Why would anyone ever go to a private school for UG?

[searun]

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Also,

I see a lot of posts about if your school is a private school that no one has heard of whats the point. I can tell you this, its not so much about if your school has a name brand but more about who goes to your school. I attend a caribbean medical school and from undergrad connections with my friend's dad who is a CEO of a NYC hospital, I get privileges that others (caribb students specifically) dont get. I've had lunches with PDs, chief residents, and others high up that tell me to call them when I graduate and if i'll be "taken care of" if I have good grades, scores, etc. You have to remember that there is still an "old boys club" in this country and who you know can take you a long way. I'm NOT saying that you cant get that from a state school. I just think you there are soooo many kids there that your more of a number. Again, I could be wrong. This is just my take.

Hilarious. Why didn't the "Old Boys Club" make a few phone calls on your behalf and secure a spot for you in a med school in the United States instead of having you banished to the Carribean? And why didn't your connections secure a more competitive academic transcript for you or a better MCAT score? Oh, wait, you actually have to do that yourself.

I attended a private college which I loved. But your arguments are ludicrous as demonstrated by your current location.

 

[docdonny]

Hilarious. Why didn't the "Old Boys Club" make a few phone calls on your behalf and secure a spot for you in a med school in the United States instead of having you banished to the Carribean? And why didn't your connections secure a more competitive academic transcript for you or a better MCAT score? Oh, wait, you actually have to do that yourself.

I attended a private college which I loved. But your arguments are ludicrous as demonstrated by your current location.

I agree you do have to do things for yourself and it comes down to what you do. I didnt excel on my MCAT (my fault and my fault alone). But for you to disagree that an "old boys club" exists makes you quite foolish. Obviously connections cant change ones GPA and MCAT, Im not arguing that. What I am saying is that in other fields (especially businness) it does matter who you know. Ill give you an example, kids dad is highup at the New York Times. His dad gets a bunch of kids (in this crappy economy) great entry level jobs with excellent salaries for just graduating from college even when layoffs are happening. Im not saying "Oh I know so and so ill have them make a phone call and Im in medical school" No, I didnt excel on my MCAT (had a great GPA) and thats my fault. No one will dig you out of that. What I am saying though is that thats why some people go to the college they go to. The kid who gets into Harvard is going to meet a lot of people that can may a lot of things happen..That is a fact. The fact that you know see that shows how naive you are. No it cant get you in a medical school as GPA and MCAT are things that are on you, however in many other fields (sci included) it does

 

[searun]

I agree you do have to do things for yourself and it comes down to what you do. I didnt excel on my MCAT (my fault and my fault alone). But for you to disagree that an "old boys club" exists makes you quite foolish. Obviously connections cant change ones GPA and MCAT, Im not arguing that. What I am saying is that in other fields (especially businness) it does matter who you know. Ill give you an example, kids dad is highup at the New York Times. His dad gets a bunch of kids (in this crappy economy) great entry level jobs with excellent salaries for just graduating from college even when layoffs are happening. Im not saying "Oh I know so and so ill have them make a phone call and Im in medical school" No, I didnt excel on my MCAT (had a great GPA) and thats my fault. No one will dig you out of that. What I am saying though is that thats why some people go to the college they go to. The kid who gets into Harvard is going to meet a lot of people that can may a lot of things happen..That is a fact. The fact that you know see that shows how naive you are. No it cant get you in a medical school as GPA and MCAT are things that are on you, however in many other fields (sci included) it does

Well, this is an internet forum about the medical profession and not about business or journalism. Frankly, I find it comforting that medicine is more of a meritorcracy than other fields. Connections may get you an interview with a med school ad com committee but connections will not deliver an acceptance - you have to have the goods independant of connections.

I also realize that support and letters of recommendation from well known faculty are very helpful with residency selection for a competitive residency - but only if the letter writer has worked with you or is familiar with your work as a med student. Nobody will achieve a competitive residency because of the Old Boys Club - a letter from a friend of your father or the father of your best buddy from college is useless and frankly would be offensive to residency director. You have to earn your residency - nobody is going to give it to you.

Nepotism and connections with the rich and famous will not get you very far in medicine - you personally have to achieve the record and have the necessary skills to succeed.

 

[Frazier]

Also,

I've had lunches with PDs, chief residents, and others high up that tell me to call them when I graduate and if i'll be "taken care of" if I have good grades, scores, etc.

Graduation day celebration:

Congratulations, son, consider yourself "taken care of"!