#URochester vs. Colgate for Premed

6 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

lavish escarp
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University of Rochester vs. Colgate University:

Intended major:
At URochester: biomedical engineering (considering changing this though)
At Colgate: biochemistry

Similarities: Upstate NY, close to home, cost is similar, from what I’ve found, both ~75% med school placement

University of Rochester
School 1 Pros:
-Medical school and hospital on campus (obviously huge advantages for premed)
-Nice medium size
-Open curriculum

  • I visited the campus and I liked it

School 1 Cons:
-Not as prestigious
-The surrounding area isn’t very safe
-Assuming there would be more premeds here (possibly harder to stand out?)

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Colgate University
School 2 Pros:
-Alumni memorial scholars program ($10k for research and a way to connect with other students)
-LOVE the smaller size (I went to a small HS, so the transition would be easier. Plus, easier to connect with professors for help, research, and LORs)
-More prestigious
-Gorgeous campus

School 2 Cons:
-Not as many medical opportunities(still a shadowing program, EMT, and lots of research)

  • The surrounding area is very boring
    -Not as diverse

Overall
My head says Rochester. The medical school is a huge advantage.

However, my heart says Colgate. When I visited, it felt like home and I love the liberal arts.

I’m really torn and would appreciate any help. Thank you!

ocean patrol
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both great options but, as you're on premed track, i suggest the cheaper one more

lavish escarp
vernal pendant
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You sound a lot more drawn to Colgate as a whole with the only thing stopping you being the accessibility of the hospital/med school on the rochester campus. Tons of students attend small liberal arts colleges with no hospitals and still end up at med school. You also have a research scholarship at colgate which means you're already on a track to take advantage of the opportunities colgate has.

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My suggestion would be to ask current pre-med students at colgate their thoughts about premed advising there. Since they both have ~75% med school placements, I don't thinnk you'd be making a bad choice by following your heart to colgate