I don’t think there’s anyway to be doxxed.
I wouldn’t say PSU is safe - a branch could happen. But I think it happens.
UMD would be tough to get merit. I’m asking about rigor because if you don’t have it, that could lead to no - so let’s say 60 / 40. Honors classes are fine - but if he chose Honors instead of APs, as an example, that could be held against.
UF - the SAT is fine but the GPA - their 25/75 range is 4.5 to 4.7 using what I described (.5 for Honors and + 1 for AP). I’m guessing you’re short so let’s call that a reach.
If you have concern for med school costs, your smarter alternative to UF - because it’s basically the same thing, just not admission stats wise - is Alabama.
It’s why you see so many from the NE flocking there - far more than other Southern Schools. 574 from Ohio alone.
Your son would get $28K automerit and so would be about $22K.
Additionally, they have a special Pre-Med Program - the McCullough Pre Medical Scholars.
I see similarity to Penn State and UF and UF and Bama. I don’t really see it to UMD - campus/environment wise.
Disclaimer - my kid went to Bama and I go to Gainesville for work and know several who have gone - it was always between UGA/UF/ Bama and all three won depending on the kid. My son, for example, chose Bama because he got his own dorm room - something that wasn’t gonna happen at UF (which he got into, but gave no consideration).
The other thing - will he excel in big campus classes? Might a smaller school or LAC be better for him? You can likely find them in the $35-50K range.
You do need to watch costs if you plan to borrow for med school - in the old days, people took 3, 400K in loans. With the Big Beautiful Bill, you’re no longer allowed - so you need a way to save. In essence, Bama would save you a year’s worth of med school tuition over UF and even more over UMD.
Not trying to steer - just providing examples because this is an 8 year cost journey, not a four year. Obviously, Ohio State, Ohio U, Miami are all great. The where undergrad for med school won’t matter. The MCAT, GPA, and other opportunities (shadowing, etc.) will
Best of luck.
Program Description – McCollough Scholars