My kid got accepted by both Washington Lee University and University of Richmond. He is interested in being on pre-med track, but he worries about the weed-out situation he hears about in different schools. If anyone knows about that, could you please share your insight or give some ideas about which school to pick? Especially if you are going to either one of these schools. Financial aid packages are about the same, so money is not a issue.
UR is a wonderful school. Each student can pursue undergraduate research in the medical field as a freshman. There are several professors conducting research that is generally reserved to graduate students at other institutions. Your son will be challenged yet supported in unimaginable ways. UR is a bit larger and offers many of the advantages of larger comprehensive universities. There are many opportunities to become involved and to become a well-rounded student. The interpersonal skills he will develop will be immeasurable. Professors are very accessible and accommodating. We are nestled in the suburbs of Richmond but there are many opportunities to travel beyond our borders. We are indeed a community of learners so the environment is collaborative, not competitive. He will have a great time and he will be safe on our campus.
I love Washington & Lee as well. It is a great school; Neverhteless, I feel UR’s diversity and opportunities make it a better fit in the end. It is indeed a tough choice but in the end, UR’s opportunities and diversity win!
& we do not weed out at UR. Each student is encouraged to pursue their interests. Professors like to see their students succeed.
I don’t know much about how W&L’s med school stats compare to UR’s, but I’m a current senior at UR who knows plenty of older students that have gone on to Ivy or top 25 med schools. UR has a list on it’s website where you can find this kind of data!
I am obviously biased, but I think your son might enjoy being at UR more because:
A. He could likely earn an impressive GPA given that he got into W&L, which I recognize is a harder school than UR, B. UR will definitely prepare him enough for a top school,
C. UR isn’t so small it feels like a high school… in the middle of nowhere too 