much it will cost you to finish at NU. That having been said, it is worth your while to put in the extra effort on your app--great PS, timely secondaries, etc. Med schools DO notice your undergrad, but they will look past it if you show that you can run with the Ivy Leaguers ...

Also, I think UIC is a fairly well-regarded state school ... someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[oldtown]

granted northwestern is a very well regarded undergrad school, but U of I is no slouch. Doing well there is very commendable. If you were talking Northwestern vs. Southeast Northwest Illinois State A& T, maybe that would be a different story. If you're happy at U of I stay there and save the money while you can

 

[alphabeta53]

i went to an ivy league institution and found it extremely helpful in the application process as far as a foot in the door.if you pull a 35 or higher on the MCAT then you have a great chance at an ivy league med school because it will to a certain extent validate your GPA. Anything lower might put you in iffy waters... wish you the best and realize that you won't know unless you try. Also please take what everyone says with a grain of salt.

 

[surge]

What VW said is absolutely true.

Since it has been discussed ad nauseum, I won't go into too much detail here. Check out the following threads: 1 -2 -3 .

In short, while an Ivy undergrad may help you some, an unknown school won't hold you back, given that you are a good applicant. It's much more important to go where the environment is optimal for you to reach your full potential.

Seems like you are doing great, not to mention that UIUC is a far cry from an unknown school.

And, because I know everyone likes anecdotal evidence....
I went to Drake University (ever heard of it?), and am currently trying to decide whether to accept an MD/PhD offer from WashU in St.Louis or Yale.
Let's just say VW is not doing too bad herself 😉.

Your application will be what YOU make out of it.
Good luck.

 

[Wrigleyville]

There are several good reasons to transfer to a more "heavyweight" academic intitution, but concern about admisson to medical schools is not one of them. Just do well on the MCAT and you'll be fine. More than fine, in fact.

Wrigley

 

[Bones99]

I had a similar dilemma when I was applying to undergrad schools. In the end, I chose to go to a state school (100% scholarship) rather than a higher ranked (and priced) private school. My decision was mostly based on finances at the time, but if I had to decide all over again I would make the same choice. Although I came from a public school I was accepted at an Ivy League medical school, so I don't think you will be "passed over" simply because of your school. I can't see the future, but I'm relatively certain that if you keep your grades how they are and you score well on the MCAT you will be competitive for the top tier med schools. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck.

 

[VienneseWaltz]

Originally posted by surge

And, because I know everyone likes anecdotal evidence....
I went to Drake University (ever heard of it?), and am currently trying to decide whether to accept an MD/PhD offer from WashU in St.Louis or Yale.
Let's just say VW is not doing too bad herself 😉.

😉 Thanks, surge.

I went to the University of South Carolina, which has a rigorous honors program but (rather undeservedly) is not-so-well-regarded outside the South. Nonetheless, I interviewed at 4 top-5 schools, and I'm going to one of them. 🙂 Also had several acceptances from other top-25 schools.

You might get the occasional sneer from an elitist at your Ivy interviews, 🙄 but you will be fine if you do well on the MCAT. Good luck!

 

[filmdoc26]

I have to agree with all the above posters. I graduated from an Ivy, but I still think that my chances were only slightly greater if not completely negligible in applying to med schools. The only school that seemed to favor Ivy graduates and other students from "elite" institutions (like Northwestern) was Columbia. It's a great school, but all the students seemed to carry the same pedigree.

Anyhow...I say stick with UIC if you're happy there. It's still a great school, and you seem to be rocking it. Keep it up...best of luck!

 

[rickvaughn223]

thanks for your opinions guys!

Sorry this topic has been beaten to death, but every situation is a little different.

Rick

 

[PhT]

Although it seems like this topic has pretty much been covered in full, I figured I'd add my $0.02, naturally. Rick, I can relate to your situation, as I am experiencing the same internal struggle as we speak. However, our situations are the same on the surface only, as I attend a D3 state school in Wisconsin and am actually looking to attend a more well-known state school (UW Madison - of course). As a result of consulting the vast archives of this site, in addition to helpful university faculty, I've come to the tentative realization that the best school for me is the one that allows me to perform in comfort. For right now, that place is right where I am, prestigious or not. To make a long story short, listen to what the previous posters are telling you: there's more to you as an applicant than your undergraduate institution.