Man, you would be surprised how clueless or dumb one can be when they are 16....for some things that seem basic. You also have to remember that some kids don't get the t*** out of their mouths until they leave home (even the ones at the top of their class), and are used to having parents do everything for them. Think back and if you are honest you were once there as well in some areas, lol.... But that’s one good thing about college...learning how to be independent before you really have to be.
As a current Ivy Leaguer (University of Pennsylvania '10), here's my words of advice. If you are ABSOLUTELY sure that you want to go into medicine in the future, I wouldn't recommend going to an Ivy League. I have friends here who got effed because their GPA took a big hit and now their application is not is as strong. And when medical schools basically look at your GPA and MCAT scores, with everything else secondary, you want to have the strongest credentials in those areas as you can. However, if there is ANY doubt in your mind about your future (which there should be, you're 16), you should definitely look into going to an Ivy. Heck, I was once in your position. I came into college thinking I was going to be pre-med, was miserable in freshman year taking pre-med classes, happened to take a couple non science classes as well, loved it, and switched out sophomore year. The great thing about Ivys is that they're so strong in so many areas that even if you change my mind, you are still going to get a kick-ass education. The best example I can give about this is that I'm in the College of Arts and Sciences here at Penn, but last semester, I was taking more Wharton courses than some of my friends who are in Wharton. That's the beauty of an Ivy. Why shouldn't I take advantage of the best undergrad business program in the country while I'm here? So basically, I would definitely give the Ivy option more thought. Its an awesome experience and there's tons more opportunity in case you change your mind.
any way you could just consolidate all of this into one thread? Also, undergrad doesn't matter man. Like tons of other people have said, if you have a great GPA and an awesome MCAT, it doesn't matter where its from. Just go wherever you want. Any of the schools you have mentioned would be absolutely fine for getting into med school. I've visited Baylor a few times to see friends. I had the opportunity to go there for my undergrad and I'm very happy I decided against it. Just go make some trips and talk to some advisers. They would be able to clue you into the programs their school offers far better than anyone here would be able to do. Anyways, my personal take on the Baylor "experience" is that its an experience most people could do without. Hope that helps.
for the most part this is true. but there are exceptions to this rule i.e. two students w/ comprable stats and ec's. one from harvard and one from baylor. id say it would be safe to say that the kid from harvard would have the edge. a 3.8 at harvard is not the same as a 3.8 at baylor. just like a 4.0 at HCC isnt the same as a 4.0 at UH. i speak from experience. i got a 4 yr degree from UT but did my pre-reqs for med school at HCC. got a 4.0 in my classes. some med schools told me straight up that i shouldnt apply. but for the most part, most of the schools i applied to didnt really care. the distinction comes into play when schools start offering interview spots. but you can overcome this if you own the MCAT. that is the one great equalizer bc everyone takes the same test.
I've never been to Baylor other than a couple of visits, never lived in Waco, but I want to second the comment about the women that go there. They are incredibly beautiful.
Have you stood at a bus stop in West Campus during the summer? 2 inches above the knee does not apply.
well....just to let yall know...i just got rejected from plan 2... i feel i don't have much going for me at UT... thanks for all the advice anyways...
if i get into baylor...do i still have a good chance of getting into a med school? or does UT have a better rep of having more kids go to med schools??
I think it doesn't matter what school you go to. They take your mcat and gpa put it in some formula. Then they add your eca and use that to let you in or not. Unless you are trying to get in the top med school, then it might matter at least that is what might friend told me.
it doesnt really matter where you do your prereqs. get good grades, solid ec's, and a good mcat score. that will get you an interview invite. (im in this years med school application cycle so i know what im talking about.) pick the undergrad you feel youll do well at and enjoy college life.
What the other guys said. Your grades and MCAT are going to be more important than the school itself. For what it's worth, my 2 oldest brothers went to Baylor and both of them are now doctors.
