<p>Yes, I know, a seemingly disjointed list. (and I am also looking at Texas state schools: UT, A and M, Tx Tech....and UVA).</p>
<p>Pre-med, ACT 33. Instate in Texas.</p>
<p>Looking for great science department. Great Pre-med advising. Small classes, no TA's. Any merit money would be appreciated...I know some of these schools seem to give it more generously, and being in Texas, some (grinnell) might want our part of the country to be more represented. Would like to be in the top 25% or so off student body (Pomona is a stretch) as need a strong GPA for med. school. Looking for an academic environment with fun, but not an overly party, shallow minded peer group...if that makes sense.</p>
<p>MY QUESTION: I guess I am just looking for comments firsthand about these schools. Perhaps you visited most and can give me your impressions.</p>
<p>LOL~please explain your point!! How? Furman is a great town atmosphere, good science, I hear. Grinnell good science as well. Not looking at many schools in the mw, and want to look at a few. Not been there, maybe you are referring to the student body difference at the two? Son is pretty low key about granola vs. prep…if that is what you mean. Looking for intellectual commonality more.</p>
<p>NettiK4137, My daughter graduated from Grinnell in 2012 and my son is in his final year at Furman. I can’t say enough good things about both schools. Both have a pre-med advisory and excellent sciences. My daughter is doing a NIH-NIDA post-bac; she wanted a research break before applying to med school. Two of her Grinnell friends are at Hopkins med school (she’s in Maryland) and doing well.</p>
<p>Furman may have more structure in their pre-med in that they seem to help students get the out-of-class experiences more than Grinnell. They also have access to hospitals and volunteer opportunities; Grinnell has a small regional hospital. Both schools offer summer research internships and have helpful career centers. The labs are impressive at both. My kids had their own station and equipment to do labwork in the freshman chemistry and the lab was run by a PhD. I imagine this is true of most liberal arts schools. PM me if you have additional questions.</p>
<p>Socially, they are very different schools but students are accepting and friendly (surprisingly Furman may be more accommodating though with a more conservative history). There is so much more to do at Furman and Greenville is a great town. The parties at Grinnell are wilder and there seems to be more substance use. D chose to live in substance-free housing two of the years she was there. Furman has parties and a drunk bus that drives and picks up students that had to much in the clubs. Alcohol and other drugs may be less of a problem at Furman due to the in town music clubs and bars and milder weather. Grinnell is a tiny town with limited options. The weather and lack of off-campus activity may account for the heavier substance use. </p>
<p>Bright kids at both schools. Both have a high percentage of graduates going to grad school. Grinnell may have a bit more impressive “name brand”?</p>