Let me start by saying…University of Richmond is a very fine undergrad education.
- What opportunities (volunteer, shadowing, research, clinical) are there?
the college itself isn’t located smack on the middle of Richmond. But don’t be discouraged by this. Many premeds do their shadowing, etc during summer breaks. Your volunteer work can be with any disadvantaged group…I’m sure there is something near enough to the college.
- How hard is it to maintain good grades? Is there grade deflation or inflation?
this will be on you. You will need to study hard, and work hard to maintain good grades as a premed, but that would be the case everywhere. It’s not like the required courses for medical school are easier or harder. Let’s just say, OChem is a challenge everywhere. Work to get your best grades.
- How much support is there for the MCAT and medical school interviews? How good are the academic advisors in preparing premed students?
I can’t comment on the academic advising for premeds at Richmond. Re: the MCAT, you will need to prepare for that yourself. Some students take a gap year after undergrad so they can do so, and also beef up their ECs. Think about that.
- How is the environment for premeds?
I think you should be asking how the environment fits what you want for four years of undergrad school, not how it is just for premeds. That’s my opinion. I usually suggest folks with premed in their plans choose a college they would attend even IF they were not premed. A place where they feel comfortable, happy, and like what’s around them. Those things make for happier college students who do better than unhappy ones.