I recently got accepted into UVA and William and Mary and I would like to know which one is better for a pre-med student. Which one has the better research opportunities, volunteering opportunities, professors, advising, etc? Does either have a problem with GPA deflation, or an unmanageable workload for pre-med students (probably majoring in a biology field)? Which one has a better acceptance rate into good med schools? Thanks for your help!
I think both have very good reputations for producing successful medical school applicants. I know I have seen some statistics for both showing above average admit rates. I’m pretty sure W&M has a site with some info. I don’t think one is better than the other in that regard. Some schools have the reputation of being relatively cutthroat for pre-med, and I don’t think either is in that category. You need to have good grades and good MCAT scores to get into medical school regardless of where you do your undergraduate, so choose a place you are comfortable and will do well and choose coursework that prepares you well for MCAT.
Congratulations! Both schools are terrific. There’s no significant difference. It will depend much more on how you do with classes and with volunteering, in medical areas and others. That’s much more significant to med school admissions these days. Which do YOU prefer? You’ll be living, learning, and meeting people for the next four years in Williamsburg or Charlottesville? Which community seems like the best fit for YOU? Good luck!
W&M has far fewer graduate students. That means the faculty employ undergraduates to a greater degree in the research enterprise.
Just toured William and Mary, and while we are not interested in pre med, they did emphasize their strength in undergraduate research and in the science building they had a whole display of published, undergrad-led research studies.
They are both terrific but they are very different.
Another thing about William & Mary is how early students can get involved in research. I have known friends that have gotten involved in research as early as freshman year, it is not uncommon at all. William & Mary also offers this great program known as PLUS-S, the Wren Scholars program, and has an active relationship with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for students to get involved in research. There are several resources to support underrepresented students in STEM as well, so they really want you to be successful.