<p>My younger brother is trying to figure out where to apply to schools next year, and he says he is leaning towards LACs. He's interested in the hard sciences, especially biology/chemistry and eventually wants to shoot for med school, but as a student at Northwestern myself, I just don't know enough about science programs at LACs to give him advice on this regard. I did suggest Harvey Mudd, but he's also interested in Williams, Amherst and Pomona. The kid has the stats to have a pretty solid shot at top schools, so I want to tell him going to a top research university will open up more opportunities for him, but frankly I'm not well-informed on anything LAC.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if these schools are any good for biology, chemistry or potentially biochemistry, and how LACs fair in terms of med school admissions as opposed to research universities like Northwestern?</p>
<p>EDIT</p>
<p>I also suggested Boston College; I felt like it might provide the type of experience he's looking for. But I have no clue how they are in terms of science. Any information on that?</p>
<p>Williams, Amherst and Pomona all have a very similar feel. If he is willing to look at a LAC that is tops in science but not so "preppy" (for lack of a better word, and NO OFFENSE intended), I'd suggest Carleton.</p>
<p>re Harvey Mudd, at the Clarmont Consortium info session the message we got from the Scripps Admissions head was that math, physics, engineering are the HM super strengths. Many bio and chem majors attend one of the other 4 colleges. Not to put him off but he should have a look at the core requirements they are staggering and very heavy on the math, engineering and physics. Pomona may be a better fit. After the info reception, my D who is interested in the same career path as your brother decide that Scripps would be a better choice for her.</p>
<p>gd, Williams has excellent biology and chemistry. I believe the same would apply to Amherst, Pomona and several other LACs, but Williams I can vouch for personally as many of my son's friends majored in the sciences. </p>
<p>Yes, these LACs (and several others) offer a sound route to medical school and their success rate for getting their students into top programs is high. They have excellent academics, good research opportunities and intense student/professor relationships. </p>
<p>From what I can see medical schools admit students from all sorts of undergraduate experiences. The common denominators are good grades, good scores, good research, good internships, good recommendations. The kind of student who would excel at an LAC because of the teaching style and community environment may not do as well at a large research university or a technical school (and vice versa). The issue here is fit.</p>
<p>Even among LACs there's a good deal of difference in character and personality, probably more difference from LAC to LAC than from University to University, so your brother would need to do some visiting to determine what atmosphere is right for him.</p>
<p>I know both Williams and Pomona are excellent in the science (Pomona is particularly strong in Biology/Chemistry). I do not know that much about Amherst, but I would imagine it is also good.</p>
<p>Harvey Mudd has strong biology and chemistry programs (especially chemistry). However, if you are certain you want to attend medical school, I would advise against going there, because it is harder to get a med school level GPA at HMC than at other LACs.</p>
<p>Harvey Mudd has strong biology and chemistry programs (especially chemistry). However, if you are certain you want to attend medical school, I would advise against going there, because it is harder to get a med school level GPA at HMC than at other LACs.</p>
<p>I am seconding this VERY strongly. Only five 4.0s in the history of the school (though there might be one more this year).</p>
<p>This is one Mom who does like the LAC environment because it was so successful for my son. I would note however that I always stress the importance of FIT. LACs, like big universities, are not for everyone. You will do best where you are happiest, so choose to suit yourself.</p>
<p>Incidentally I'm a graduate of a university with over 35,000 students so I can definitely appreciate the points of comparision, both plus and minus.</p>
<p>I thought they got a 5th recently as well, but Im not sure. But anyways, the current prospect shall be defined by the name 'Peter.' Or at least thats what I heard.</p>
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Harvey Mudd has strong biology and chemistry programs (especially chemistry). However, if you are certain you want to attend medical school, I would advise against going there, because it is harder to get a med school level GPA at HMC than at other LACs.</p>
<p>I am seconding this VERY strongly. Only five 4.0s in the history of the school (though there might be one more this year).
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<p>Also it is my understanding that Mudd's bio program isn't exactly the most ideal for someone wanting to go to med school. There aren't that many courses available and you'd have to take classes that you wouldn't ever use again in med school. People shouldn't come here if they really want to go to med school. Seriously, by the end of freshmen year almost all the people who thought they could get into med school realize they will have no shot coming out of Mudd.</p>