I am an NJ resident and am not sure which of these schools would be better for pre-med. I really like both schools, but I know that Rutgers would probably cost less as I’m in-state and might be able to get a scholarship. I also like Lafayette a lot though, and I like how it’s small and personalized. It’s a bit further from home (1 hr 30 min), but not so far that I wouldn’t be able to visit home when I felt like it. Another thing I’m unsure about is that I don’t know anyone who goes to Lafayette/will be going, so if I do go there, I’m afraid it might be harder to find friends. On the other hand, I know a huge amount of people at Rutgers.
Which one would be a better choice for me if I hope to get into medical school one day (in terms of classes & research opportunities)?
I’m a junior by the way, so I still have time to think about it, but I just want to know which would be a better choice when the time comes to make the decision (since I may apply ED to Lafayette if I choose that as my #1 choice).
Small liberal arts colleges like Lafayette tend to develop strong communities. Many people arrive at small elite colleges not knowing anyone at all beforehand, yet they develop lifelong friendships. Making friends should not be a problem.
While there are arguments for the small classes and close relationships with professors at a small liberal arts college vs. a university, the honors program at Rutgers might create a similar ‘small school’ experience within the larger school, and course selections may be broader.
Visit both, run the net price calculator on each website to figure out the likely cost at each (note: Lafayette offers both need-based and merit aid, and of course Rutgers is a public school), and see which will be the best match. And visit more schools, that are similar to the ones you like, and at a range of selectivity levels (Franklin and Marshall, Muhlenberg, Gettysburg, Dickinson, Ursinus, Bucknell, Allegheny, etc.?-- the first two on this list are especially well regarded for pre-Med). Definitely visit several schools before applying early decision to any school, so that you are confident you have found what you really like.
If you like both schools, it is terrific. That means you can apply early to Lafayette, but if rejected, know you will be just as happy as Rutgers.
As far as medical school goes: you should be able to realize your goals regardless of which school you attend. Success will have more to do with you and your work than with the name of your college. Yes, Lafayette will be well known to medical schools, but attendance and good performance at a state honors program is impressive, too.
My D went to Lafayette and I can’t say enough good things about her experience at the school in every respect (great education, wonderful friendships, close-knit community, great ECs, abundant research opportunities etc.) She wasn’t pre-med but she did take a number of science courses. On the other hand, if med school is in your future then cost may well be a factor in your decision as well so you should give Rutgers due consideration.
If you like the small size of Lafayette, but also like the low in-state tuition of Rutgers, then another obvious option would be TCNJ. TCNJ does not have as much general name recognition as Rutgers, but it is comparable in terms of selectivity, and academic professionals (like at medical schools) know this. Rutgers is known as a major research university, but the opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research might actually be better at TCNJ (or Lafayette) given the absence of grad students. Both Rutgers and TCNJ have Honors Colleges.
I’d also suggest Rowan as an in-state alternative. They now have a medical school and beautiful new facilities. They also have an honors college and are pretty generous with the aid for top students. It’s larger than TCNJ, smaller than Rutgers with a very walkable campus.
ok so actually TCNJ is the most competitive public school in NJ . Admission standards are higher than Rutgers.
It is also ranked as per USNWR as the #1 public school and #3 overall school in the North for regional universities.
Its business program is ranked in the top 35 in the country, accounting top 20, #2 in the country for ED, its known as a top undergraduate pre-med program(which is an actually program and is extremely difficult to get accepted to). It is one of the most beautiful campuses in the US and has been reported as having one of the happiest student bodies in the country. It is set up just like a small new England college (think NESCAC). Strongly suggest a visit. also Barrons rates is as one of the 75 most competitive schools academically in AMERICA! Just built the 120 million dollar campus town, and just finishing the 100million dollar new STEM facility.
Also if you like Lafayette but are looking for a lower price point, you could expand your search to include some other LACs where you might get some merit aid (Muhlenberg could be one example).
I found Lafayette’s NPC one of the worst for both scholarships and financial aid. It was very disappointing.