<p>Hey, I am a student who is interested in WashU (Olin School of Business--Pre-Med) and NYU (College of Art and Science--Biology Major). I am trying to compare the rigor of academics (GPA, advisor/professor relationship--Recommendation Letter, research, and other academic opportunities) of the two institutions. Frankly, after graduation, I want to work in a cosmopolitan city, like NYC, San Francisco, or LA (No offence to St. Louis). In New York, NYU has connection and prestige than WashU and other top schools in Midwest area. Plus, compare to the top schools on the coast area, it seems like WashU has not been renowned internationally yet.
Most importantly, I am worried about studying at WashU. Partially due to the school exudes higher portion of top high school graduates than NYU (Statistically, WashU is a harder school to get in than NYU, and the students have higher average SAT scores, GPA, etc), it might be harder to get an A (or A+) on pre-med courses than that of NYU. According to WashU student that I know of, it is rather difficult to get a good grade at the pre-med courses, because only small group of students can attain an A and the majority of WashU Pre-Med are hard working. I plan to pursue my career in the medical field, thus strong academic record is crucial. It will be even more helpful if you provide an unbiased comparison. I appreciate for your time and effort.</p>
<p>So you want to not work so hard to get good grades. There is always your local StateU.</p>
<p>No, I think you misunderstood my point. I do want to work hard and get As. I want to compare these two top schools’ academics.</p>
<p>NYU has three times the number of undergraduates as WashU, so just because it has looser admission standards doesn’t mean there won’t be as much competition. Those who choose to go a pre-med track are largely self-selecting: it’s mostly NYU students on the higher end of the spectrum.</p>
<p>The biology program at WashU is very good academically, though. It’s stronger than NYU’s. Honestly, I don’t think you’d do better in one over the other. Choose whichever will make you happiest, because you do much better academically when you’re content. Just make sure you can be content with always being stressed out, because that seems to be a part of being a pre-med where ever you choose to go.</p>