<p>Undergrad debt for a pre-med isn’t really tenable - if you borrow $80k for undergrad @ 8%, then defer payments to attend medical school for 4 years, and then take a 4 year residency and a 1 year fellowship, you’ll be looking at an undergrad debt of nearly $160k, not counting the $200k+ debt you’ll owe for med school. </p>
<p>If I were you, I’d try to graduate as close to debt-free as possible, I’d find me a job, or sell water or maps to tourists or something. Med school is a long haul, and, unless your loans are subsidized, that principal will keep piling up …</p>
<p>But on the other hand, to be brutally frank with you, if you’re going to be miserable in Williamsburg, I’d say turn down the money and go to UVA. Then, you get to go to a school you like better, and that scholarship money and slot will then go to someone whose dream school is W&M, and who will likely add more to the school than someone who “settled” and is unhappy about it. You’re going to be at school for 4 years, so wherever you go, you’re going to need to learn to at least like it, if not love it. Otherwise, it’ll be a long 4 years, both for you, and those around you. (Not meaning to sound harsh, but no other way to say it.) </p>
<p>By the way, were you offered Monroe? Very commonly, Monroe and Echols’ scholars are the same pool, though Monroe > Echols, imo.</p>