<p>Hi, I am pretty new to CC and was just wanting some input from some fellow members. I am currently a freshman in college and have applied as a transfer student to Davidson and Wake Forest. I was wondering which school is better in terms of academics. I am a biology major and premed (also interested in research), so obviously, I am looking for the school with the best biology and premed program. If anyone has any advice or personal experience with any of these schools, I would appreciate anything. Thanks!</p>
<p>anyone ......??</p>
<p>davidson</p>
<p>10char</p>
<p>Considering Wake Forest actually has a medical school and a number of undergraduates take the shuttle over there (10 minutes away in downtown W-S) to do research, I'd have to say Wake Forest.</p>
<p>Davidson and Wake were some of my top choices as a senior, so here's a quick rundown. Both have awesome biology programs, so that probably won't be a deciding factor.</p>
<p>Davidson has tremendous resources for its size, including very nice science facilities. The labs look brand new and are well-equipped. The chemistry department has an NMR machine of which they are very fond (among other pieces), and the physics department is well-equipped for laser research. I was told that professors live near enough to the campus that labs were open when you needed them, and 90% of science majors are admitted to the grad school of their choice. Davidson strongly encourages undergraduate research, and they have a poster fair in the spring for students to present their research. Davidson, fairly uniquely among LACs, has a strong neuroscience program. One of the students I talked to had done cutting edge neuroscience research at Columbia thanks to arrangements Davidson had made. Davidson is also strong in ecology and has an ecological preserve. In fact, one of the most distinguished herpetologists in the country teaches at Davidson. Davidson has ties with the Duke Marine Lab that allows students to study there; it also offers a biology study abroad program in places like Kenya and Costa Rica through the School for Field Studies. Davidson students take advantage of the cozy feel of its small town, and they're active in the community. Athletics, music, theater, and community service are popular. Davidson has a PE requirement, and many students get rid of it through water sports classes at nearby Lake Norman. The proximity of Charlotte provides entertainment outside the Davidson bubble, and the area around Davidson is growing at an amazing rate. Davidson has one of the most beautiful campuses I've seen. Laundry is free, and they'll do it for you. The Honor Code is taken extremely seriously, and this has unique benefits. Bikes are left around campus for people to borrow and return, and exams can be taken at your convenience.</p>
<p>Wake also has a good biology program. The microscopy facility is impressive for its size, and they have great facilities for animal research, as well as greenhouses for ecological and genetic research. Wake offers courses in everything from virology to ichthyology, so it fits most interests. Like Davidson, Wake is a member of the School of Field Studies. If memory serves me, they also have their own programs in places like Jamaica in addition to ties with research organizations like Woods Hole. Wake's student body is probably the most friendly I've come across, and the campus is very attractive and well-kept. There is a lot of school spirit (so much so that they TP their own quad!). Housing is, in my opinion, better than at Davidson, although the rooms are a bit smaller. Students are furnished with laptops and printers; in their junior (or senior?) year they're given new ones that they get to keep. Laundry at Wake is free, although they won't do it for you like at Davidson. The food was pretty tasty, and I've heard that they've improved since I visited. </p>
<p>Although I'm fond of Wake, I'd advise Davidson. Davidson has better ties with the community than Wake, and the capping of loans (at $12k) makes it an awesome bargain if you're on financial aid. In fact, they're trying to get rid of loans entirely. It really comes down to personal preference, though.</p>
<p>I mentioned Davidson because of what this article said. I usually don't give much weight to popular magazines but the point (that it's a small college) made sense:</p>