<p>I am currently deciding between UConn and Brandeis University for pre-med/biology. I didn’t get into the honors program at UConn but they did offer a substantial scholarship even though I’m from MA, so UConn would be significantly less expensive than Brandeis. </p>
<p>However, my main concern about Brandeis is the competetiveness. I’ve heard some stories about weeding (which I know is a pre-med thing everywhere!) and selectivity. Also, would I have opportunities to gain experience at a hospital there?</p>
<p>I’ve heard that UConn is a pretty good school overall, but how does it compare to Brandeis? I liked both schools when I visited and I’m on the fence! Any input would be appreciated!</p>
<p>UConn is a good school, but it’s not top-tier state-U (think Michigan, Berkeley, Wisconsin, Illini) </p>
<p>As a Mass. resident, you might have been better off at UMass, but that’s a different discussion.</p>
<p>Don’t confuse academic rigor for competitiveness. Brandeis has lots of the former and not so much of the latter, that’s why it’s med-school admit rate is 90% or more.</p>
<p>I think UMass is a better school with an overall better academic rep than UConn (UConn is more well known, but that’s because of hoops).</p>
<p>Leaving money aside, I’d go for Brandeis. If money is a real issue, I’d go for UMass.
The deal is, you have 4 pre-med courses. You need to get an A on all of them anyway. Once you do I don’t think UMass vs. UConn will be of any difference.</p>
<p>You’d have access to a lot of hospitals in the Waltham and Boston area. I know friends who have volunteered at Massachusetts General, such as by going around with book carts and there are others I’m aware of who have had internships at hospitals in the Boston area and elsewhere. There’s also Bemco, a student-run emergency medical service on campus.
You can see where some students are interning this summer:
<a href=“Hiatt Career Center | Brandeis University”>Hiatt Career Center | Brandeis University;
<p>My dauhter is exactly in same situation as nav789. A student is expected work harder to be successful. UCONN has more opportunities. Personal happiness of a student is in questions now.</p>