<p>For the students already at Washington University:<br>
How competitive is the pre-med program? I don't mind difficult classes, but are the students there really competitive with each other? I've heard that at some colleges students actually steal books from the library so that no one else can use them. Is Washington University like this, or are the students generally supportive of each other? Thanks!</p>
<p>I heard recently from S, who is taking Organic Chemistry---370 students signed up for Orgo in August---now after 2 tests there remains only 326 students. That means 44 student have dropped the class so far. S says 76 on a test is a solid B---so there is a curve. I would say premed is a difficult journey for most students----no matter what school you go to!</p>
<p>MM, yes and those 370 who started Orgo are the ones who made it through Gen Chem, Calc and Bio last year. D is also premed there and she says it's 'crazy insane.' She has seen arguments about students wanting the front row for Orgo and having a fit if they think someone sat in 'their' chair. But, she hasn't heard about books being taken or anything like that. The staff is very supportive about setting up study groups and review sessions. There was a dorm Chem tutor hired by WashU for several of the dorms. Generally I think the students do help each other.</p>
<p>Outwest: Do you have any time of instant messaging program? I would love to ask you some questions! =)</p>
<p>HVS I just turned on the PM option for myself. Ask away and bear with me.</p>
<p>I recently graduated from WashU (and I am medical student at my state school, which gave me a free ride), so I can help answer questions about pre-med at WashU.</p>
<p>My thoughts:
1. Pre-med is hard pretty much wherever you go. Some pre-med classes (i.e., organic chemistry) at WashU are known for their "weeding out." Some stats from my class: 700 people began first semester general chemistry, 200 people finished second semester organic chemistry.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>About 60% of my freshman class identified themselves as "pre-med." This is about 700 people. In the end, only 120 applied to medical school. Almost all got into medical school. What does this mean? Did some find "other interests." Probably. But I know there are more than a handful of people who decided to do something because they "couldn't do pre-med." Also, others probably decided (regardless of grades) that medicine is not for them and decided to do something else.</p></li>
<li><p>It's fun. Yeah, pre-med is really fun, especially when you know that 30% of the class will get a C or lower even if the average is 95%. Curves are designed to fail people; it's inherent. This is the same regardless of the school. Some state schools' curves are worse from what I hear.</p></li>
<li><p>Research opportunities abound at WashU. Every pre-med I know has worked in a research lab. It's great on your resume, and if you are applying to "Research-oriented medical schools" (i.e., Harvard, Hopkins, WashU, Pitt, Columbia, UCSF, UCLA, USC, Mayo, Northwestern, Michigan, Ohio State, etc.) lab experience is a must. </p></li>
<li><p>Finally, if you manage your time correctly and don't get too caught up in the party atmosphere of college, you will do fine. Really... All it comes down is motivation... If you are motivated, you will succeed.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Jason</p>