Giving Up Full Ride to Transfer?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi. I’m currently a freshman biochemistry major at Purdue University. </p>

<p>When I was applying for colleges last year, I knew I wanted to do something in biology, but I wasn’t exactly sure. And when I decided to attend Purdue (which gave me full-ride, something I couldn’t afford to pass) I thought it would be great because Purdue also has a very good biomedical engineering program, and I could pursue that. (Notice could, not want to) </p>

<p>Well, after a lot of research and thinking, I’ve come upon the conclusion that I want to pursue a career in public health treating diseases and outbreaks for the population, rather than treating individual by individual as a doctor. But in order to do what I want, I still need an MD degree for the most part, and I’m actually hoping that I could pursue a MD/MPH dual degree in graduate school. </p>

<p>So now that I have my goal set on attending medical school, I am not quite sure how well Purdue will fit my career goals. I don’t doubt its academic caliber because I like to think that doing well at any state college will give you roughly about the same chance as an undergraduate biology program at a top tier school. However my worry is about Purdue’s environment and its opportunities. Purdue does not have any nearby hospitals and the closest city is Indianapolis, which isn’t that close. (Of course, this may be made up by the fact that there is a ton of research done on campus) but I’m also concerned that since it is such a big school with tens of thousands of undergraduates, my academic advisers/ pre-med department will be able to give me much individualized attention on my application or personal help. Especially since the medical school application process is so brutal, I need all the help I can get. </p>

<p>So I’m considering transferring to another school for sophomore year. I currently have Emory in mind because it’s within the backyard of CDC (which is where I dream of ultimately being able to work at) and it’s a very medical/biology focused school. I would imagine its pre-medical advising is very good and there is much coordination between Emory and CDC in that there’s more underlying opportunities for specifically Emory students, but if anyone has experience from this school, I am all ears! </p>

<p>However, the downside is the cost, as always. I imagine at Emory I would have to take out a couple loans, a couple $10ks total, and I know this probably wouldn’t be the best way to start medical school process. On the other hand, Purdue will be very much free hallelujah. </p>

<p>So to sum it up, I have three questions:</p>

<ol>
<li>What would you personally recommend in this free Purdue vs. pricey Emory situation?</li>
<li>Are there any other schools that you would suggest I look into (because if i’m going to spend that much money on Emory, I’ll definitely be willing to listen to further opinions). And also, I do think I can reach for a bit more competitive schools than Emory based on just numerical records and the colleges I was accepted to senior year, but the CDC part is a big boost. </li>
<li>How plentiful are medical opportunities at Emory (especially regarding CDC) for a transfer student? Would being a transfer student set me back in striving for specific positions or internships? </li>
</ol>

<p>Oops make that four:
4. And what are the prospects of going on to medical school from biomedical engineering undergrad major, like Purdue? (GPA might suffer a tad compared to biochemistry major, in correlation to MCAT preparation… etc)</p>

<p>And ANY OTHER OPINIONS/ADVICE - all welcomed.</p>

2

<p>Sorry, can’t comment now as I’m heading out for a couple of days. Also post your questions on the Premed Topics forum, lots of experienced members there concerning med school admissions and what to look for in an UG college.</p>

3

<p>I can’t comment on the major for med school, but with the cost of attendance at Emory being about 60K a year, vs no cost, I wonder how your parents feel about this, especially when you are considering med school on top of this and will likely accumulate significant debt. If you were my child, I would not be in favor of this.</p>

<p>A scholarship for Purdue is a huge benefit, and while it is natural to wonder if the grass is greener elsewhere, this is a huge price difference for possibly slightly different “grass”. I do not know about the CDC opportunities for undergraduates. It is a separate institution from Emory which may be small for undergrads but also has a medical school, graduate school, and full nursing school with graduate programs. If there was a connection- who do you imagine would get priority at the CDC? This is not to say that you could not do some kind of lab internship there, but I am not sure how many opportunities the CDC offers to undergrads- perhaps others here will know.</p>

<p>Purdue is a fine school for pre meds, and as much as you would love to spend time in the CDC, over the next few years much of your time will be spent studying, and organic chem is organic chem most anywhere. With the money you will save at Purdue, you could possibly spend a summer living in ATL and volunteering at the CDC and still come out ahead.</p>

<p>I know this sounds harsh, but again, if you were my child, as a parent, I would say that yes, Emory is an excellent school but $180K is very expensive for the benefits you are looking for. I would offer some of the money saved for a medical oriented travel abroad experience, a summer at the CDC, or some other interesting pursuit at a more reasonable price. Perhaps if your family is extremely wealthy, they may not feel the same way, but Purdue is a fine school and I question the decision of declining the opportunity of a merit scholarship. </p>

<p>Sorry if this seems harsh, but I would counsel my own child that this is not economically wise. I would ask you to save that money for med school- at Emory if you wish.</p>

4

<p>On the CDC website there are paid summer internships for undergrads… open to all undergrads I think.</p>

5

<p>If you plan on med school always attend the cheapest/still reputable school to finish undergrad debt free. High GPA and MCATs at Purdue will get the job done.</p>