<p>This may be long but hopefully someone out there could give me advice? </p>
<p>I've been accepted to both UVA as well as VCU Honors (unfortunately, I did not get into the Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine). I hope to major in Biology (I already know you don't have to major in science during under-grad, but I have no idea what I would major in otherwise, honestly). </p>
<p>Initially, I was very set on going to UVA, but after hearing some "horror" stories of people who were initially pre-med, I've been doubting my capabilities and I'm unsure if a person like me will be able to handle the science classes at UVA. I don't want to get into too much detail, but I've basically heard that too many people change their minds about pre-med, especially with all the weed-out courses.
I have a friend who got into both UVA and the VCU Guaranteed Admission Program, and chose to go to VCU instead of UVA. She says that while there certainly are classes that are difficult, she has had no problem maintaining good grades and has more time to volunteer and all that jazz. She also said that she knows a friend who is on the pre-med track at UVA who struggled and doubted herself big time. Ultimately, she decided to continue with her path but will now do a post-bac program at VCU. My friend at VCU hopes I choose VCU because she doesn't want me to face the "unnecessary difficulties" I may face at UVA, like her friend did. </p>
<p>But aside from the scary stories I heard about pre-meds at UVA, another girl I talked to (a bio major who is now in dental school but took classes with pre-meds) was grateful for the rigor of her courses and encouraged me to challenge myself at UVA. She also said that once she got past the weed-outs, her upper-level bio classes really weren't that horrible. </p>
<p>I really don't know if it'll be worth it to challenge myself at UVA or if I should go to VCU and maybe "stand out" amongst my peers? I think it will still be difficult as a VCU Honors student, just not as impossible as it seems at UVA. But maybe the UVA rigor will better prepare me than VCU Honors will in the long-run?</p>
<p>I would just like to hear about other people's experiences at either VCU or UVA. I know that it's ultimately my decision, but input is greatly appreciated. I have until May 1st to decide. I'm also visiting both universities one last time before I finally decide. </p>