Consideration between Penns state and U Conn [and Rutgers; biology major, pre-med]

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Hi Any one went through a decision choosing between Penn state and U conn. What are the pros cons. which school is ranked better. Thanks in advance

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These are very similar schools. Both large flagship research universities located in somewhat rural areas of their states.

I would suggest your student choose the one where they want to be assuming both are affordable for the family.

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Student is making the decision, yes, but was considering academic rigor, future studies prospects etc

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And also how does they compare to Rutgers

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We are from CT. We know a number of students who were choosing from these two colleges. Some chose UConn and others chose Penn State.

What area of study is this student interested in.

Rutgers is another flagship university. Fits in fine with the other two

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Biology

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Biology will be just fine at all of these options.

@twogirls

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we wanted a school which has good academic rigor that prepares the student for potentially MCAT

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Biology will be fine at all of these schools. I would look at affordability and preference.

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Schools don’t prepare students for the MCAT. That is on the student. @WayOutWestMom

Your student will be prepared to apply to medical school equally from all of these options. None is “better” than the other, in my opinion

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Rutgers is not rural like the other two.

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When you say student , its what the curriculum covers right? If curriculum is great, it better prepares he student because they get a greater knowledge IMO

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@WayOutWestMom hopefully will comment here. The MCAT isn’t an achievement test.

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There is reason why some kids go to U Penn and Harvard right? My guess is the standards are higher there , so kids are well prepared.

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I agree 100%. All of these schools are fine for potential premeds.

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No undergraduate program prepares students to take the MCAT. Not even Harvard.

Premeds in Search of MCAT Prep Say Harvard Classes Provide Insufficient Instruction

Responsibility for MCAT prep lies solely with the student.

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Your kid is choosing between three very similar flagship universities.

Regardless of where your student attends, they will need to work very hard to get the best possible grades. That would be the case at Harvard and Penn.

The three colleges you are considering are really equals. Your student needs to figure out where they will be happy to be for the next four years. Which college is that?

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Seriously…the only real difference is that Rutgers is not rural. These are all strong flagships.

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If the student considers all of them approximately equal, then it can make sense to choose the least expensive one*. If the student is one of the few pre-meds who does get into medical school, any money saved on undergraduate may help reduce the debt burden that they will have after $400,000+ worth of medical school costs.

*Your other posts indicate that you are a New Jersey resident, so Rutgers is likely the least expensive one.

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There is really no reason not to go to Rutgers, unless finances for undergrad and medical/professional school is truly not a concern.

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