In-State vs. OOS

[all4]

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1st post-please forgive if this has been covered before, I couldn't find it.

My son will be part of a 2014 med school class. His stats, gpa and mcat scores are all very good. He has applied to 10 schools, received secondaries from them all, and so far, interview invites from 3 (and has scheduled those 3 already).

Over the past several months we have heard many times from friends and relatives (we do not have any mds in the family) that he should stay in-state for med school and not 'waste' the money on OOS tuition. Instead they say, residency is what matters.

I would like to hear opinions from those that really know. What are the benefits of attending a UVA or Johns Hopkins or U of Chicago over an in-state school such as U of KY? Is the education worth the doubling (or more) of tuition?

My son has worked hard in and outside of the classroom to be a strong competitor for entrance into the more prestigious med schools. I am trying to decide if we can rationalize the expense.

Any insight is much appreciated!

 

[plauto]

1st post-please forgive if this has been covered before, I couldn't find it.

My son will be part of a 2014 med school class. His stats, gpa and mcat scores are all very good. He has applied to 10 schools, received secondaries from them all, and so far, interview invites from 3 (and has scheduled those 3 already).

Over the past several months we have heard many times from friends and relatives (we do not have any mds in the family) that he should stay in-state for med school and not 'waste' the money on OOS tuition. Instead they say, residency is what matters.

I would like to hear opinions from those that really know. What are the benefits of attending a UVA or Johns Hopkins or U of Chicago over an in-state school such as U of KY? Is the education worth the doubling (or more) of tuition?

My son has worked hard in and outside of the classroom to be a strong competitor for entrance into the more prestigious med schools. I am trying to decide if we can rationalize the expense.

Any insight is much appreciated!

Class of 2014 has started med school already for the year in pretty much every med school in the country. Did you mean to say he's applying for a spot in the class of 2015? If so, first of all be happy if he gets in at all, especially since he applied to only 10 schools. Many well qualified applicants do no get in. Secondaries are sent out almost automatically. Interviews are good.
Other than that, med school is not like law school where the name of the university matters. It's mostly a matter of individual effort and how much you like one place over another. Education is standardized across the country.
The only difference might be in research opportunities and networking options.
Again, it depends from place to place Many big name places might not offer an advantage for the tuition premium. Bottom line is, in order to get a good residency what matters if your own effort. The school you come from is almost irrelevant. I will not get into the MD/DO thing.

 

[all4]

Class of 2014 has started med school already for the year in pretty much every med school in the country. Did you mean to say he's applying for a spot in the class of 2015? If so, first of all be happy if he gets in at all, especially since he applied to only 10 schools. Many well qualified applicants do no get in. Secondaries are sent out almost automatically. Interviews are good.
Other than that, med school is not like law school where the name of the university matters. It's mostly a matter of individual effort and how much you like one place over another. Education is standardized across the country.
The only difference might be in research opportunities and networking options.
Again, it depends from place to place Many big name places might not offer an advantage for the tuition premium. Bottom line is, in order to get a good residency what matters if your own effort. The school you come from is almost irrelevant. I will not get into the MD/DO thing.

First of all thank you. And yes, sorry....he is a Senior in college this year applying/interviewing for the Fall of 2011.

Wow, that is interesting that education is standardized across the country. The networking is something we definitely have thought of as a plus when thinking of the big name places.

You are right, we will wait and see if he gets in to any of his 10. It kind of scares me a bit when you use the word 'only 10'! He is so sick of writing secondaries, I don't think he can imagine doing more. He is on his last, which is Vanderbilt, and is looking forward to being done.

Thanks again.

 

[penguin24]

Here's a good strategy. Let's say your son gets into in-state school (U of KY), as well as John's Hopkins. Hopkin's is twice as expensive as KY, thus the dilemma. Do this:

Have your son call Hopkins and tell them, "I really want to go to your med school b/c it is so wonderful, but I was accepted at U of KY and the tuition is much cheaper. If you can offer me a scholarship that can match the money I would be paying at U of KY, I would gladly accept your offer. Otherwise I must decline your offer b/c I can't afford your tuition."

Then it's up to Hopkins to compete for your son. It may work, or may not, but it's worth a shot.

 

[penguinophile]

Agree with above. Went to a private school for med school myself, and now that I'm in residency with people from private and public schools, there is no difference at all. The only plus would be if your child wants to eventually practice in a different region of the country they would be better served going to med school in that region. Otherwise, total waste of money to pay so much extra for private school.