<p>The difference in the quality of the Biology and Chemistry departments between Michigan and Wisconsin is negligible, even for PhD students in those fields. For undergrads looking to apply to Medical school, Wisconsin’s insignificant edge poses no benefit whatsoever, as evidenced by the fact that Michigan places more students than Wisconsin into top Medical schools. Bottom line, Medical schools are more impressed by GPA, MCAT scores, research experience, medical-related internships and personal statements detailing the applicant’s desire to study medicine. In all those respects, both universities offer similar opportunities.</p>
<p>Madison is not livelier than Ann Arbor as far as college students are concerned. There may be more of a scene for 30-50 year olds thanks to having a large number of government employees living in Madison, but that does not impact college life. </p>
<p>I am not sure how living in Wisconsin’s state capital, a city with under 200,000 residents and virtually no major industry, can be construed as a benefit, especially for pre-med students. Even Political Science majors would not benefit greatly from living in Madison, but pre-meds…am I missing something?</p>