Title. I’m an incoming freshman looking to do BME as a premed (yikes, I know), and I received a 5 on AP Chem junior year. Since premed requires 8 credits of gen chem, should I just take the course anyways, or try and fulfill the requirement with upper divs instead?
Hi everyone! I just got off the Cornell waitlist, and I have to decide between these two schools (for undergrad) in a few days. My eventual goal is to get an MD/PhD with the PhD being in biomedical engineering, with a focus on the more lab-based aspects of the subject such as biomaterials or drug delivery. I want to choose the school that’ll best enable me to attend a T20 MSTP for this.
Cornell
Pros
- Closer to home (have some health issues that parents are concerned about)
- BME program more suited for my interest: allows me to choose a focus area in biomaterials/drug delivery and take more classes in that
- Ivy prestige
- More structured pre-med opportunities and advising
- Location (I’d prefer to stay in the northeast)
- Other subjects in life sciences are still strong in case I decide to transfer out of BME
- Might be a better culture fit overall
Cons
- Cost (big difference)
- Location (people complain that there’s nothing to do/middle of nowhere, though honestly I don’t think I’d mind)
- Lower ranked BME program overall
- More established premed culture might also make it more competitive?
- Notorious for grade deflation/tough intro STEM course grading
Georgia Tech
Pros
- already committed
- #1 ranked BME program in the nation
- State school/less premed focus = slightly less competitive for opportunities, might be able to stand out more?
- Plenty of health-related opportunities due to partnership with Emory
- Atlanta is a beautiful city
- Significantly cheaper
Cons
- grade deflation, known for overall rigor of program
- BME program is very focused on mechanical engineering and building devices, which isn’t my area of interest
- Less prestigious overall
- If I decide to switch out of BME, not as well regarded in other fields
- Have concerns about living in the South for 4 years
- Far from home
For some context, my parents can afford both schools, but Georgia Tech would definitely be easier for them. I also know MSTPs are fully funded so I’m unsure if the traditional premed advice of “cheaper is better” applies in its entirety. I would really appreciate any advice/insight, especially from people who’ve attended these schools!