WashU vs Cambridge [biology or natural sciences, maybe pre-med, maybe research]

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I received a WashU offer for biology and Cambridge Natural Sciences.

Both are prestigious school, although Cambridge may have a better reputation. My impression is that WashU will be more liberal arts focused whereas Cambridge can give me a very solid foundation. However, I don’t think I get much research/internship opportunity in Cambridge as I will in WashU.

I am thinking about going into a research career, but maybe I want to go to medical school for graduate… I am not quite sure.

Heeeeelp!!!

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You can do research at Cambridge (all year round if you want)- the system just looks different than it does in the US. For a research career, Cambridge > WUSTL. If you want to go to medical school in the UK (via graduate entry), then Cambridge > WUSTL

However, if you want to go to medical school in the US, WUSTL > Cambridge b/c getting into US medical school from an international UG is very problematic.

Both will give you a solid foundation. WUSTL will require /give you the opportunity (depending on your pov!) for coursework in social sciences, writing, etc, whereas at Cambridge you will do all science all the time.

Cambridge terms are short and super-intense, and your college within the university is your ‘home’ (it even comes with a ‘family’- you have college ‘parents’ from your subject to help you settle in and navigate the system). WUSTL terms are longer and although not easy, the work load is steadier / not as intense.

Note also that marks in the US are based more on continuing assessments, whereas in the UK they are based on a few major exams.

Only it’s most rabid fans would say that a science degree from WUSTL is comparable to a science degree from Cambridge- but both will prepare you well enough to get into whatever grad program you choose. The lived experience will be totally different, and only you can decide which one seems right for you as a person!

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Cambridge.

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Note also that Natural Sciences has classes on Saturday, which was one reason my D22 opted for Oxford instead. Adds to the intensity of the experience.

Totally agree.