I only have a few days left to decide, and after visiting GW I feel even more confused. I’m planning on majoring in biology on the pre med track at either George Washington university or George Mason university. I’m aware that academics are better at GW, but I’m not sure if I like the whole open campus in the city idea. I prefer Masons campus feel overall and am not a huge fan of cities although I think I can learn to love it. However, purely from an academic standpoint I’d be better off at GW since it has better professors and more opportunities. It is significantly harder and I do believe that I would be able to get a higher GPA at Mason but I’m not sure if med schools will take the school name and difficulty into consideration. Will going to Mason make me less competitive to med schools even if I can manage a higher GPA than at GW? Also, how do their science programs compare? Would Mason prepare me for MCAT and med school or would I be much better off going to GW? Also, I did receive a fairly large scholarship from GW so the cost of each schools isn’t a deciding factor. Please help!!!
GMU vs. GW: both will be hard for premed. Neither will prepare you for med school - it’ll be on you.
GW will likely offer more personalized advising and more support.
GMU will not make you less competitive but don’t expect a high GPA.
Did you get into the honors college at GMU?
GMU premed is very rigorous. You will be surprised. Both school will provide the same classes. Both schools have lots of research opportunities. GMU now has a partnership with INOVA hospital. It is up to you to perform well and do well on the MCAT. A school will not help you get into med school. That is based on your ability and the strength of your medical school application. GMU will cost you less so that you have more saved for med school.
Talk to students and professors at GMU and you will get a different opinion then your perception. Grading is not going to be any easier at GMU. Being in the honors program will be a plus for you.