<p>How rigorous are the premed classes at Uof M, I am aware that they will of course be challenging but how are they in comparison to other colleges? I know that it is very competitive, so is it extremely hard to receive a good gpa due to grading curves? Also, as far as research opportunities, are they easily accessible? I am not sure if going to Michigan is worth risking having a lower gpa, because from my understanding mcat and gpa are really what matter for med school. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Having compared exams with my friends, orgo exams are similar to those at other (USNWR) top colleges. If you take the Gottfried exams from F08-W09-S09 into account, they might actually be a hair more difficult.</p>
<p>In my personal experience, it is not hard to receive a good gpa in premed courses. However, some people I know that transferred from other universities in Michigan (such as Albion, GVSU, and UM-Dearborn) would definitely say otherwise. This is a really variable evaluation. It might be easier to give you a better sense if you gave more information about yourself (test scores, gpa, competitions).</p>
<p>It was very easy for me to find a research position. I’m sure other people will weigh in as well. Try doing a search in these forums for “urop” and “premed”.</p>
<p>Just for some background
ACT:28
GPA: 3.8 (I take all the honors/ AP classes my school offers)</p>
<p>Hmm, since you don’t match my profile I won’t be able to give you great advice. In classes like bio/biochem it doesn’t really matter how smart you are (there are a few exceptions), just how much work you’re willing to put in and how much you can memorize. Organic chemistry and physics are more conceptual; did you do well in math? That could be a good indicator for you.</p>
<p>As for the curves, the teachers say organic chemistry isn’t ‘curved’ in the strict sense. Usually, 80-100% = some kind of A, 60-80% = some kind of B, I think 40-60% is some kind of C, etc. It’s a modified straight scale that has elastic edges (i.e. they may arbitrarily make 80% a B+ in order to fit a distribution but will not go as far as making 85% a B+). My physics classes weren’t curved either, but I didn’t take the stereotypical premed physics classes (like 125, 140, 126). Some undergrad bio courses (like genetics) are also on a straight scale. I don’t know if intro bio is curved or not.</p>
<p>Where else are you thinking of going? Maybe some more people can weigh in on this.</p>