Pre-Med Emory University vs University of Miami

[medschoolhopeful99]

Hi guys, I was accepted last year to the Emory University (Oxford College) and University of Miami. Because of an extenuating family circumstance, I withdrew from UMiami, but they told me I could return in Spring or next year if I wanted to, and I also contacted Emory and they also said I could still attend if I wish.

Here's my question, which should I go with? Is it worth it to go to a more prestigious university (Emory) or should I go to UMiami? I'll be honest I wasn't crazy about the Emory's Oxford campus but it does have pretty small classes which is a plus... At UMiami some of my HS friends are there already so it'd be easier to fit in. The costs for both universities is essentially the same. Which would you say is a better choice for pre-med? I'm not also trying to dodge rigor, but Emory is a more rigorous university and hence I could take a hit to my GPA as a result... I'm honestly pretty confused. I chose UMiami last year because I couldn't decide and ended up getting convinced by my friends who were going there as well, but now that I have time to rethink it, I'm wondering what I should do?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[altblue]

Well it sounds like you'd be happier at UMiami, and that's not a bad school either

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@altblue thanks for your reply! do you think that the prestige of Emory is worth it for medical school admissions though? And is the rigor of classes at Emory (particularly in the sciences) going to be higher than that of UMiami? The reason I ask this, is because I just honestly want to go the school I can get the highest GPA at because I've heard how numbers oriented the whole medical school admissions process is.

 

[bengirlxD]

My friend transferred to Emory as a pre med and hated it. The rigor was just too hard for him. He's now doing grade repair. I myself have decided to stay at my state school and am having a very successful cycle. Go where your heart is set out and where you will be happy. Ranking doesn't mean much for pre med education. What matters is your GPA, MCAT, and EC's.

 

[altblue]

@altblue thanks for your reply! do you think that the prestige of Emory is worth it for medical school admissions though? And is the rigor of classes at Emory (particularly in the sciences) going to be higher than that of UMiami? The reason I ask this, is because I just honestly want to go the school I can get the highest GPA at because I've heard how numbers oriented the whole medical school admissions process is.

It's a mixed bag: yeah you want a high GPA, but you also want to take challenging exams and be decently prepared for the MCAT. UMiami is a pretty good school though so you should be alright with the rigor. I'd lean towards the easier school though - I'd rather spend extra time truly learning the material for the MCAT than get stuck with a 3.1 GPA

Emory is a great school but I've heard that name only really helps for the top 15 or so, and even then it won't save a candidate with an otherwise non-viable GPA

 

[sss1219]

Do you think that the prestige of Emory is worth it for medical school admissions though?

Do not follow the prestige factor, instead go where you think you will be happier and where you will have the necessary support system to do well in your classes

 

[stickgirl390]

Adcoms don’t care where you got your degree, just that you have one.

 

[libertyyne]

Adcoms don’t care where you got your degree, just that you have one.

Caveat, some private medical schools give extra points for HYPSM schools. But for the most part as long as it isnt CC its a OK.

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

Ahh okay, thanks so much guys! Looks like from the way people are putting it, Emory is just not worth it for medical school purposes -- it'd be more beneficial to go to a slightly less rigorous school for a higher GPA. I won't lie, it is a bit difficult to say no to Emory University but speaking practically I think it is best I return to UMiami, and really work hard!

 

[altblue]

Ahh okay, thanks so much guys! Looks like from the way people are putting it, Emory is just not worth it for medical school purposes -- it'd be more beneficial to go to a slightly less rigorous school for a higher GPA. I won't lie, it is a bit difficult to say no to Emory University but speaking practically I think it is best I return to UMiami, and really work hard!

Good for you man!

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

Wherever is cheaper


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@CyrusHabs7695 they're both going to cost roughly the same

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

Don't want to bump an old thread, but Emory got more votes than UMiami did, yet comments are telling me to go with Miami. To anyone voting for Emory, could you explain why?

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

@eternelle Ahh okay, well I'm certain for medical school. Oxford College still offers you Emory academics (it's one of the 9 divisions of Emory University), but it's in like the middle of nowhere-ish lol and there are smaller classes so yes the quality of education would likely be better at Emory. On the flip side, UMiami does have that medical school thing going and the campus location is better and more connected to the city of Miami and I'd therefore probably enjoy my time at UMiami more. What I fail to see though is what the point in going to Oxford and trying to engage in Emory-level academics is when the end goal is medical school anyway. Especially when you mention that UM has that thing going with the medical school which is certainly advantageous.

 

[SteyrFWB]

If you perform better amongst Asians (East and South), then go to Emory. If you perform better amongst Hispanics, then go to Miami.

There is the Emory joke that going to first day of class, count the number of Asian kids first, if it is greater than 50%, drop that class LOL !!

Besides, the U is back !!! ESPN is going crazy !

 

[medschoolhopeful99]

haha that made me lol irl @SteyrFWB though does this apply to Oxford too? 🤣

 

[SteyrFWB]

It is more so at Oxford than Emory (28% vs. 21%). Class dropping galore !!

 

[altblue]

Don't want to bump an old thread, but Emory got more votes than UMiami did, yet comments are telling me to go with Miami. To anyone voting for Emory, could you explain why?

Not reading the thread, prestige wh*ring or some combination of the two lol

 

[Terror Billy]

Choose UMiami, it’s not a slouch school and it sounds like you’ll be happier there. The “prestige” difference isn’t significant. Now if it was UPenn and UMiami then that’s another story...