William and Mary vs. Pitt Pre-Med

Colleges and Universities A-Z College of William and Mary
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1

Hey guys,

There are a few days left until May 1st and I’m in a huge dilemma right now between Pitt and W&M. I’ll be a chemistry major at both schools on the pre-med track. In regards to money, I’ll be paying very similar prices at either so it isn’t a factor for me. I also broke down what I like and don’t like about both schools:

Pitt
Pros:

  • Admitted into the honors college
  • City
  • Tons of shadowing and clinical experience on campus
  • Top 10 in NIH grant money (lots of research with good possibility to find paid work)
    Cons:
  • Big school (~20k undergrads; I prefer mid-sized)
  • Not a traditional enclosed campus

WM
Pros:

  • Mid-sized (~7k undergrads; just where I like it)
  • Academics are rigorous (heard it’s hard but don’t know relative to Pitt)
  • One of the best undergrad teaching with small classes (great for getting recs)
  • Enclosed campus
    Cons:
  • Williamsburg
  • Social scene (greek life dominant and overall mindset is work hard play hard without the play hard)
  • The closest hospital is a few miles away and can’t compete with UPMC resources

I think both are great schools but have a few things that are missing for my perfect college. If you could let me know your thoughts, that’d be great! Thanks! (Also posted in Pitt forum)

2

As time is short, I will make a stab at a response, though I’m only a parent.

You are choosing between two very different schools, as you know.

Perhaps a current or recent student can offer more insight into the social scene, but my daughter would certainly disagree about “Greek” dominance. W&M students do work hard, but whether they play hard depends on how you define it, I suppose. Most students are involved in multiple activities. There seems to be plenty of partying as well.

I can’t speak to the medical opportunities except to say that you can do that kind of activity in the summers.

My suggestion to you is, flip a coin, and spend a day mentally committed to that forced decision. See how you feel about it. It is a simple technique that many find helpful.

Good luck.

3

@shawnspencer is a recent graduate of William & Mary I believe, so perhaps he may comment on social life. I don’t think “Greek life dominant” is an accurate characterization at all. William & Mary was actually ranked #6 for happiest students in Princeton Review, which is survey based.

To the original poster, I think you should perhaps reach out to the William & Mary pre-med advisor to ask about shadowing opportunities. https://www.wm.edu/as/undergraduate/strategies-planning/preprofessional/premed/index.php

I believe William & Mary has produced quite a few doctors, so there should be more than adequate opportunities. Almost all science majors do faculty-mentored research, which is a big plus.

Regardless of where you go, pre-med is going to be demanding, so pick a place where you think you you’ll thrive.