Undergrad choice for Med School

[vishkapish]

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So I'm currently making my college choice for undergrad. The choice is down to two schools: UPenn and the University of Delaware. The reason I'm debating between the schools is mostly because of money. UD is pretty cheap, and Penn not so much (more than 3 times more). I like both schools and wouldn't mind going to either. I'm sure I'm going into medicine and would like to go to a great med school. My concern is if I go to Delaware, then my chances to get into a top med school fall, however racking up debt at Penn doesn't seem like the smartest idea.

So, if you went to a top-tier undergrad school, do you think you had an advantage over other med school applicants? If you went to a decent school, did you feel hindered by it, even though you are a good student?

P.S.: I know there is a high school forum but I'm posting here to see what people who have already applied to med school and received their acceptances/rejections think.

 

[metallica81788]

If you want to go to med school, go to the cheapest undergrad possible unless you absolutely, 100 percent hate it. You can get anywhere from any undergrad school if you are up to the task.

Then you can spend a ton of money on your nice expensive med school.

 

[CaliGirl14]

Go to Delaware.

 

[austinap]

So I'm currently making my college choice for undergrad. The choice is down to two schools: UPenn and the University of Delaware. The reason I'm debating between the schools is mostly because of money. UD is pretty cheap, and Penn not so much (more than 3 times more). I like both schools and wouldn't mind going to either. I'm sure I'm going into medicine and would like to go to a great med school. My concern is if I go to Delaware, then my chances to get into a top med school fall, however racking up debt at Penn doesn't seem like the smartest idea.

So, if you went to a top-tier undergrad school, do you think you had an advantage over other med school applicants? If you went to a decent school, did you feel hindered by it, even though you are a good student?

P.S.: I know there is a high school forum but I'm posting here to see what people who have already applied to med school and received their acceptances/rejections think.

It depends on exactly what your goals are, and where you think you'd fit in best. The number one priority should be finding a school that you like, and that you think you could do well at. Cost should certainly be a factor, but don't let it be the only thing that drives your decision. Your undergrad should be challenging, but it should also be fun. If you don't enjoy your undergrad, you won't do well at it, and then you don't stand a chance either way.

That being said, top schools tend to be name wh*res. People will always tell you that you can go anywhere from undergrad and get into any med school, and that's true. Your chances seem to be much higher if you go to a well recognized school, however. Looking at the affiliation of accepted students to a couple of highly rated schools reflects this: you'll see a lot of people from Harvard, Penn, Yale, etc, and relatively few from lesser known or public schools.

 

[Cytotoxic]

Assuming you do well, Penn will give you an advantage when you apply to med. schools. Name, greater opportunities to do whatever you want to do, better and more well-known faculty who will write your LORs, alumni connections, etc...Penn will open more doors for you.

That said, as long as you do well, Delaware won't close any doors for you. It just may not open any.

 

[austinap]

Assuming you do well, Penn will give you an advantage when you apply to med. schools. Name, greater opportunities to do whatever you want to do, better and more well-known faculty who will write your LORs, alumni connections, etc...Penn will open more doors for you.

That said, as long as you do well, Delaware won't close any doors for you. It just may not open any.

I think this sums things up nicely. Open doors and connections are good things to have.

 

[lcr2108]

what do you want to major in? i suggest going to a school that has a better program for your major/has a variety of options for you in case you don't want to do pre-med/your major.

congrats and good luck!

 

[Perrotfish]

Deleware be any better or worse than UPenn for getting into medical school. That being said many premeds do not end up as premeds when they graduate. If, after a few semesters, you decide that you want to work when you graduate the higher prestige degree is going to open a lot of doors for you.

How did you feel about the individual schools? Was there one you felt like you'd be more comfortable at?

 

[EyEnStein 07]

Did you check if Penn will give you some scholarships? Perhaps merit based or if they have many available for students to apply to? While it wont matter much where you go, i think most people who pick ivy's can afford them and are those who will take full advantage of opportunities. Im sure Upenn has many opportunities for undergrads, and offer things Delaware may not.

However it isnt to say Delaware wont provide you with a fine if not equal education. You should probably also visit both schools if you havent, and talk to students from both schools before you make your final decision.

Either way, which ever school you go to, know that you will have to work hard regardless.