<p>College decision time.</p>
<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 Swarthmore page.)</p>
<p>What is the net cost for each school?</p>
<p>Swarthmore is more expensive supposedly (around $61000 while Oberlin is around $59000), but with my financial aid package, Oberlin is actually $1000 more expensive.</p>
<p>You don’t have to go to a “top” LAC to get into a good med school. I went to the Univ of Tx when anyone could get in and went to Hopkins for med school and Harvard for training and a faculty position. A friend of mine has a son bemoaning his undergrad choice of Hopkins as grades have been tough to come by and med school chances are looking iffy. Touring Oberlin with my daughter tomorrow–pre PhD. Earlham told us last week they got 100% of their premeds into med school. Your goal in undergrad is to find a good place to learn and to position yourself for the next step. When you are a physician, no one will ask where you did undergrad. Either Oberlin or Swarthmore will be more than adequate. Go to the place that seems best for you, or opt for more aid/merit dollars (med school is expensive) at another school.</p>
<p>I don’t think it is helpful to try to compare specific departments at these schools (or others). Such a comparison is very difficult to make, and it may be that your criteria for a good psychology department are not the same as someone else’s. Both Oberlin and Swarthmore have good departments across the board. Both get lots of students into med school. Where (or if) you end up in med school will depend on what you do in college, not which of these two excellent colleges you attend. Pay more attention to which school you feel more comfortable with. Where did you like the students best?</p>