<p>can anyone tell me how strong the life sciences are at UR? I got accepted but it seems like a school that has a good business program as opposed to that of science. i think the school is gorgeous, but i really want to attend a college with a strong science program to help me get into med school. </p>
<p>it also looks a bit small for my taste... like high school all over again. i already live in the "bubble" of irvine, california (orange county) and while i like the first impression of the school, i want to be in a "bigger" environment. also, the lack of racial diversity is a bit discouraging; the general consensus is that the students are white, preppy, and rich?</p>
<p>I already know that 85% of their students got into med school on first attempt, but i don’t trust schools’ reports without knowing more specific information like MCAT cutoffs and such.</p>
<p>It’s small for me because I guess I went to a pretty big high school (around 2700+ kids?). I thought that was just normal -shrug-</p>
<p>I’m only finishing up my first year here at Richmond, so I can’t give you that complete of an answer. However, in my first year here, I have been extremely pleased with the science programs here at UR. I am currently undeclared, but plan on declaring as a Bio major in the fall. All the science faculty I have had so far (which, admittedly is just a small group, 3 bio professors (for Bio 199 and my 2 FYSs) and my current chem professor) have been great. </p>
<p>One of the most notable points of the science department here, which you’ve probably been told a bunch of times, is the ability to get into labs and start researching early on. This summer, I’ll be doing paid research in the lab of one of my current professors; at the beginning of the semester, she simply offered me a place in her lab because she liked me and knew I wanted to be a Bio major–it was that simple. I know tons of people who will be doing summer research and/or are already in labs doing research. </p>
<p>I’m not sure what, exactly, you’d like to hear. You are right…it often seems like the b-school or Jepson get all the attention. But the science program is solid and what it might initially lack in publicity, the school sure makes up for in funding.</p>