<p>This is an ages-old question (in discussing the quality/accessibility/advantages/disadvantages of science research at a small LAC versus a larger school) but, for me, it's important to be asked.</p>
<p>I am a prospective neuroscience major (at Williams, I would probably major in biology with a neuro concentration) who intends to go into research in neuroscience (specifically, at this point, autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, because of my own personal interest in autism, though that is extremely subject to change) in the future. </p>
<p>How would Williams (if research is considered alone) facilitate my interests and future plans, in comparison to larger schools? The two I am considering, if it helps, are UVA and Emory. Would I be helped or stifled by Williams's small size in this regard? How would my chances at getting into grad school be affected?</p>
<p>Great question! Williams focuses a ton on undergraduates, so research opportunities are quite plentiful and easy to get into, provided you know the professor who is conducting the research. However, because the school is so small, you may not have the technology you need (ie, I don’t think Williams has an MRI machine or anything like that). At other schools, while you may have the machines, you may not have the opportunity to use them because research opportunities are given to grad students. I don’t know specifics about UVA or Emory.</p>
<p>Williams has amazing grad school acceptance rates, and an awesome career center. Most grad schools, when they see a Williams degree will jump at the opportunity to admit you (especially if you have good grades). The fact that you really get to know a good number of professors is also really advantageous, as they will be able to write FANTASTIC references. Tutorials and Lyceum dinners are only a few things that the College does to help facilitate student-faculty interaction, and most students will have several anecdotes about their talks with profs (I know I do!).</p>
<p>I’ve posted on this elsewhere at great length, so won’t repeat myself here (look through some of the Williams vs. Chicago/Cornell/Hopkins/etc. threads to find a lot of recent debate on-point). But a good place to start reading about this issue, from a Williams perspective, is here:</p>