mtbf

Which of the following is the better choice for a potential pre-med student and why? Student had 32 ACT and 4.0 undergrad in a highly competitive class in a moderately demanding school. Both U of M and Pitt medical schools are high on the student's ultimate goal list. Also does anyone know if either of these institutions gives preference to their own undergraduates in medical school admission?

1. University of Michigan, in-state student, eligible to apply for Honors program in January but no guarantee, may or may not be able to do research with a professor in freshman year. $1000 scholarship. U of M is one of the top ranked public universities (#2?), rated as "highly selective."

2. University of Pittsburgh, out-of state but full 4 year tuition scholarship, Honors College, Honors dorm. Can do research right away. Pitt is ranked in top 100 schools but in lower half and is rated "more selective." Student was invited to interview for guaranteed admission to medical school but was not offered this admission.

smart.cookie

Pitt has a decent medical school. And added research is an enormous plus. Honestly, I would go to Pitt, simply because of the scholarship and the Honors status. And it's a nice change of scenery (though you would have to cohabitate with those horrid Penguins fans lol)
Go WINGS!

NewEngSocSciMan

I'm thinking that Pitt might provide the better research opportunities that med schools want. Also, Pitt has a nice med school (I think it's nearby), and that helps too – if you want clinical experience, become an EMT or CNA (or LPN, if you have the time).

beefs

Opps at Michigan are just as excellent. Go for fit.

smart.cookie

^ Definitely go for the best fit, but I would personally go for Pitt (sounds like a better financial fit)

lfecollegeguy

Pitt's honor college, and UPMC is very prestigious.

smart.cookie

Seems to be unanimous for Pitt, though your decision is the one that really matters.

A2Wolves6

Are you paying for Pitt's R+B, or is this a true full ride? If it's a full ride, it's a no-brainer. If it's full tuition, there's still something to think about because you'll still be paying a large amount of money either way.

Remember at Michigan there's opportunities for more money. In-state students have lots of opportunities for scholarships as publics have money available for in-state students through a variety of programs. Most commonly, the MEAP program and the Michigan Competitive Scholarship can add on an additional 2550/year.

If it's a question of Pitt for 8500 or Michigan for ~15000 (depends on scholarships), it is a difficult question. The campuses are a bit different, Pitt is much more urban, about 2/3 the size of Michigan.

Definitely a difficult question, I know that pre-med is all about saving money and I would recommend Pitt for that reason.

hoedown

Given the cost of med school, I think you'd be wise to minimize your expenses as an undergrad.

lgellar

So how much more will Michigan cost?

smart.cookie

With scholarship it will probably run 14-15 k

mtbf

Pitt scholarship is tuition only. Pitt will cost around $9000 and U of M about $19000. Michigan Promise scholarship is $1000.

smart.cookie

10,000*4yrs= $40,000
Thats 40k you could have for Med school instead.
I would recommend Pitt