I am senior from NJ and have narrowed down my college choices to TCNJ and Villanova. In both I will be majoring in Bio on a pre-med track. I want to attend medical school after college, would one choice be better over the other? I heard that both have the same med school acceptance rate, around 70%.
What about socially? When I visited, I liked that both were in secluded suburbs (I’m not looking for a city school), but I really enjoyed the fact that Villanova was very close to Philly. Being close to a city might be better internship-wise. I feel that with TCNJ being 40 minutes away from a major city, there might not be a lot to do on weekends. I am also concerned about Greek life. I am not planning on joining, but will I feel pressured at either school to join?
Another thing I am wondering about is the environment and type of students at each school. When I visited both, I felt that both schools had a great sense of community, with Villanova slightly better than TCNJ. However, I felt that at TCNJ, the students seemed more down-to-earth. I guess it’s also worth mentioning that I am very academically motivated, and I want like-minded peers at whatever school I choose.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!
@NJgirl398 Do you have any financial constraints? There is quite a bit of difference in cost between the two schools. If you are thinking about medical school down the road maybe financially TCNJ may be a better choice. If money is no concern then pick the school that you most feel at home at. If you are not sure, visit both again. Good luck to you!
@pkchamp89 Money is not a concern, but TCNJ felt the most homey. Have to go visit again just to be sure.
@NJgirl398 My S attends Villanova now. He is a freshman. He tells me that there isn’t any pressure at all to join fraternities or sororities. There isn’t any Greek housing on campus. He is very happy with his choice to attend Villanova. There is definitely a huge sense of community within the student body and a ton of school spirit which was something he was looking for. The academics are challenging with some classes more than others. Students take their studies very seriously. Not sure of that helps!
At Villanova, lot of students successfully major in biology or biochemistry, pre-med, and get accepted to great medical schools. Villanova is close enough to Philly that you can go into the city whenever you want, typically for museums, formals, sports games, field trips, restaurants, etc. However, you may find that go in less than you think you would like maybe 5 times a semester. Also in terms of cost, if you truly do not care about money then go with whatever makes you happiest. Keep in mind the huge cost of medical school though.