Premed at a Small Christian School?

[Guest Cadmus]

Is it possible to do premed at a Small Christian School or must one go to a higher tier school?

 

Examples:

 

1 Average SAT Score of Christian School: 1000-1200 (CR & Math). Small Liberal Arts School with COMPLETE TUITION PAYED (with Grants and Scholarships :001_smile: due to low income)

 

2. Average SAT Score of institution X: 1200-1400 (CR & Math). Most likely will have 15,000 in debt every year ($60,000 total debt :glare: )...

 

 

I seem to be getting conflicting messages from friends. Some say full tuition can't be passed if one wants to go to medical school; others say that one must go to a better university in order to be prepared for Medical School. I don't know much about the process; it is for a homeschooling friend. ~ Very Much Obliged :)

[creekland]

In general, it's best to go with lowest cost for undergrad pre-med. If in doubt, check with each school to see how recent graduates have done when applying to med school. Christian LACs do send kids to med school. The school where my guy goes had an 85% accepted rate when he was looking at the place (not for pre-med, but I kept my ears open due to middle son's interest).

 

My bias would be for low cost, but, I'd be asking about numbers.

[TheHomeScientist]

Although many Christian colleges are not academically rigorous in the sciences, there are many exceptions, some of them quite affordable. Check, for example, Grove City College.

[Candid]

In general, it's best to go with lowest cost for undergrad pre-med. If in doubt, check with each school to see how recent graduates have done when applying to med school. Christian LACs do send kids to med school. The school where my guy goes had an 85% accepted rate when he was looking at the place (not for pre-med, but I kept my ears open due to middle son's interest).

 

My bias would be for low cost, but, I'd be asking about numbers.

 

:iagree:

 

Also, if you have a sense of what med schools might be on your plate, talk with folks in admissions there for schools they are comfortable with.

[JFSinIL]

Both Augustana College in Rock Island, IL and Illinois Wesleyan have high acceptance rates to med schools. DS is at Auggie - a Chem. major already doing research as a sophomore. Undecided as to med school, though.

[Guest zedcb]

I am a physician on faculty at an academic medical center, have served on our admissions committee, and based on my personal experiences, I would recommend choosing a small school with a recognized pre-med program. Be sure to find out about the percentage of pre-med students who are actually accepted into med-school, how students perform on the MCAT etc.

I went to a small Christian college as a biology major and completed my pre-med requirements. The small size of classes allows for individual attention from professors (3 students in my college Histology class, taught by a full professor). Professors get to know the students. This makes for better recommendation letters that reflect knowledge of the students beyond classroom performance. Med-schools are also looking for evidence of leadership and community involvement. It is much easier to become an officer in clubs in the smaller school environment. I served as president of two different clubs in college, did well on my MCAT, and was awarded a full tuition scholarship to my state medical school. I would avoid debt as much as possible if I were you.

[supermom1]

I am a physician on faculty at an academic medical center, have served on our admissions committee, and based on my personal experiences, I would recommend choosing a small school with a recognized pre-med program. Be sure to find out about the percentage of pre-med students who are actually accepted into med-school, how students perform on the MCAT etc.

I went to a small Christian college as a biology major and completed my pre-med requirements. The small size of classes allows for individual attention from professors (3 students in my college Histology class, taught by a full professor). Professors get to know the students. This makes for better recommendation letters that reflect knowledge of the students beyond classroom performance. Med-schools are also looking for evidence of leadership and community involvement. It is much easier to become an officer in clubs in the smaller school environment. I served as president of two different clubs in college, did well on my MCAT, and was awarded a full tuition scholarship to my state medical school. I would avoid debt as much as possible if I were you.

 

 

Thanks for sharing. This is really helpful to all who wants to do premed.