<p>Look into James Madison. I think you’ll like it</p>
<p>snugapug - high stat students who consider Liberty often get big bucks meaning a financial bargain. Graduates tend to do as well with jobs and/or grad schools as from other similar caliber secular schools. It does require a certain “fit” to work, but I could say that about many colleges. They are in the process of building a med school (last I heard), but I doubt it’s anywhere near ready yet (though I don’t keep tabs on it to really know where they are at with it). A couple of students from the school where I work tend to go there every year. So far, I haven’t heard any regrets.</p>
<p>At least it isn’t Bob Jones University</p>
<p>If you plan to go to med school or do anything with science, Liberty is NOT a good choice. (To get an idea of the reception your application would get at a good grad school, ask UCBAlumnus what he’d think.) For this academic level, you could choose any state university and have a better shot at med school or grad school. If you want a good Christian (evangelical) school, look into Calvin, Wheaton (IL), or even John Brown (which would be a better safety for you).
For med school, what you really need (beside a strong science program) is the opportunity to do research with professors and a fairly easy time arranging for internships. Since UVA is your dream school and W&M is a match, all you need is a few more matches.
I second Washington&Lee, but look into Davidson, Rhodes, URichmond, Sewanee, Furman, Transylvania, Centre.
I’d say W&Lee, Davidson, and Furman are the closest to UVA in “feel”.</p>
<p>Use your own opinion as to whether or not Liberty grads get into med schools. Here’s their list of where grads have gone:</p>
<p>[Biology/Chemistry</a> | Medical Schools | Liberty University](<a href=“http://www.liberty.edu/academics/healthsciences/biology-chemistry/index.cfm?PID=2436]Biology/Chemistry”>http://www.liberty.edu/academics/healthsciences/biology-chemistry/index.cfm?PID=2436)</p>
<p>A simple google search turned it up. (I have no affiliation with Liberty as it’s not the right fit for my kids - it just gets annoying to hear so much misinformation spread on cc when I know I’ve seen students who have done well after going there. College choice depends upon fit.)</p>
<p>Liberty is not a top stat school, but they do tend to offer decent money for high stat students and their grads have as much success as other comparable schools - meaning some do very well (unless, of course, Boston U and others are not considered “respectable” med schools). This definitely puts it in good “safety” range for the right fit student. Like anywhere else, what you’d want are top GPA and MCAT scores along with nice ECs and LORs.</p>
<p>The problem with that list is that it doesn’t say how many and over what period… Schools with good results tend to state what percentage of applicants got into med school during an average, given year (it ranges from 50% to 100%).
I have no beef with Liberty but I DO know that it’s not taken seriously by many, many grad schools, especially in the sciences.
Liberty grads do well professionally, especially in the South, but for someone who intends on going to med/grad school it just isn’t a good fit. If OP wants a Christian school that’s good at science, Calvin or Wheaton are better choices and still well within match range.</p>
<p>OP: look carefully at the odds of working for a prof on research or even on developing your own research/presenting/publishing.</p>
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<p>The first sentence is your opinion and has not been seen in reality via students I’ve seen who have gone there. I suppose there are still some bigots out there who will discriminate based upon religious beliefs, but there are probably also some KKK bigots out there who still discriminate based upon race too. There will always be some who feel if “something” doesn’t match that others are unworthy. I wouldn’t let either affect a college choice if the fit is there. Look at where kids have actually gone (see list above) and what has been done to get a real feel. </p>
<p>Numbers don’t matter to be honest. Schools with great numbers often either start with more higher stat kids and/or manage who can apply. There are plenty of lower stat colleges out there (both secular and religious) and they do get students into med schools every single year - granted not as many, but not as many tend to be interested either. Those who are interested and have the academic ability tend to do well. It’s actually easier to be at the top of the class when you are one of a few top stat kids at a school (religious or secular), so I’d venture to say kids would have a better chance (statistically) at such schools than at schools where they are run of the mill. They are definitely a better choice than schools where they are in the bottom 50% of stats.</p>
<p>As for Wheaton or Calvin - yes - both would be good options and admission is likely, but neither will be as much of a financial safety as they don’t give out as much money for top stat students. Both are also a bit farther away from the OP if distance is a consideration. A safety needs to be one for both finances and admission.</p>