davy.davy

I'm a potential biology major and I have a hard time deciding between Wesleyan and Haverford. I can't say for sure I will apply to medical school but I do want to leave this option open. My other possible majors would be international development, economics or math.

I know that Haverford has a very strong biology program and its quite prestigious among medical schools. It also has the advantage of sharing resources with nearby Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore, and even has access to the research facilities at UPenn. The thing with Haverford is that it is super tiny (300+ freshmen) and doesn't have a lot of international students (Im one).

I know that Wesleyan has the most funding for research among liberal art schools, but does that mean undergrads get more opportunities to do research since there're also grad students at Wes. Does Wes have a strong biology program and is it reputable among medical schools?

Weskid

^^^
Undergrads have TONS of opportunity for research, because there are very FEW grad students, so profs still need lots of people in their labs. There is also a program for undergrads to stay over the summer and do research (paid, I believe). While I'm sure it can be a struggle for students who don't do that well, I don't have a single science major friend who lacked for research opportunities during the year or over the summer.

Wes is well known and would be great for med school. I don't think you can go wrong with either in that regard -- go to the one where you'd be happiest, since if you're happy you're more likely to do well and get involved. Wes has a pretty large and supportive international population, if that is something you care a lot about.

madjoy

Med school admissions is tough no matter where you go. But I feel like somehow half of my Wes friends are either currently in med school, are applying to med school next year, or were recently accepted to med school.

I think the lab research experience at Wes is a big plus. Literally everyone I know who wanted to work in a science research lab was able to do so (and, come to think of it, everyone I know who applied to / is applying to med school). A lot of students also either volunteer at the hospital or volunteer as an EMT to get some "clinical" experience.

I don't know much about Haverford, but my guess is that you can't really go wrong. They'll both be good for getting into med school. But if you're worried that grad students mean you'll have a tough time getting a lab position, don't be. There are tons of lab positions, and unless for some strange reason federal science funding is massively cut, competition from grad students won't be an issue

sleepyz

This may be a stupid question but did you just say "volunteer as an EMT"? Don't you need a license or something?

smartalic34

yes you do need a license... as an EMT-B you need 110 hours of classroom training. once you get the training and license, you can volunteer. I have a number of friends who volunteer as EMTs while at Wes.