What should I be looking for in a university/college?

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My "Dream School" is Columbia University but that is a long shot.

My "Realistic Dream School" is University of Kentucky. I have relatives that go there and they love it, they say the Pharm program is one of the best and they have a solid pre med program as well. UK also has a med school and everything, All together, and I think that they also have a hospital/medical center. Lexington is also a city so that opens up opportunities for me as well. It is the ideal school for me and is not too competitive either.

I plan to do a year at my local CC and transfer there. I will still rock the SAT/ACT's this year as well, so if I have to send those in, they will see high scores. That is the plan for me. Just because I screwed up in HS doesn't mean that I cannot become a doc.

But I just want to know what I should be looking for? Or have I found it? The campus has a hospital, med school, is in Lexington, which opens up more opportunities, etc.

If I plan on going to medical school should I be looking more out of my colleges or will UK be fine?
 
jefgreen said:
But I just want to know what I should be looking for? Or have I found it? The campus has a hospital, med school, is in Lexington, which opens up more opportunities, etc.

If I plan on going to medical school should I be looking more out of my colleges or will UK be fine?
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wasn't it you who said that UG doesn't matter for med school? 😛
 
I might have mentioned it, but I def. wasn't the first. Wasn't I told by just about everyone on here that you should to a college you actually want to go to?
 
I'd say: Cost, programs of interest, and location are important things to consider. The order of depends on individual preference.
 
IMO PRICE is number 1.

I got into great schools, and couldnt attend a single one, simply because we could not afford it and was not about to take on a 40grand loan per year just for undergrad.

+A place thats competitive ofcourse. You dont want to be somewhere that the education is not highly rated, im talking about private schools that have lower admissions requirements than your city schools, yet costs 20grand more.


+ Does it have the major that you want? Some people are really picky about majors, if your one that wants to stick to it, look for it.

+Assuming healthcare/pre-med is your focus, do they have a helpful department? Do they have a pre-professional committee? (though its not necessary it can be advantageous)

+If your going to dorm, you might consider other options like housing, food, nearby attractions etc...

+Visit the school. Get a glance at the people. Are they hardworking? are the people there motivating, do they get along? Do you get a sense of strong education values from the school?

Things like these, are things you should consider.
 
I believe you have asked this time and time again and you appear to ignore all the advice people had given. So, in short, go to a college that fits you.
 
Maygyver said:
I believe you have asked this time and time again and you appear to ignore all the advice people had given. So, in short, go to a college that fits you.
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I am also asking if there are certain things I should be looking for, such as strength of programs, research facilities, etc.
 
jefgreen said:
I am also asking if there are certain things I should be looking for, such as strength of programs, research facilities, etc.
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You always seem to answer your own questions...I mean, you don't want to go to a school that has a crappy program for the major your want, a shed for research, etc. That's what people mean by finding the school that is right for you. You need to do your own research in order to find what school you can fit into and which you will actually be able to get into. Nobody can know what your stats are, your personality (although most of us can guess it), what you really want to major in (I don't think you do either), what you like to do for fun, what sports you like, etc. You need to do some exploring on your own.
 
Maygyver said:
You always seem to answer your own questions...I mean, you don't want to go to a school that has a crappy program for the major your want, a shed for research, etc. That's what people mean by finding the school that is right for you. You need to do your own research in order to find what school you can fit into and which you will actually be able to get into. Nobody can know what your stats are, your personality (although most of us can guess it), what you really want to major in (I don't think you do either), what you like to do for fun, what sports you like, etc. You need to do some exploring on your own.
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I want to major in Chemistry.
 
jefgreen said:
What do you mean by programs, exactly.
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Essentially schools. For example, I say a school has a good chemistry "program" or biology "program." Entails major, research ops, faculty, all central aspects of the major/school. What made you arrive at chemistry as a major?
 
Maygyver said:
Essentially schools. For example, I say a school has a good chemistry "program" or biology "program." Entails major, research ops, faculty, all central aspects of the major/school. What made you arrive at chemistry as a major?
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I think I see what you mean now. Well, I am not 100% sure it is going to be chemistry but I am PRETTY sure. It will lay a good foundation for med school and if med school doesn't work out right away, I will be able to get a job either way.

Personally, I do not care much for biology myself, and Physics I would never want to major in.

I like mixing chemicals and seeing how they react to each other and how they react and also how they react to objects. Not just that but I also think it is interesting how drugs (medication) help us rid ourselves of illness. I am also considering Pharmacy school because Pharm is mostly chemistry. I really can't give you much of a detailed description because I'm not in college yet and haven't learned a lot of Chemistry.

And when I say "almost" 100%, that is just because my Chem teacher who went to UNC-Chapel hill told me that Chem is arguably the most difficult of the hard sciences to understand, which is kind of shying me away but I still want to go for it. And if I DO major in chemistry, a lot of the classes I need for my major will also be some of the med school pre-reqs, so I gues it works out.
 
jefgreen said:
I think I see what you mean now. Well, I am not 100% sure it is going to be chemistry but I am PRETTY sure. It will lay a good foundation for med school and if med school doesn't work out right away, I will be able to get a job either way.

Personally, I do not care much for biology myself, and Physics I would never want to major in.

I like mixing chemicals and seeing how they react to each other and how they react and also how they react to objects. Not just that but I also think it is interesting how drugs (medication) help us rid ourselves of illness. I am also considering Pharmacy school because Pharm is mostly chemistry. I really can't give you much of a detailed description because I'm not in college yet and haven't learned a lot of Chemistry.

And when I say "almost" 100%, that is just because my Chem teacher who went to UNC-Chapel hill told me that Chem is arguably the most difficult of the hard sciences to understand, which is kind of shying me away but I still want to go for it. And if I DO major in chemistry, a lot of the classes I need for my major will also be some of the med school pre-reqs, so I gues it works out.
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Chem is tough. But if you enjoy it, it makes it much easier. Now look into schools that have a good chemistry program, and also good backups. If you want to get ahead of the game, look at the research topics they are currently researching too.
 
If Chem doesn't work out I might switch to Bio. Bio seems to be interesting as well but Chem is fantastic. I don't have much of a "passion" for Biology as I do chemistry so if I do Bio, I may end up with a higher GPA, but I don't think I will enjoy it as much.

I mean, I'm pretty sure I want to do Chem, but, it is tough and I don't want to have to struggle through all the upper level classes and have my GPA suffer.
 
jefgreen said:
If Chem doesn't work out I might switch to Bio. Bio seems to be interesting as well but Chem is fantastic. I don't have much of a "passion" for Biology as I do chemistry so if I do Bio, I may end up with a higher GPA, but I don't think I will enjoy it as much.

I mean, I'm pretty sure I want to do Chem, but, it is tough and I don't want to have to struggle through all the upper level classes and have my GPA suffer.
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You will get a higher GPA in whichever you like better. You shouldn't do biology just because you want a higher GPA. And if you do badly at Chem don't go into biology because you think it will be "easier" because it won't.
 
Eh, I don't think that's really sound advice. I absolutely loved my physics classes, but I struggled to have a 3.0 in my major. Given that two majors are similarly difficult, you'll probably do better in the one you like, but I doubt that will apply to chemistry and biology.
 
Maygyver said:
You will get a higher GPA in whichever you like better. You shouldn't do biology just because you want a higher GPA. And if you do badly at Chem don't go into biology because you think it will be "easier" because it won't.
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No offense, but isn't Bio easier than Chem? I don't HATE bio, I'm just more of a chemistry guy. I am under the impression that Bio is one of the easy sciences to tackle. I am just wondering what makes you say that it isn't.
 
jefgreen said:
No offense, but isn't Bio easier than Chem? I don't HATE bio, I'm just more of a chemistry guy. I am under the impression that Bio is one of the easy sciences to tackle. I am just wondering what makes you say that it isn't.
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Eh, it depends on your brain too. Biology is a lot of just straight memorization. Chemistry can be more conceptual at times.
 
jefgreen said:
I like mixing chemicals and seeing how they react to each other and how they react and also how they react to objects. Not just that but I also think it is interesting how drugs (medication) help us rid ourselves of illness. I am also considering Pharmacy school because Pharm is mostly chemistry. I really can't give you much of a detailed description because I'm not in college yet and haven't learned a lot of Chemistry.
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That's what I thought chemistry was too... until i took chemistry.

I would suggest you take an upper chem class in high school (like AP maybe?) and see how you do & if you still like it; I like my chemistry honors class but when we went up to AP-- it got to be too much & I would imagine college level chemistry classes to be harder. Just take some upper level chem classes before you decide that you want to major in the particular field.
 
jefgreen said:
If Chem doesn't work out I might switch to Bio. Bio seems to be interesting as well but Chem is fantastic. I don't have much of a "passion" for Biology as I do chemistry so if I do Bio, I may end up with a higher GPA, but I don't think I will enjoy it as much.

I mean, I'm pretty sure I want to do Chem, but, it is tough and I don't want to have to struggle through all the upper level classes and have my GPA suffer.
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Dude, harsh reality check--- everything in college is tough & you can't just not take a class because you don't want to "struggle". If everything in life is as sweet as a candycane, everyone will be in med school right now.

Just do what you like, be smart & REALISTIC about it (like the fact that you might not get into med school) & enjoy your college years!
 
gabeybaby said:
Dude, harsh reality check--- everything in college is tough & you can't just not take a class because you don't want to "struggle". If everything in life is as sweet as a candycane, everyone will be in med school right now.

Just do what you like, be smart & REALISTIC about it (like the fact that you might not get into med school) & enjoy your college years!
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Incorrect.

I meant I DO NOT WANT TO FAIL ALL MY CLASSES.

😱 It isn't?

Well, then I'll keep applying, this is what I want to do.
 
jefgreen said:
Incorrect.

I meant I DO NOT WANT TO FAIL ALL MY CLASSES.

😱 It isn't?

Well, then I'll keep applying, this is what I want to do.
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It actually takes some effort in college unlike high school, where you have to work towards failing. However, if you put in the effort, you won't fail your classes.
 
KempDrumsalot said:
It actually takes some effort in college unlike high school, where you have to work towards failing. However, if you put in the effort, you won't fail your classes.
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I know, what I meant was that some majors (and this is true) ARE MUCH EASIER THAN OTHERS. Bio I can safely say isn't, but Maygyver said that Bio is more memorization. In general I would say Bio is easier than Chem.

I know if I put in the effort I won't fail, I just do not know how much effort a Chem major is going to take. I will be applying to a lot of competitive schools as a one year transfer anyway so all I have to worry about now is acing my tests and finishing with a good GPA. I don't REALLY have to worry about my major until next year.

I don't know, I guess I will just have to see what life throws at me.
 
jefgreen said:
I know, what I meant was that some majors (and this is true) ARE MUCH EASIER THAN OTHERS. Bio I can safely say isn't, but Maygyver said that Bio is more memorization. In general I would say Bio is easier than Chem.

I know if I put in the effort I won't fail, I just do not know how much effort a Chem major is going to take. I will be applying to a lot of competitive schools as a one year transfer anyway so all I have to worry about now is acing my tests and finishing with a good GPA. I don't REALLY have to worry about my major until next year.

I don't know, I guess I will just have to see what life throws at me.
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Mainly what they were saying is if you don't enjoy your major, it makes it extremely difficult. Imagine studying for one of the classes in high school you hate. I personally know the clases I care nothing for and tend to do the minimal amount of work where as the classes I enjoy I go above and beyond.

Why would you worry about how much effort you are going to have to put into a major? If you enjoy it, as said above, it will make it that much easier and you will enjoy it. Why wouldn't you want to put in the best effort anyways?
 
KempDrumsalot said:
Mainly what they were saying is if you don't enjoy your major, it makes it extremely difficult. Imagine studying for one of the classes in high school you hate. I personally know the clases I care nothing for and tend to do the minimal amount of work where as the classes I enjoy I go above and beyond.

Why would you worry about how much effort you are going to have to put into a major? If you enjoy it, as said above, it will make it that much easier and you will enjoy it. Why wouldn't you want to put in the best effort anyways?
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Whoa whoa whoa there, that is def. not what I said.

I never said I wouldn't enjoy Chemistry. There is a difference between enjoying it, tolerating it on a high level (not FULLY enjoying it) and just flat out hating it. That is not what I said. I wouldn't even take something in college that I hated, unless of course I had to.

You do make a good point, and I agree. I never said I wouldn't put forth my best effort. All I'm saying is that you get to a point where things get to be too much, and I'm not implying that that will happen if I am going to be a chem major, I'm just saying.
 
Honors.

EDIT:

Honestly, it really doesn't matter, because you can't say "Well, you haven't taken AP Chem so you don't know how it is!"
 
lol no; i was just curious as to why you like chemistry so much (like your background)
 
Things to look for:

1. Cost - this isn't the final step so find a cheap school that you like
2. Solid program - you want a major that is going to allow you to excel, thus you need good faculty and resources
3. Size - smaller schools tend to have more interaction with professors (I chose my current school a lot based on size; I was accepted to PSU but declined because 40,000 undergrads is not my cup of tea)
4. Resources - You want solid financial aid, great professors, and a supportive environment (academic advising, student and res life, health center, library, great gym, etc)
5. Opportunities - You want to be able to volunteer locally, get involved in clubs, give back to the community, meet and know your classmates
 
MilkmanAl said:
And why could you not say that, exactly?
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You can...but AP chemistry is the equivalent of what you learn in an intro Chem class in college. Honors is the highest level besides AP in pretty much all schools. I do fine in honors.

I though Gabeybaby was going to reply with "Well, you haven't taken AP or a college level Chem class so you can't say you want to do Chemistry" or something like that.
 
Bacchus said:
Things to look for:

1. Cost - this isn't the final step so find a cheap school that you like
2. Solid program - you want a major that is going to allow you to excel, thus you need good faculty and resources
3. Size - smaller schools tend to have more interaction with professors (I chose my current school a lot based on size; I was accepted to PSU but declined because 40,000 undergrads is not my cup of tea)
4. Resources - You want solid financial aid, great professors, and a supportive environment (academic advising, student and res life, health center, library, great gym, etc)
5. Opportunities - You want to be able to volunteer locally, get involved in clubs, give back to the community, meet and know your classmates
Click to expand...

I'm looking at Ohio State, which meets all of that criteria. I want to go to a big university but I am kind of worried that if I do not understand something in a course I will not be able to get a hold of my prof and will have to hire a tutor or something.

And isn't really up to you to decide whether you want your professor to "get to know you" or not? I mean, if you just sit in class and do your work and leave, no one is going to recognize you, you are just a number in that respect.
 
jefgreen said:
I'm looking at Ohio State, which meets all of that criteria. I want to go to a big university but I am kind of worried that if I do not understand something in a course I will not be able to get a hold of my prof and will have to hire a tutor or something.

And isn't really up to you to decide whether you want your professor to "get to know you" or not? I mean, if you just sit in class and do your work and leave, no one is going to recognize you, you are just a number in that respect.
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If you get confused, it isn't hard to visit a professor. They also have free tutors. You need letters of rec so even if you go to a small school you will have to talk to your prof individually so he/she can get to know you better. You don't just want the letter to say "He did well in my class, but was quiet and kept to himself"
 
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