I was accepted to Wayne state university but I’m having trouble deciding. I have a 3.5 cumaltive and 1090 SAT score so my grades aren’t the issue, I do pretty well in school and already know I plan on going into the medical field, the problem is 2 things
I’ve heard the university classes are very hard compared to community college classes even though they count as the same thing
Community college saves you a ton of money compared to 4 year universities.
My parents are really pushing me for the 4 year university but I’m not sure, I will be living at home either way but this decision is just stressing me so much will the 2 year community college then transfer to 4 year university affect me that much for medical school?
I assume that Wayne State is in-state for you. If so, then with living at home it will be a LOT more economical than the vast majority of universities, even in-state universities.
I don’t know a lot about Wayne State but I see that it also has a medical school. To me this suggests that is probably is significantly stronger than a community college in terms of preparing you for medical school. This also saves the problem of applying to universities as a transfer student after two years of community college, and allows you to get to know the professors and the school better. You should also be aware that there are a lot of different professions in the medical area. Going to an undergrad university that has a medical school will probably help you to have some exposure to what they are (MD is definitely not the only route available). I think that you will have better opportunities for internships or other “practical experience” being at a full 4 year university with a medical school.
I think that your parents are probably right. Based on not much information, IMHO this actually seems like a pretty good deal.
When you are there keep ahead of your classes. Show up at all classes on time or early, sit near the front row if you possible can, pay attention, keep ahead in reading and try to do your homework as close as possible to when it is assigned, well before it is due. Take every class seriously. Seek out help where you need it. Good luck!
Who is telling you that classes at a 4 year university are harder than those at a Community College?? Anyone who, by any chance, has any experience with either??
My experience did not match that advice. I was a math major at our local CC. I got my Associate’s , and moved on to a local 4 year university. I found that I was well prepared for my math classes, and for all my other classes. My transfer was seamless.
Check into the number of transfers from your CC that get into Wayne State. If they’re accepting a decent number of transfers, then it seems to me that they’re happy with the education those students are receiving at CC.
Does your CC have formal articulation agreements or guaranteed transfer programs to Wayne State? Then that would be a cheap way to get your education and to be sure to be able to finish at the four year U. Talk with the transfer advisor at the CC about your options there.
It is not universally true that a community college class is easier than one at a four year school. It depends on the quality of each school’s teachers, resources, etc.
If you plan to go to medical school, a four year school is generally better. You’ll be able to work in a lab multiple years, see the same professor for multiple classes to let letters of recommendation, and do other things that will improve a med school application by embedding yourself into one school for four years rather than transferring. You’ll apply to med school during senior year of college,nand your junior year will be very important for grades, ECs, etc. If your first year on campus is junior year, you’ll have less time to figure out how to get involved, get noticed, etc.
But, all this assumes money is not a factor. Are you paying your way through school with loans?
There is no easy way out if you want to go to med school. Wayne state is a great school for premeds but unless you do well( like 3.7+ Gpa) you will not be considered in their med school or anywhere else. Likewise, the community college route will not be easier either because you need to complete most of your med school pre-requisites in a 4 year college.
Read some threads in the premed section on this board and you will learn more about premed.
Choose the option that would be the best for you assuming med school isn't in the picture at all. Most never get to medical school. What is your undergrad plan?
When you look more into med school admissions you will see that kids thinking of taking most or all of the classes required for med-school admission at a community college are advised to either wait to take them until they have transferred, or to continue them on at the 4-year and take upper division classes in the same subjects. Med school adcoms aren’t as naive as you think…