<p>I want to major in psychology, minor in environmental studies (though I like the science side of it more than the policy side), and pre-med track. I'm also interested in creative writing.</p>
<p>Mostly, I'm wondering about psychology and premed at Swarthmore vs. Oberlin. Which school's students gets accepted into better medical schools (I can't seem to find statistics for this)? Is it easier to get into the pre-med track at one school versus another? Does the supposed "grade deflation" at Swarthmore affect one's chances? And what are some differences between their psychology programs? I know that Swarthmore has Barry Schwartz but how about the rest of its psychology classes? And I know that Oberlin has a great neuroscience program, but does that translate into a good psychology program as well?</p>
<p>(Also posting this on the Oberlin page.)</p>
<p>I’ve only heard good things about psychology at Swat; one of my good friends started out as biochem and switched to psych because he realized that he enjoyed the courses so much more. </p>
<p>I have personal experience with the creative writing program at Swarthmore, which is not nearly as prominent as Oberlin’s but has offered consistently high-quality workshops (this is partially a function of the professor, but also much a function of the students, and Swat’s workshops are all application-based).</p>
<p>Pre-med isn’t really a “track” per se, just a serious of basic science courses you need to take–organic chemistry will be organic chemistry, and your chances of getting into med school depend primarily on how well you do in those courses and what relevant activities you pursue during the summer. I definitely know people who have done well in Orgo at Swarthmore, so I wouldn’t let “grade deflation” rumors scare you away. To my knowledge no one has ever been curved down (bell-curve distribution) in a Swarthmore class.</p>
<p>Environmental Studies at Swarthmore is a program somewhat in flux, and gaining resources in recent years. However, at present it does lean towards policy; it is NOT an Environmental Science program and you will have to take policy courses to complete the minor, in addition to science-oriented courses.</p>
<p>As someone who lives in Oberlin and has a parent who teaches at the college (in the psych department department actually) I can say that environmental studies at oberlin is HUGE. It’s one of the huge draws of oberlin for many people. The building is one of the greenest in the state, and is rather famous. As for the psych, I’m obviously biased but from what I understand it’s pretty good. Better than average at least. Hope that helps!</p>