Wisconsin or Ohio State?

anon94785555
Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:08:45 +0000

Repeat- for medical school any college will do!!! Even those schools never heard of on CC. ANY college will prepare you for becoming a physician. All three flagships will prepare you for grad school if that becomes your choice. It is all up to you to do the work and get the grades et al.

You need to decide where you want to spend your undergraduate years. Do NOT make the decision based on going to medical school. No matter where you go to college you will be OOS for that state’s medical school. You will need top grades and unless you are a top student you may find the school’s with top bichem/chem programs may be harder to get A’s in that a lower tier school. An advantage each of these flagship schools has over many elite private schools is that, unlike some schools, their top tier students are not as often premed but rather students with a passion for the fields. Yes, because of size, there will be plenty of students interested in medical school. But you will find the top (honors) classes will have future research scientists instead of mainly those using the major for medical school purposes.

Figure out which school/campus has the atmosphere you want to be in. All three are good for your proposed majors. It does NOT matter what their medical schools are like as you are not entering those. Each campus has its own flavor.

Look at the courses required and available in your major. I know UW has at least three different options for general chemistry and is an excellent department for chemical education as well as in research (I still get my Badger Chemist every year). Look at research opportunities.

Figure out family finances. You want zero debt before medical school. Most physicians do not have wealthy parents (I did not) and most will not work or get free money for medical school (scholarships/grants). Most of us go to the medical school we do because that’s the one we got into (often the instate options) and it is most affordable. Residency may be the time to choose location.

What if you do not get into any medical school? Then what? What if you change your mind? You need to go to a school you will enjoy for both the academics (your major and other classes) and the campus culture. You need a plan B other than medical school. Only YOU can decide which school seems like the best fit for you.

Get rid of medical school plans for now (ie this spring) and choose the option that is best for NOW. You will be happiest and then do your best work if you like where you are. You will need to be engaged in your classes. The quickest way to lose points with any grad student/TA is to have the attitude you are not really interested in their chosen field but only using it as a stepping stone for medical school. Pick a college major you can be passionate about, even if only as an undergrad.