<p>Okay, I'm planning on doing pre-med as my program than an undecided major for the first few years to decide what I'd like to major in. I'm going back and forth because I come from a college preparing school and don't know which I'd like more. I'm afraid that WFU is going to be very hard academically in the sciences, and im not used to fighting for my A's in science classes. I go to a college prep school as I've said, so I've learned to manage my time and study for subjects, but this is college and I don't want to miss out on being able to have fun. This is my worry with WFU, that I'm going to be so stressed with keeping my grades up that I'm not going to have time for fun. Then sliding into medical school for more years of no fun? I'm not sure that's a good fit. But when it comes to Elon, I'm nervous their academics aren't going to be as challenging as I'd like them to be. So I guess what I'm asking is, where would be a better place to go as a science major with pre-med, where you can still have fun while being challenged without being overworked academically?</p>
<p>gabby, academics are one part of the college experience. I think that you should attend the program that fits you best. Having said that, I think you need to investigate the med school admission rates for both Wake and Elon. I would think that you would want a program that will prepare you best for the rigors of med school also. I can’t speak about Elon because I really don’t know anything about their programs. No doubt WFU will challenge you but I am sure you will be able to find a balance. Wake students on cc often claim that they work hard and play hard. Keep in mind Wake has a medical school and so an undergrad degree from there may help when it comes time to apply to med school.<br>
Wake is obviously the more well known school being nationally ranked in the top 25 but Elon’s reputation is improving although I think it’s name recognition is a bit more regional. Having said that, I would visit both, go to classes, spend a night, talk to students, profs etc and then decide where you see yourself. Don’t ever choose a place because you think it will be “easier”. If you were bright enough to get into Wake, you should be able to handle the work.</p>
<p>Ditto - if you’re admitted to Wake, you should be able to handle the courseload!</p>
<p>Despite Wake’s course load, it is also known as a “play hard” school. Even pre-med students have plenty of opps to have fun with good scheduling.</p>
<p>I have a decent amount of friends doing pre-med at Wake. While it is really challenging, one thing that is great about Wake is the fact that the vibrant social life makes up for the hard work done during the week. Work Hard Play Hard is definitely the mentality here. It’s all a matter of balancing your schedule: commit yourself each day to a good amount of time in the library, then reward yourself by going out on Wed, Thurs, or the weekend. There are parties going on 5 days a week.
Coming to Wake no matter what you study, you should be prepared to challenge yourself and work harder than you did in high school (that should be the case at any school). A typical Wake student was very involved and diligent in HS and that continued into college.
Although I don’t really know that much about Elon, I LOVE Wake and so do my pre-med friends. Lastly, people understand that studies are important, and it’s almost considered cool to study here (unlike sometimes in HS). I’ve had a BLAST here!</p>