Posted by Melinda Holliday I'm an HBCU Supporter!
on April 12, 2005 at 11:32:38:
In Reply to: HBCU (howard) VS. non-HBCU (UC Davis) posted by Melinda Holliday on March 15, 2005 at 14:02:19:
I didnt attend a HBCU, so I cant comment on what that experience would be like. However, having gone to a majority white school in the D.C. area that is ranked in the top 25, I think you should make the decision that is right for you. Where to attend college is such a personal decision. For me, I wouldnt trade my college experience. Alhough, I do know there are things I might have missed out on becasue I was not in a predominately black school. But I also think there are things I gained as a result. There are definitely experiences you will receive at Howared that you wont get a majority white school. I think for me going to school in a black city probably eradicated some of that. I am not familiar with California - so I dont know what the surronding area of Davis has to offer. In the end, you have to ask yourself what are you looking for in a college education (academic wise and personal wise). Since you have already identified your long terms goals, sit back and evaluate both schools and their programs. Look at things like percentage of graduates admitted to medical school and percentage of which graduates admitted where admitted to specific medical schools. Also look at the medium MCAT's scores of each school - things like your grades, MCAT's and extra curricular activities will ultimately dictate if you get into medical school and where. Also, there is nothing that dictates that if you go to Howard for undergrad that you have to go there for medical school or if you go to UDavis you have to go there for medical school. Also, remember that college will be unlike anything else you will ever experience. And while a big part of your decision should focus on the academic aspect (ranking, programs offered, etc.), you should be seeking to gain an overall life experience.
With all of that being said the most important thing is to maximize the experience regardless of where you go. If you graduate with good grades, can get good recommedations, etc. you will get into medical school regardless of where you go to college.
Being an attorney and having gone to only white schools - I can tell you that my friends who went to black schools who are also attorneys are doing just as well as I am and some are even doing better. I think you have been admitted to two excellent schools and that either decision you make wont be a wrong one. GOOD LUCK!