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Is it better to go to a more prestigious, but more expensive, school for undergrad before medical school or to go to a state school for less money?

I'm a high school junior looking to apply to schools like Vanderbilt and Cornell, but also James Madison and Ohio University. All are excellent schools, however Vanderbilt and Cornell are generally known as more academically challenging and prestigious than others. I am looking to apply to medical school after earning my bachelor's degree, and was curious as to how much influence this had on me getting into the best medical schools. Is it better for me to spend more money and get the "higher level" degree, allowing me to network with the students and faculty there, or is it better to save some money and earn my degree at a cheaper school? Thanks! #college #doctor #pre-med #college-admissions #medical-school #counselor

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Richard’s Answer

Pick a college that suits your personality and a major that interests you. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.


Medical school is expensive and you won't be paying down debt until 3-10 years after medical school depending on which residency you choose and how expensive buying into your future group will be. Save money while you can.
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Rachel’s Answer

I would apply to all of the above schools and once you have gained admission, go visit them. Choose a school that fits your personality and will allow you to maintain an excellent GPA.
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Estelle’s Answer

I agree with Rachel. Apply everywhere then visit the universities that offer you admission. Your major and undergraduate institution is not quite as important as your undergraduate grades, your MCAT score, your letters of reference, and your personal statements on your medical school application. For now, just focus on finding a college that fits you and your budget and a major that really interests you in college so that you will make great grades and get strong letters of recommendation from professors that recognize your potential.
Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Estelle! This is great advice, but it doesn’t address the student’s question. Could you talk more about how her school choice might influence her acceptance to medical school? Maybe include your own college and how that impacted you during the application process? Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
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Reva’s Answer

Hi Cassidy,


The key is to choose a college that fits your preferences e.g. size, location, culture and offers both strong academic programs and extracurricular options, like a Pre-med society in your areas of interest. Additionally it is equally important to choose a college where you can excel. The Medical School application process is highly competitive and while your undergraduate school will be noticed, your academic success will be noticed more. Medical Schools also expect that you log significant hours of volunteer experience in a hospital or clinical setting. Make sure your college of choice can help facilitate those connections.


Best,
Reva
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Julia’s Answer

I agree with the above answer that you should go to the college that is the best fit for you and where you can excel. Take the time to visit and meet people at the colleges you think you are interested in. It's a very personal decision and money can and usually is a factor. However, I wouldn't discount a college because of its sticker price. You might be eligible for non-loan based aid, you might be awarded merit scholarships. The point is that a college that is more expensive on paper might not be once you apply and get accepted. You'll never know until you try. If then you find that you can't swing the cost then at least you are making an informed decision. There are colleges where the tuition is very reasonable, but they offer less aid or scholarships and you might end up paying more out of pocket in the end. So, I would suggest applying to both if you can.


As far as name recognition, I can only speak indirectly for the study of medicine but I know in the study of law, if you go to a school with less of a "name" it becomes more important that you do well. I've heard people say in law that there is no real difference between the best student at a name (or Ivy or top ten) school and the best student at a second tier school. However, things being the way they are, an average to above average student from Yale might have an easier time than an average to above average student from a different school. But a failing student from any school is a problem. And some schools have a reputation that -- if you get in, you'll graduate with a 3.0. Where other schools might admit more students and then only the best students rise to the top. If you aspire to teaching, like being a professor at a university or at a teaching hospital, the name would likely matter.


But again, the bottom line is if you are happy and comfortable where you go to school, you will likely do well, and that will take you very far. Good luck!

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