UMiami vs Bama Honor's College for pre-med

[MarylandMatt]

Hey SDN, I am a high school senior and am trying to see what your thoughts are on these universities. I have come up with pros and cons of both and am open to any input you guys have to offer.

U of Miami

Pros:
-Location. I love Miami, if I could live anywhere in the nation, I'd pick Miami. I'd like to live here after all my schooling is done regardless of where I go. 20 minutes from Medical School.
-Campus. The campus is small and modern, which I like a lot. I would love being there for 4 years. The brand new student center, state-of-the-art gym, and meticulously maintained grounds all make it feel like a resort.
-Size. The school is around 10,000 undergrads which is the perfect size for me. Most classes are small and you can be more personal with your professors.
-Sports. Lots of school pride for football and basketball teams.
-Medical Scholar's Program. This program gives well-qualified undergrads acceptance to the Miami Miller Medical School with a 3.7 GPA and 30 MCAT, while providing shadowing, volunteering, and research activities.

Cons:
-Price. My family has an income of $300,000 so it would be possible to go, but it doesn't change the fact that $60,000 per year is still a lot of money. I wouldn't need any undergrad loans, but I probably would for medical school. I am also interested in HPSP for the military, so that might negate this if I choose the military route. I'd prefer not to, though.
-Competition. At Miami I'm only slightly above average, roughly 60th percentile.


Bama

Pros:
-Very affordable. I will have a 2/3rds tuition scholarship and possibly full tuition if I can raise my 1340 SAT to a 1400.
-Sports. Best football school in the country, Roll Tide Pride everywhere.
-Honor's College. This would make the big school "feel" smaller.
-Less competition. I'm well into the 75th percentile here.
-Opportunities. Lots of research going on.

Cons:
-Location. I don't really want to live in Alabama. I would only go for 4 years and then leave.
-Lack of diversity. 85% white, mostly conservative, religious, and from the south. I'm a moderate, white atheist from "the North." Needless to say, I'd like a place with a little more diversity.
-Size. It's huge. I'd like a smaller campus and student body.
-Culture. Heavy drinking and partying. I'm all for having fun but I've heard it's excessive.
-Reputation. Not as highly regarded as Miami.


Is it a better idea to go to the expensive school I love and will be happiest at, or the cheap school that I find acceptable?


Thanks, all input is warmly appreciated.
-an hSDN member

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[Aerus]

Bama sounds like the better option. You're in less debt, there's tons of opportunities, you're at the higher end of your class, and you won't be miserable here. Sounds like a good school to go to. And let's face it - very very few med school applicants actually have the choice on their preferred location. Might as well get used to being outside your comfort zone now.

 

[Burla]

Are your parents willing to pay for Miami?
If, so and if you're comfortable taking the $, I would go there simply because I get the feeling its where you want to be. But honestly it doesn't really matter where you go (although that scholars program looks nice...)

 

[MarylandMatt]

Yes, my family will pay for my schooling at any private school. My dad is a VP at Georgetown U, so Georgetown will subsidize some tuition at Miami (or any school for that matter) - I think it's ~$5k yearly. I might get $5-10k in merit on top of that so it might not be too bad. The only caveat is that my dad will push for HPSP for medical school if I go to an expensive school.

Miami is definitely where I want to be. The MSP is intriguing, but it's competitive to get into. Miami Miller would be my #1 medical school, so getting in automatically would be awesome.

Maryland College Park is also an option. Would cost the same as Bama, but I don't really like it.

 

[puppyloomp]

As someone from the "not south" and going to school in the south (albeit I'm not even in the deep south like you would be), I really wouldn't recommend going to school there if you don't think you'd like it. You should be sure first because it's definitely a huge change in culture and honestly most of it isn't for the better unless you're really into that type of stuff, which it sounds like you're not. If your parents will pay for Miami I'd recommend going there unless you really start thinking you'd actually like Bama (and I'd 99% of the time tell people to go to the cheaper school so....) Not sure if those are your only two options for whatever reasons but there's also a lot of other public schools that have scholarships and honors programs in places you'd probably like that aren't a huge culture shock

Also small class sizes and being able to communicate with professors helps a ton

 

[Sephiroth]

I could definitely sympathize with your not wanting to be in a place like alabama. I'm similar to you and would be uncomfortable living somewhere like alabama with few people I could really relate to. There's a difference between getting out of your comfort zone and being situated long-term somewhere where it will be difficult to connect with many people. If paying for your undergrad education will not be a significant financial burden on your parents, I'd say go to Miami (don't worry about where you fall stats-wise going in, it's about the work you put in while you're there). Also, it would likely be easier for you to then spend a gap year working in Florida - a state with 6 public med schools and a private one (UMiami) which gives in-state preference, so that will help boost your odds of getting in somewhere, and a somewhere that will have nice in-state tuition.

 

[Arkangeloid]

UMiami fo sho.

 

[SOMBound13]

I'm a Californian who graduated from Bama.

Many of the responses here are from people who are simply wildly guessing at what it would be like at Bama. None of these people seem to have any first-hand experience and are basically relying on old stereotypes for their answers.

Bama is much more diverse than you think. MANY students are from OOS...many are from Calif (Calif is #5 in sending kids to Bama). Illinois and NY are other states that send a good number of students to Bama.

For the last 2 years, the freshman classes have been over 50% OOS. Bama is not a "southern school" in the sense that the students are all from the South or anything like that.

BTW....Bama was "Obama Country" during the last 2 elections. The congressperson who represents the area where Bama is in, is a female Democrat AA. Hardly a bastion of conservatism.

Lastly, med schools are not going to be "more imprssed" by a Miami grad over a Bama grad...not at all.

 

[SOMBound13]

-Less competition. I'm well into the 75th percentile here.

No, you're not.

The upper quartile at Bama has an ACT 31+

my 1340 SAT

That is equivalent to an ACT 30

 

[MarylandMatt]

No, you're not.

The upper quartile at Bama has an ACT 31+




That is equivalent to an ACT 30

My scores are 670/670/650, yet to take ACT.

Alabama SAT scores:

Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile SAT
Critical Reading: 500 / 620
SAT Math: 500 / 640
SAT Writing: 490 / 610

 

[Sephiroth]

Many of the responses here are from people who are simply wildly guessing at what it would be like at Bama. None of these people seem to have any first-hand experience and are basically relying on old stereotypes for their answers.

I've been there. Sometmes stereotypes exist for a reason. Not saying everyone there is like that. They have some good grad programs that likely have different kinds of people in them. But the majority... eh. Maybe not as bad as some people would expect, but you're definitely not dealing with the kind of people you'd find up north or in Miami in any appreciable number.

BTW....Bama was "Obama Country" during the last 2 elections. The congressperson who represents the area where Bama is in, is a female Democrat AA. Hardly a bastion of conservatism.

uh, alabama went 60.5 to 38 for romney over obama in 2012. There were some areas that were heavily democratic (mostly around Birmingham and Montgomery), but Tuscaloosa county was not one of them. Hell, even just northern florida gets pretty damn conservative. Sure, you'll find people of all varieties all over the place, but not in equal proportions.

Lastly, med schools are not going to be "more imprssed" by a Miami grad over a Bama grad...not at all.

this is definitely true. I don't recall anyone using this as a reason though.

 

[SOMBound13]

My scores are 670/670/650, yet to take ACT.

Alabama SAT scores:

Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile SAT
Critical Reading: 500 / 620
SAT Math: 500 / 640
SAT Writing: 490 / 610

Since most students at Bama submit ACT scores, you have to use that as your guideline...and convert your SAT to an ACT score. Only 25% submit a SAT score.

That said, of the small number that submit the SAT, the top 25% have a CR of 630+ and a Math of 650+. Your scores are higher, but you're not "well into" the top 25%....especially in light of what the ACT students have and they're a huge majority.

 

[SOMBound13]

Quote:
BTW....Bama was "Obama Country" during the last 2 elections. The congressperson who represents the area where Bama is in, is a female Democrat AA. Hardly a bastion of conservatism.

uh, alabama went 60.5 to 38 for romney over obama in 2012. There were some areas that were heavily democratic (mostly around Birmingham and Montgomery), but Tuscaloosa county was not one of them. Hell, even just northern florida gets pretty damn conservative. Sure, you'll find people of all varieties all over the place, but not in equal proportions.

I said that the university was Obama country, and that's relevant because the student is concerned about what the school would be like. And the county went with Romney, but it wasn't the blowout that the rest of the state was.....so it's not a bastion of conservatism.

And, Miami area isn't all that liberal. It has a high Cuban population and many are conservatives.

 

[MarylandMatt]

Since most students at Bama submit ACT scores, you have to use that as your guideline...and convert your SAT to an ACT score. Only 25% submit a SAT score.

That said, of the small number that submit the SAT, the top 25% have a CR of 630+ and a Math of 650+. Your scores are higher, but you're not "well into" the top 25%....especially in light of what the ACT students have and they're a huge majority.

I've never seen the %s on SAT vs ACT. I didn't know that, could you link where you found that?

Hopefully I'll do good on the ACT. I got a 5 on the new AP Bio exam even with its horrific curve, so I'll probably score high on the science section of the ACT. I'll take the ACT once or twice and the SAT 2-3 more times.

 

[SOMBound13]

I've never seen the %s on SAT vs ACT. I didn't know that, could you link where you found that?

Hopefully I'll do good on the ACT. I got a 5 on the new AP Bio exam even with its horrific curve, so I'll probably score high on the science section of the ACT. I'll take the ACT once or twice and the SAT 2-3 more times.

The percent is on Collegeboard.

 

[SOMBound13]

I've been there. Sometmes stereotypes exist for a reason

When were you there, why were you there, and how long were you there?




Sometimes stereotypes exist because of outdated beliefs.. The old "dumb polish" jokes came from the fact that they often didn't bother to learn English because they lived in close-knit communities...they even had their kids taught in Polish.. so the others would just (wrongly) stereotype them as dumb. obviously, that wouldn't be true today, as Polish Americans typically know English and are educated in English. But, the dumb Polish jokes are still around.

Those outside of the South like to stereotype southern good sized cities based on how the small rural areas are. Virtually everywhere in this country, the city people are far more sophisticated than the rural people are. I'm from Calif...the city people are very different from the small town rural folks. It's the same in the South.

 

[BamaMD90]

You can always find people that support stereotypes wherever you go. Even if Alabama isn't well diversified when you look at statistics, part of the appeal of a large university is that there are plenty of niches you can fall in to. I graduated this past year from the honors college so feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Not that football is a great reason by itself to choose a school, but if you're a fan, you'd be extremely hard-pressed to find a better game day atmosphere than the Quad and Bryant Denny. Sun-life can't compare.

 

[sector9]

Moving thread to hSDN

 

[fjzerpa]

Hey SDN, I am a high school senior and am trying to see what your thoughts are on these universities. I have come up with pros and cons of both and am open to any input you guys have to offer.

U of Miami

Pros:
-Location. I love Miami, if I could live anywhere in the nation, I'd pick Miami. I'd like to live here after all my schooling is done regardless of where I go. 20 minutes from Medical School.
-Campus. The campus is small and modern, which I like a lot. I would love being there for 4 years. The brand new student center, state-of-the-art gym, and meticulously maintained grounds all make it feel like a resort.
-Size. The school is around 10,000 undergrads which is the perfect size for me. Most classes are small and you can be more personal with your professors.
-Sports. Lots of school pride for football and basketball teams.
-Medical Scholar's Program. This program gives well-qualified undergrads acceptance to the Miami Miller Medical School with a 3.7 GPA and 30 MCAT, while providing shadowing, volunteering, and research activities.

Cons:
-Price. My family has an income of $300,000 so it would be possible to go, but it doesn't change the fact that $60,000 per year is still a lot of money. I wouldn't need any undergrad loans, but I probably would for medical school. I am also interested in HPSP for the military, so that might negate this if I choose the military route. I'd prefer not to, though.
-Competition. At Miami I'm only slightly above average, roughly 60th percentile.


Bama

Pros:
-Very affordable. I will have a 2/3rds tuition scholarship and possibly full tuition if I can raise my 1340 SAT to a 1400.
-Sports. Best football school in the country, Roll Tide Pride everywhere.
-Honor's College. This would make the big school "feel" smaller.
-Less competition. I'm well into the 75th percentile here.
-Opportunities. Lots of research going on.

Cons:
-Location. I don't really want to live in Alabama. I would only go for 4 years and then leave.
-Lack of diversity. 85% white, mostly conservative, religious, and from the south. I'm a moderate, white atheist from "the North." Needless to say, I'd like a place with a little more diversity.
-Size. It's huge. I'd like a smaller campus and student body.
-Culture. Heavy drinking and partying. I'm all for having fun but I've heard it's excessive.
-Reputation. Not as highly regarded as Miami.


Is it a better idea to go to the expensive school I love and will be happiest at, or the cheap school that I find acceptable?


Thanks, all input is warmly appreciated.
-an hSDN member

Well you're in luck cause i can tell you i attended both schools and their honor programs lol. I went to Bama my freshman year and was in their honors program and then transferred to UM for my sophomore year. Right now I am a senior in UM. I can tell you that academically UM was much more competitive. I was breezing through the work getting straight A's in Bama but as soon as i transferred to Miami it all became much more difficult. Academically UM offers a much better path and it is not even close. However, alabama does have its advantages because their med school in Birmingham is one of the best but the drawback is that you have to live in birmingham (least safe city in the US).

If you're curious as to why I transferred it's because Bama was just not a good fit for me, the culture there compared to the one in Miami (where i grew up) was just way too different, oh and a tornado almost destroyed my dorm too lol.

Im really not trying to be biased in any way here but merely recounting my experience with your same exact situation. I know Miami is a big financial sacrifice but it is a top school for a reason. If you have any questions let me know.

 

[SOMBound13]

If this student wants to go to med school, then going where he believes that he'll be the best student and get the best grades should be a priority, whether that's Miami, Bama, or some other school is unknown.

I don't think attending a school where many premed classmates are stronger than you are is a good idea. Those premed classes are weeder classes. The chances of emerging with the A's when your classmates are stronger, are less likely.

Med schools will not think: "hmm, this applicant has a 3.5 from Miami and this other applicant has a 3.99 from Bama...hmmm.....Let's take the 3.5 from Miami because that's a better school." Not happening. Once you're beyond the top 10 or so, med schools aren't going to give a nudge for Miami over a lower ranking school. (even those attending top 10 schools might only be given a little nudge, nothing to count on.)

[freshman year] I was breezing through the work getting straight A's in Bama

I don't know what classes you took your freshman year, nor do I know what your major is/was.. I don't know if you retook AP classes or what. I used my AP credits and went right into Ochem, Cell Bio, Cal III and another course Fall of freshman year. It was no breeze.

That said, I did graduate Summa Cum Laude in Chemical Engineering with a 3.99 cum GPA and a 4.0 BCMP GPA. Was it a breeze? No way. No friggin' way. (I also had minors in Math, Bio, and Chem)

I had been Sal at my prep school and had very high test scores, so going into Bama, I was at the top of the top quartile. That did not translate into skating by in my college classes. My classmates were mostly students with high stats as well.

I only completed 6 med school apps (all US MD) because I was a late applicant. I got 3 interviews, 3 acceptances, and 3 merit scholarships for my stats. I am now attending my top choice SOM.

Roll Tide 😀