Hello! Please help me decide between NYU and Cornell for a Pre-Med track. My plan is to become a pediatrician.
For both schools I have a similar financial aid package that is near full ride.
Near full ride at these two amazing schools – wow! What an enviable position to be in.
New York City vs Ithaca is a pretty big lifestyle choice. What environment suits you best? NYU definitely doesn’t have a traditional campus; Cornell absolutely does.
Given that med school is on the horizon, you must have your eye on NYU Med. That tuition-free MD program has become every student’s dream. I’m not sure if going to NYU undergrad gives you any advantage, but just something to think about.
The thread says Pomona or Brandeis.
GPA and MCAT will matter. Depending on undergrad major, maybe there are more research opportunities in one vs. the other.
In most cases, going for Ivy is best -if for nothing else, a lifetime of bragging (for real).
Pomona is in the title but you don’t mention it in your post. Pomona is the most selective of the four by far. They are a small liberal arts college that will take care of you, mentor you through premed, and give you lots of opportunities for research and internships. As a former premed student many years ago who got lost in the system and could have used mentoring and opportunities for internships and research, my vote is Pomona 100%. I went to an Ivy (Columbia) but it didn’t help me become a doctor. It was sink or swim. I sunk, lol, when it came to premed. Cornell and NYU are way bigger than Columbia. The academics are hard enough without trying to get research opportunities and internships among thousands of students. My son applied to Pomona. I was really hoping he would be accepted but he was rejected. You are one of the chosen few to get into that highly selective college. How is Pomona’s financial aid? They would probably match Cornell and NYU. Pomona is not an Ivy but it is very prestigious. I would highly advise you give them a second look.
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This selectivity ranking from a few years ago places Cornell and Pomona near each other, with Cornell positioned as the slightly more selective school:
Nonetheless, Pomona stands out for its undergraduate focus and supportive environment. The suggestion not to overlook it should be strongly considered.
Cornell pre-med track is hard and very competitive.
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Pomona is actually much more selective - Cornell has several program that admit more than 20% - ILR and Hotel that aren’t that tough to get in.
btw - it’s a great choice - if it’s right. It’s small - Cornell is large for an Ivy - although it shares the Claremont College Consortium.
While better weather, you’ll have smog in Claremont and it’s an ehhhh place. Mountains nearby.
Ithaca and Cornell…just gorgeous. Probably more social and there’s sports to cheer for.
You’re spending four years. Most pre-med don’t sniff med school.
I’d find the right fit for you - not a bad choice on here although NYU overpriced and Brandeis as well relative - but all four find names with Pomona and then Cornell strongest just on reputation if that’s what your after.
In the end, in a case like this, fit matters most - it’s your money and your four years.