Pace Pforzheimer Honors College vs CUNY Macaulay Honors College

College Search & Lists
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Hello everyone. Hopefully someone might provide some advice. I am an incoming college freshman for this fall with the goal of majoring in psychology with some interest in business. I am interested in both of these subject areas but at present my goal is to rather become a physician. I also heard from numerous advisors, professionals, and students that this would better prepare me for the MCATs and make me a more well-rounded candidate for medical schools. (And I want to give myself more room for educational/professional self-discovery.)

At the time that I’m writing this, I’ve already been accepted to Pace University’s Pforzheimer Honors College with $20,000 in scholarships. Because of special family circumstances I do not know yet how much financial need I will receive but I expect it to be between ≈$2,000 and ≈$10,000. Tuition at Pace is $41,000 (I will live at home with my parents in NYC), and the Honors college offers quite a few work-study, internships, and research opportunities to people like myself. I have also applied to the CUNY Macaulay Honors College (Brooklyn college, Hunter college, and Baruch in order of preference) with the same goals and major interests. I know that a benefit of Macaulay is free tuition and dorms at some of the colleges, some special courses, a free MacBook, and a city cultural pass. Are these the only benefits? Is there any other value in going to Macaulay?

Is Macaulay Honors College better valued/respected by medical schools than Pace Pforzheimer Honors College? As in – does the more expensive education offered by Pace pay itself off in the long run when applying to medical schools?

If the Pace option is better then can I go to Macaulay and substitute the lesser prestige/value well enough with internships, shadowing, research, and working? Will I even HAVE ACCESS or BE ABLE to do those things easily enough at Macaulay?

Thanks for any help! I will check back often to see if anyone has replied and/or needs clarification.

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I’m not sure about pre-med, but Pace is mostly known for business. I honestly think Pace is very overpriced. Can your family even afford $41,000 a year?

I would go with Macaulay. Don’t turn down free tuition for Pace’s high tuition. Save the money for med school.

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Macaulay is a great program, highly respected, with lots of perks. Assuming you get into Macaulay, I can’t see any reason to turn down a completely free excellent education for Pace.

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Did you apply to any other college?
Otherwise, I’d go with Macaulay :slight_smile:
You’ll have to deal with the CUNY red tape but its academics are definitely better than Pace’s. As for opportunities… you’ll get a chance to apply then it’ll be up to you to do what it takes.