<p>Hey dudes...UVA is one of my top choices for college next year, and I wanted to know about the strengths of some of their departments. I'm probably gonna be a bio/chem double or bio/neuro double major, so I need some advice about these programs. I was talking to my AP Chem teacher, who graduated from UVA with a bio/chem double major, and he was telling me that UVA's not the best place in the state for the sciences, especially biology. He said that the bio department was small and shared with the pysch department. He also complained about the "stiffness" of the program (apparently, he had to take a fish biology class for a semester). He advised that Va Tech was probably the best in the state for the sciences, simply because the departments are bigger and more funded, and I have heard that UVA is better for the humanities. The only thing is.. I DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN FREAKING BLACKSBURG, VA FOR 4 YEARS!! UVA wins on social life, girls, athletics (new center opened up). Despite this, I don't want to sacrifice a good education (future premed). Is UVA really that bad for science?</p>
<p>yea dude, im in the same boat as u. if anyone out there has any input on this, itd b much appreciated</p>
<p>same here. I'm deciding between Wisconsin, VCU (BME honors), VTech, and UVa (if UVa accepts me).
in state Virginia</p>
<p>If I wer</p>
<p>I think its probably too that some of VT's science programs are better funded than some of UVA's. But UVA is trying to make a big push in those programs. Gilmer hall, which houses both the Bio and Psych departments, is being extensively renovated as we speak. Its true that those two departments share a building, but "small" is pretty much the last word I would choose to describe Gilmer. Frankly I'm suprised your teacher ragged on the Bio facilities. I've always kind of liked Gilmer but found the chem building to be kind of dumpy. </p>
<p>If you're interested in Chemical engineering they just opened a pretty baller new facility, Wilsdorf hall.</p>
<p>I'm not a science major, but I have taken one upper level Biology course, and I really enjoyed it.</p>
<p>At the end of the day its true that there are things to be desired about UVA's science departments.</p>
<p>But I think you'll pretty much receive the same educational experience as at Tech in the classroom. UVA has plenty of great research opportunities for undergrads (if you're interested in ecology the Mountain Lake program is especially cool). And I think UVA is just in general much more geared up to place kids into med school. There's a great support system in place. </p>
<p>Kids complain about being pre med here because its competitive. A lot of kids are weeded out of the program or just change their minds. But very good guidance in available here to inform premed students what classes they should take, what kind of volunteer experience they should have, what kind of research experience to have, how to should spend their summers and how to prepare for the MCATs in order to have a competitive profile for med school. There are more than ample volunteer and research opportunities (community service is pretty big here in general). And UVA places very well into med school. I don't know all that many kids who have graduated, but I know kids who have gotten into med school here, at Georgetown, and VCU.</p>
<p>So if I were you I would just go where you want. Sorry if this post was kind of disjointed. I'm a little tired.</p>
<p>I have been accepted at Tech for Biochem but I am still waiting to hear from UVA next week.</p>
<p>If the bio program is a bit sub par at UVA would I really be missing out on much if I do get denied?</p>
<p>And If I do get accepted should I pick UVA over Tech for Biology/Biochem?</p>
<p>I had heard that biology at UVA was phenomenal but now I have some doubts.</p>
<p>I also have been accepted at Tech for their Biochem program. I am making the choice between JMU and if I get accepted at UVa.</p>
<p>same here!! haha I got into Tech's Biochem too.</p>
<p>Holla9:
Thanks for the info on UVA's Science Program. Very helpful post. My son and I met last week with the folks who do the Pre-Professional Academic Advising at the University, and we were extremely impressed with the personal interest they seem to take in the student, as well as their ability to help the student navigate UVA's curriculum in anticipation of applying to graduate school. Now, if my son can just get an offer of admission .....</p>
<p>I would venture to say, unless UVa doesn't offer the same program as Tech that you are absolutely sure about pursuing, UVa is the vastly superior choice.</p>