I am looking to major in Biology on a pre-med track/advising. Anything at all whether it be student life, academics, pre-med or what dorms are like would be truly helpful. I am having a tough time deciding between the two solely because HWS gave me A LOT of money compared to Holy Cross; however, when I went for an overnight at HWS, the students were friendly, but nothing seemed to happen much on campus plus it felt like a heavy party school of prep kids.
It’s either I go to HWS where it will be an okay undergrad experience and save me a ton of money for if I want to pursue Medical School, or go to HC where I pay a decent but not too hefty sum and have an experience I would imagine I would enjoy.
(If it helps, I am a Massachusetts resident, who enjoys basically everything but not a partyer/drinker kind of guy)
@NewDocOnTheBlock: My youngest d also is looking into a pre-med track and from what I have researched at both HWS & HC, I would accept at the school that gave you more in FA, just because you’ll need to save if your going to med school, it all comes down to saving $$ in the long run.You will get the same education at both of them and are both great schools. Every school has a party scene and you can choose not to participate. Good luck in your decision!
HC is ranked considerably higher on US News & World Reports 34th versus 61st for HWS
I am a HC grad and my son is looking at both schools, and also plans to focus on a biology career. I just went to my reunion, and 25-30 people from my class are MDs; a bunch more are PhD/researchers in biomedical fields. Compare that to the 10 students going to medical/vet school this year from HWS. The bio dept at HC was always top notch, and the high quality of education has allowed many to major in non-science majors and continue on to be successful in med school (my favorite example is the art history/pre-med major who is now a pediatric cardiologist). Get the best education you can and success - in whatever field you choose - will follow.
HC is the better choice. I think the financial difference is an investment that you will feel when you graduate. The Alumni at HC are incredible. The American Medical Association’s President went to HC,http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/board-trustees/our-members/steven-stack.page Do you need more convincing? Really ?
At HC, everyone is brilliant–everyone. The football players are smart, the field hockey players are brilliant, and the nerds are off the charts. Check the stats. Its worth it. Holy Cross people love their school, they give back, they visit, they support. The Biology department is outstanding.
As to this sentiment that somehow it does not matter, this is pure foolishness. It matters. There is something called the Presumption of Brilliance. Its when you walk through the door and people make assumptions about you. You want them to presume you are brilliant. You get that if you go to HC. Now HC is not Williams or Harvard or Princeton but certainly head and shoulders above that other school you named. People who say the name does not matter are misinformed. Its like women saying size doesn’t matter…trust it matters. You can get to point A to point B in a Honda Accord. You will be safe. You will save money. But when you sit down in that Audi or BMW–there are just so many different features that come with the name and reputation. HC people take care of HC people. Do the research the fact bear it out. Their Alums of Color are absolutely phenomenal as well.