<p>Assuming comparable selectivity and rigor, which of the two offers a better preparation for medical school? Also assume the student is comfortable in either type of undergraduate environment. </p>
<p>Both are very different and have different strengths and weaknesses. Small LACs have the advantage of teaching and small class sizes. It means more interactions with professors and a better chance to understand the material. There are still opportunities to do research, and might be easier to secure some spots, but not as many as a research university and may be competitive to get them. Large research universities have the advantage of having many research opportunities going on at the same time, that you can definitely find something you are interested in. The class sizes tend to decrease over time. So yeah that is just my two cents.</p>
<p>"Assuming comparable selectivity and rigor, which of the two offers a better preparation for medical school? Also assume the student is comfortable in either type of undergraduate environment. "
- Selectivity and rigor of th UG is more or less irrelevant to the Medical School
- No UG will prepare for the Med. School. Academics in UG and Med. School (my D’s comment) “exist in different universe”
- Comfortable in either type means nothing. Student should choose the school (not the type) where he/she is comfortable in all respects, program, campus, student body, location,…whatever other criteria. Happy student will produce happy results.
Do not worry about type of school or for that matter our answers here. Choose where you belong and be ready to adjust your working habits upwards no matter what is you stand in your HS class and no matter which school you choose. </p>