Hi guys!!
I’m currently a junior in a Texas high school and I’ve started to assemble my college list together. I don’t plan on going out-of-state, so I’m keeping my list restricted to specifically Texas colleges. Although I am interested in some larger schools, I think I will be able to to much better and be happier at a smaller college and I’m also hoping to be a pre-med majoring in biology. The colleges I’m torn between as my top choice are St. Marys University and TCU. Can you guys tell me what the biology/pre med environment is like at both of these schools? Or just what student life is like in general? I’d also really appreciate it if you know any other colleges I should consider. Thank you!!
You might also consider Trinity University (San Antonio). It’s a small university with a very strong science program and a ton of undergraduate research opportunities. It’s actually a little bit smaller than St. Mary’s and a little more selective. It might be worth a look for you because it’s so close to St. Mary’s anyway if you go on a tour there or something.
Son went to TCU as a Biology major for pre-med. He’s finishing up med school and interviewing for residency now. TCU pre-med has great acceptance stats IF you make it through the curriculum. Many stop at Organic Chem. They are very supportive of the students who are serious. They want you to succeed and the “program” is small enough to give good individual attention. He still had a good time in school but had to really take his GPA seriously. Also, IN TX, TCU is known by the medical schools to NOT have grade inflation but outside TX the GPA issue is really critical.
Agree with the assessment above about TCU. Kids drop like flies from the Chem classes…in the order of 60 percent is the rumor. This fall, out of 150 students, only 2 were given A’s in Organic Chemistry. Is it doable, yes it is…however, you have to stay focused, work hard and be very talented in the sciences with a strong background coming in.