<p>My D has been admitted to Amherst and Bowdoin. She plans to major in biology and is interested in pursuing a career in Veterinary medicine. Both colleges are excellent academically, but what kind of career planning support does a premed or prevet student get at these schools? What’s the vet school acceptance rate for graduates of these colleges?</p>
<p>It is so sad that you (and she?) are more concerned about what might or might not be what she wants in 4 years and less about what kind of learning experience she wants to have at one or two great schools. No wonder so many young people are going off the deep end! Lighten up!!</p>
<p>While I dislike answering questions like this because of the inherent nature graduate/professional school admissions weights the name and prestige of the school much less than the grades, GRE/MCAT/test scores, ECs, etc. of the applicant. That being said, top schools traditionally have better candidates because the candidates are extremely qualified themselves.</p>
<p>But to answer your question, most liberal arts colleges (Amherst, Bowdoin, etc) will have very similar pre-med, pre-vet support. By support, you are looking at a few faculty members specifically specialized with the changing admissions factors in these professional schools and are quite knowledgable about requirements, etc. </p>
<p>Bowdoin does send students to top medical schools and veterinary schools every year, but often students do take a year or more off after Bowdoin because of the opportunities after graduation and the realization that professional school is another 4+ years of school on top of over 16 straight years in class. Bowdoin and other similar colleges traditionally do not release the “acceptance rate” into professional school because these rates are more reflective of the student, rather than the school itself. At the University of Chicago, the undergraduate college boasts an extremely high acceptance rate for professional school only because the university weeds out many applicants who may not be accepted and often, only support the students with a high chance of getting into these schools. In this way, the acceptance rate looks great, but is inflated. Bowdoin endorse any candidate who feels that he/she has a shot of getting in, regardless of the actual chances.</p>
<p>Finally, Biology at Bowdoin is an amazing department with a variety of professors, specialties, and students. It is often the most popular major at the college because of its great depth. </p>
<p>Bowdoi</p>
<p>The applicant candidate is rumored to receive a beneficial modifier in terms of the GPA rating for admissions criteria, in relation to less competitive schools. In either school, it is necessary to find a good academic advisor early on. Career planning support is available but it is up for the student to take the initiative. These days there are online forums that extend a student’s planning capabilities. Interning at a vet clinic helps, assuming there is any time. Good luck and enjoy the grind.</p>
<p>solimar, i suggest you visit the schools. academically they are very similar but will have a much different vibe. bowdoin seems to have better food and happier students. amherst seems to be a little less laid back.</p>
<p>strength of alumni at bowdoin probably stronger, i think there is a list somewhere</p>
<p>Thanks for the help!</p>