<p>
[quote]
It seems that UMD has a great Chem&Bio dept. with a lot to offer and a lot of research opportunities; more than W&M where it seems to be small and into the life science area. [ /quote]</p>
<p>Actually, W&M has a <em>lot</em> of research opportunities for Bio & Chem students, from freshman year on. For example: [HHMI</a> at The College of William & Mary](<a href=“http://web.wm.edu/hhmi/fresh-res-06.html]HHMI”>http://web.wm.edu/hhmi/fresh-res-06.html)</p>
<p>It may be a small LAC, but both programs are strong, (iirc, Bio is one of the most popular major at the school) and W&M has a Med School admit rate that’s far above average.</p>