I am considering both and want to go into pre-med (accepted). Which is overall a better college and has a better preparation route for medical school? Please let me know your opinions. Thank you!
Firstly, these schools differ by student profile:
SAT/ACT Middle-ranges
Baylor: 1200-1350 / 26-31
Hamilton: 1360-1510 / 31-33
You have gotten into a highly selective school. From your original post, it’s not clear whether you recognize this.
Hamilton is definitely the better school. In fact it is one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. You get small class sizes, excellent professors, opportunity to do research as an undergraduate (important for med school), and given the 9:1 student faculty ratio you will likely have a much closer relationship with your professors, who will be able to write a far more personal recommendation for med school. The professors are highly accessible and their to ensure you succeed. Lastly this is from the Hamilton Website:
“Hamilton’s acceptance rate to medical school over the past five years has varied from a low of 76% to a high of 93%. More than 92% of students with a GPA of 3.5 were admitted the first time they applied. The Hamilton College Health Professions Advisory Committee prepares a letter of recommendation for any student who wishes to apply. There is no GPA requirement to receive a letter of support.”
Apart from the issue of academic excellence, I really can’t imagine two more different schools in terms of size, location, culture and student body. Please make sure you also evaluate “fit” to make sure you are picking a place where you will be happy as well as prepared for med school.