Would going to a state college effect my chances of getting into an MD program?

[jeremmed77]

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I just transferred to a very large public university. I hate it here! I love the city, my major's faculty, and my classes. The problem is that, since I just transferred here, I don't know anyone. So obviously, I am miserable. I have spent the last four days vigorously hanging out with people, socializing, and going to EC's. I just have not been able to connect. It looks like I will not be able to get a refund for the dorm unless I decide to withdraw soon.

Here is my plan: I think I am going to withdraw and apply to a closer college. I would have to commute (50 minute drive which I have done for the last two years anyway so I don't care). The cost is soooo much cheaper.

State School: About 15k
University Dorming: About 75k

Some pros and cons are that at the university I would have better research opportunities, but I could probably get some type of research at the state school, just not in my field. What do you think? Would medical schools look more highly at the University of Minnesota versus a state school? I know I probably should give dorming more time, but I would much rather commute and be happy then stay and be unhappy.

 

[rhesuspieces]

Stick with it. The U is such a big school that it may take some drifting around before you find the right group of people. Don't withdraw. Stay in the dorm this semester, and start looking for off-campus housing for next semester. Living in an apartment is far cheaper than living on campus, and you don't have to buy the expensive meal plan.

And if you're thinking along the lines of St Cloud or Mankato...well, the U is a much, much better choice than those schools. There are so many research opportunities, extracurriculars, volunteering opportunities....etc. MN state schools are okay, but not the greatest.

If you want any advice on how to get research, what ECs to join, where to volunteer, etc, PM me! I'm a senior here at the U and I've had some great experiences over the past 3.5 years.

 

[gettheleadout]

Rhesuspieces is probably the best person to advise you on this since she goes there, but I'm curious, do people distinguish between "state" i.e. public schools with the term "university?" I mean I go to a flagship state "university" but since it's public I'd refer to it as a "state school." That weird? I figured it was the norm.

 

[myhandsarecold]

heh, no, not at all. 80% of ppl in my class are from state schools; i go to a state school.

 

[Robinson Crusoe]

I just looked up Mankato and St. Cloud. One problem I see is that they aren't cities, but rather large towns. The issue with not going to school in a city is that frequently, they have only one hospital or clinic, and that hospital or clinic doesn't have a volunteer program. When you go to school in a city with many hospitals, the hospitals near the university often have very robust volunteer programs. The exception to this is when a town has a medical school, and thus a university hospital.

 

[VikingLegacy]

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[rafflecopter]

Buddy, the problem I see is that you require socialization to stay sane. I don't know much better than you, if at all, but from what I understand of medical school, residency and the profession in general, you won't exactly have a huge amount of time for socializing anyway.

I personally think, for the good of your own personal development and for your future, you should learn to do without. I have, and I've never felt more liberated. It's like mastering the skill of living without money - what harsh economic conditions could ever befoul your life if you are able to go without?

👎. This is horrible advice. An antisocial person will have a difficult time making it past the interview stage of any medical school. They also will be likely lacking in many of the extracurriculars necessary for a stellar application. Not to mention that being a doctor is a heavily interpersonal profession and one requires a great deal of socialization be effective.

Back to the OP: being in a dorm and participating in ECs sounds like you have the perfect opportunity to socialize. The only reason to explain your lack of socialization that I can think of is either social anxiety, shyness, or introversion. Do you have any of these problems? If so, consider talking to a therapist about it (this is not being condescending, but serious advice). They can help you get over your social problems and help you become more social.

If your issue is that you haven't found a group that you "click" with, I'd suggest sticking to it. It took me a semester or so before I found the right group of friends - it isn't always an instant thing. Continue socializing, going to parties, hanging out with people and eventually you'll find the right group. To be honest, going to a smaller university will solve none of these problems and I wouldn't recommend it if your only reason for switching was the aforementioned problem. Good luck!

 

[VikingLegacy]

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[NickNaylor]

It doesn't matter. Do what you think will make you happy, but IMO school doesn't matter unless you're attending a relatively renowned institution.

 

[rhesuspieces]

Rhesuspieces is probably the best person to advise you on this since she goes there, but I'm curious, do people distinguish between "state" i.e. public schools with the term "university?" I mean I go to a flagship state "university" but since it's public I'd refer to it as a "state school." That weird? I figured it was the norm.

In MN we have the University of Minnesota schools and the Minnesota State schools. The MN State schools are scattered around rural Minnesota, and are more or less the schools that kids go to when they can't get into the U of M system or can't afford to stray too far from their home town.

So I refer to my school as a "state school" when I'm on SDN, but in the context of the MN public higher education system, you're either part of "the U" or a "state" school.

 

[hopki099]

I just transferred to a very large public university. I hate it here! I love the city, my major's faculty, and my classes. The problem is that, since I just transferred here, I don't know anyone. So obviously, I am miserable. I have spent the last four days vigorously hanging out with people, socializing, and going to EC's. I just have not been able to connect. It looks like I will not be able to get a refund for the dorm unless I decide to withdraw soon.

Here is my plan: I think I am going to withdraw and apply to a closer college. I would have to commute (50 minute drive which I have done for the last two years anyway so I don't care). The cost is soooo much cheaper.

State School: About 15k
University Dorming: About 75k

Some pros and cons are that at the university I would have better research opportunities, but I could probably get some type of research at the state school, just not in my field. What do you think? Would medical schools look more highly at the University of Minnesota versus a state school? I know I probably should give dorming more time, but I would much rather commute and be happy then stay and be unhappy.

Medical schools aren't really gonna care where you went for the most part. You've been in the dorms for 4 days? Give it a chance. There are so many people in the dorms/classes that you will find ones to hang out with and find where you fit in without too much trouble.

The amount of opportunities at the U are really incredible and you will have no problem finding volunteering and research.

I would give the U at least a semester before deciding to transfer away. I know it's like -30 wind chill out today, but trust me, it gets warmer in the summer.

Also, please explain how you calculated 75k.

 

[Musclemass]

Would medical schools look more highly at the University of Minnesota versus a state school?

Yes.

You should go to the best school that you can get into, afford to pay for, and where you can be happy and successful. Sounds like you're there now.

You're like the caricature of the person having sex, watching their watch and waiting for the "end" to happen. When you fixate on just that, it never happens. Building friends and getting settled works the same way, it'll happen by not paying attention to "the end". Be active, social, meet lots of people by doing lots of things, and your list of individuals you like spending time with will grow.

Commuting 50 miles each way to an inferior school will produce an inferior experience to living on/near campus and being an active part of the community. College is much more than just going to class.

Good luck

 

[Chanterelle]

Buddy, the problem I see is that you require socialization to stay sane. I don't know much better than you, if at all, but from what I understand of medical school, residency and the profession in general, you won't exactly have a huge amount of time for socializing anyway.

I personally think, for the good of your own personal development and for your future, you should learn to do without. I have, and I've never felt more liberated. It's like mastering the skill of living without money - what harsh economic conditions could ever befoul your life if you are able to go without?

Not being emotionally dependent on socialization and having poor social skill/involvement are two different things.

Brain harder.

VikingLegacy is speaking the truth. 👍

 

[SimplySmile]

I'm not giving advice just some info. I am from St. Cloud but go to school in Mankato. So if you have questions about either places feel free to ask me.

Robinson Crusoe, you make me laugh. Both St. Cloud and Mankato hospitals have volunteering opportunities. Also the St. Cloud hospital has a family medicine residency. Mankato and St. Cloud might seem really rural but outside of the Twin Cities they are pretty big compared to most towns in MN. Not uncommon to have towns with a few thousand or just few hundred people here.

Also both MNSU and SCSU are so much cheaper than the U. I am able to work and pay for school without loans or financial aid. It sounded like money might be a factor for you. And if it helps I know people from both schools that have been accepted into med school.

 

[CoolWhipp]

Buddy, the problem I see is that you require socialization to stay sane. I don't know much better than you, if at all, but from what I understand of medical school, residency and the profession in general, you won't exactly have a huge amount of time for socializing anyway.

I personally think, for the good of your own personal development and for your future, you should learn to do without. I have, and I've never felt more liberated. It's like mastering the skill of living without money - what harsh economic conditions could ever befoul your life if you are able to go without?

I have to agree with VikingLegacy. I'm a very social person and communicate well. I pride myself in that ability. But, anytime I'm "grinding" or putting in work for my future, well it's lonely sometimes. Does it have to be? No. But is it usually? For me, pretty much.

 

[VikingLegacy]

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[Robinson Crusoe]

I'm not giving advice just some info. I am from St. Cloud but go to school in Mankato. So if you have questions about either places feel free to ask me.

Robinson Crusoe, you make me laugh. Both St. Cloud and Mankato hospitals have volunteering opportunities. Also the St. Cloud hospital has a family medicine residency. Mankato and St. Cloud might seem really rural but outside of the Twin Cities they are pretty big compared to most towns in MN. Not uncommon to have towns with a few thousand or just few hundred people here.

Also both MNSU and SCSU are so much cheaper than the U. I am able to work and pay for school without loans or financial aid. It sounded like money might be a factor for you. And if it helps I know people from both schools that have been accepted into med school.

But what are your volunteer duties? How much patient contact do you receive?

 

[enTropeeeeeeeee]

Not being emotionally dependent on socialization and having poor social skill/involvement are two different things.

Brain harder.

👍. I'm probably the most social person you'll ever meet, but I hardly go out b/c I'm 1) saving money for applications, and 2) time. I completely agree with Viking b/c I have also found liberation from the need to socialize. I was largely dependent on going out in high school. It got to the point where I would feel social inept when I didn't. However, college has been completely different and consequently I'm a very happy person. I feel that most ppl learn this by Jr./Sr year....

 

[Mbeas]

VikingLegacy is speaking the truth. 👍

keep it in the Lounge

 

[rhesuspieces]

However, college has been completely different and consequently I'm a very happy person. I feel that most ppl learn this by Jr./Sr year....

I agree completely. Don't get me wrong--I love to socialize and I love to party. But in the past couple of years I've gotten past that point where I define myself by the amount of time I spend "going out." I don't sit around on Friday night anymore calling every single person I know to find something to do.

So yeah, I get the whole being "liberated" from the need to socialize thing. I'm not asocial by any means, but I don't feel like a reject if I spend a weekend night alone in my jammies watching old episodes of Scrubs.

 

[WingedOx]

Buddy, the problem I see is that you require socialization to stay sane. I don't know much better than you, if at all, but from what I understand of medical school, residency and the profession in general, you won't exactly have a huge amount of time for socializing anyway.

I personally think, for the good of your own personal development and for your future, you should learn to do without. I have, and I've never felt more liberated. It's like mastering the skill of living without money - what harsh economic conditions could ever befoul your life if you are able to go without?

ummm, bull****.

 

[eli20]

Wasn't there a report that just came out stating interview interactions with staff/faculty/residents were the three most heavily weighted criteria for residency selection?

 

[SimplySmile]

But what are your volunteer duties? How much patient contact do you receive?

I don't volunteer at any hospitals since I have over 4000 hours of patient contact a a nursing assistant (been working at one since I was 16). I don't feel volunteering at any hospital would give you adequate patient contact, so I don't really understand this question.

I do however volunteer has a health peer educator at my school. This includes visiting residence halls and first year experience classes and presenting on different topics such as safer sex, nutrition, exercise, etc. Also I volunteer at the Theresa House in Mankato which is an emergency/transitional housing program. And there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Mankato/St. Cloud both on and off campus.

Also to everyone else, I don't see why you are questioning OP's need to socialize. That's great that you don't feel the need to socialize as often anymore but it's obviously an issue to him and that's what is important here. He says that he's just been unable to connect. I would think that all of you here saying you don't "socialize" have at least a few close friends you hang out with on a weekly basis. You need close friends as your support network, otherwise it feels like you're just doing everything alone.

Anyways, I think it would be great if Jeremmed77 would respond back on his own thread.

 

[VikingLegacy]

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[Robinson Crusoe]

I don't volunteer at any hospitals since I have over 4000 hours of patient contact a a nursing assistant (been working at one since I was 16). I don't feel volunteering at any hospital would give you adequate patient contact, so I don't really understand this question.

I do however volunteer has a health peer educator at my school. This includes visiting residence halls and first year experience classes and presenting on different topics such as safer sex, nutrition, exercise, etc. Also I volunteer at the Theresa House in Mankato which is an emergency/transitional housing program. And there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Mankato/St. Cloud both on and off campus.

Also to everyone else, I don't see why you are questioning OP's need to socialize. That's great that you don't feel the need to socialize as often anymore but it's obviously an issue to him and that's what is important here. He says that he's just been unable to connect. I would think that all of you here saying you don't "socialize" have at least a few close friends you hang out with on a weekly basis. You need close friends as your support network, otherwise it feels like you're just doing everything alone.

Anyways, I think it would be great if Jeremmed77 would respond back on his own thread.

Being a CNA is a great gig, but what you said about volunteering at a hospital not giving adequate patient contact is exactly my point. Mosts volunteering programs aren't designed for students who want patient contact. Instead, they are designed for the community at large. Most positions are doing chores for the nursing staff or running the gift shop. But some hospitals, like the university hospital I volunteer at, provide a volunteer with 100% of their time dedicated to patient contact. OP, your chances of finding quality volunteering like this are much higher if you go to school in a place with multiple hospitals, a university hospital, or enough other students interested in medicine to demand patient contact from the local volunteer program. Doing other types of volunteering, like volunteering at a soup kitchen or some other community outreach, is good and shows that you like to interact with all parts of your community, but it is crucial that you find clinical experience.

 

[WingedOx]

Honestly, it depends who you hear it from. It's a mixed bag on this site from medical students and doctors. In real life I've heard both sides of the coin - some doctors I've talked with make medical school sound like undergrad 2.0, others make it sound like hand building a pyramid by yourself. The same is true of the actual profession when you finish school and start practicing.

There's obviously several different version of "true."

while there are different versions of "true," advising someone to "live without socialization is terrible ****ing advice. ...unless you plan on being "that creepy guy" in the class, if so then go for it.

 

[Slack3r]

Buddy, the problem I see is that you require socialization to stay sane. I don't know much better than you, if at all, but from what I understand of medical school, residency and the profession in general, you won't exactly have a huge amount of time for socializing anyway.

I personally think, for the good of your own personal development and for your future, you should learn to do without. I have, and I've never felt more liberated. It's like mastering the skill of living without money - what harsh economic conditions could ever befoul your life if you are able to go without?

Dumbest thing I've ever heard.

In MN we have the University of Minnesota schools and the Minnesota State schools. The MN State schools are scattered around rural Minnesota, and are more or less the schools that kids go to when they can't get into the U of M system or can't afford to stray too far from their home town.

So I refer to my school as a "state school" when I'm on SDN, but in the context of the MN public higher education system, you're either part of "the U" or a "state" school.

Similar to the UC(alifornia) and CSU systems.

 

[Astarael]

Stick with it. The U is such a big school that it may take some drifting around before you find the right group of people. Don't withdraw. Stay in the dorm this semester, and start looking for off-campus housing for next semester. Living in an apartment is far cheaper than living on campus, and you don't have to buy the expensive meal plan.

And if you're thinking along the lines of St Cloud or Mankato...well, the U is a much, much better choice than those schools. There are so many research opportunities, extracurriculars, volunteering opportunities....etc. MN state schools are okay, but not the greatest.

If you want any advice on how to get research, what ECs to join, where to volunteer, etc, PM me! I'm a senior here at the U and I've had some great experiences over the past 3.5 years.

I absolutely agree with this.

To the OP-I just graduated from the U and it can take a while to get connected with something that will make you feel at home. As long as you keep trying, you should be able to find something. It's especially difficult transferring in after first semester. Since I don't know really anything about you I can't give you a ton of suggestions, but since you're a transfer you might try contacting the Community Advisor of the transfer house (in Centennial Hall) and asking them if they have any ideas.

 

[apumic]

Would going to a state college effect my chances of getting into an MD program? Reply to Thread
I just transferred to a very large public university. I hate it here! I love the city, my major's faculty, and my classes. The problem is that, since I just transferred here, I don't know anyone. So obviously, I am miserable. I have spent the last four days vigorously hanging out with people, socializing, and going to EC's. I just have not been able to connect. It looks like I will not be able to get a refund for the dorm unless I decide to withdraw soon.

Here is my plan: I think I am going to withdraw and apply to a closer college. I would have to commute (50 minute drive which I have done for the last two years anyway so I don't care). The cost is soooo much cheaper.

State School: About 15k
University Dorming: About 75k

Some pros and cons are that at the university I would have better research opportunities, but I could probably get some type of research at the state school, just not in my field. What do you think? Would medical schools look more highly at the University of Minnesota versus a state school? I know I probably should give dorming more time, but I would much rather commute and be happy then stay and be unhappy.

Not really, but lacking a command of the English language might. 😉

 

[VikingLegacy]

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