I was wondering which school had the better pre med program. At villanova I am planning to major in neuroscience and at the university of Washington, I am undecided science since they do not have neuroscience. A comparison would be great as well as some medical schools previous students have been accepted into. Thanks in advance for all the help
First of all, UDub does have a neuroscience major. It’s called neurobiology. 8-| (There’s an object lesson here: do your research before you make any major decisions.)
http://depts.washington.edu/nbio/
Either school will give a fine education. Pick the one that offers you the best combination of fit, opportunity and cost.
This is meaningless information since gaining an acceptance into med school is all about the individual and not about the school. Your school doesn’t get you into med school. You get you into med school.
Thanks? I know what I applied for but neurobiology is still slightly different than neuroscience that’s why I said it. And I was hoping for more informational input, like what opportunities did you have and how well the school prepared you in the sciences.
Agreeing 100% with wowm above,I don’t know anything about either school but I suspect students graduated from both schools and successfully gained admission to med school mainly because of individual efforts of the students (e.g. GPAs, MCATs, EC involvement, interactions with potential LOR writers, etc) and less because of what their diploma said at top (i.e. UW/Villanova). Where do you think you will fit in and believe you can do well? Also consider cost as med school is often paid for by loans so graduating college with as little debt as possible is important.
Both schools offer the required pre-med classes. Quality of the teaching will vary from instructor to instructor even at the same school–so that’s not a useful discussion point.
Both schools offer research opportunities. It’s up to you to find them. UDub has more lab positions, but then again UDub has lots more students seeking those positions too.
UDub has adjacent med school–but it’s tough to get a volunteer position there due to the sheer number of students; Villanova doesn’t have med school, but there are a number of hospitals in Radnor/Main Line area. (You may need a car, though. IIRC, there are no hospitals within walking distance of Villanova’s campus. Can’t remember if there are any within walking distance from train stops.) But then again, there are places other than hospitals that present opportunities for clinical volunteering at both locations.
UDub offers a wider selection of courses in neuro than does VIllanova. (D1 did a summer research fellowship at UDub in neuro and said she was envious of the sheer variety of the offerings. She attended a mid-sized top research U that has a national reputation in neuro.) But that’s the difference between a big school and smaller school. There may be other factors the make a smaller school–like greater contact with faculty members–more attractive.
UW has a stronger reputation in neuroscience/neurobiology than does Villanova, but if you’re not intending to pursue graduate studies, the point is moot.
No school will prepare you for the MCAT. Preparation is on you.
Both schools will offer a you a great education. Really college is what you make of it. Choose the one that’s best for you.
If you have specific questions about the campus or specific opportunities on campus, you might ask on the UW and Villanova specific forums.
Wowmom is correct, either school could offer good preparation, choose the one that fits you better, be that personality, expense, etc.