Colgate vs. Michigan: Which school is better for a pre-med student?

I got accepted to both Colgate and University of Michigan and am considering a pre-med track. I'm super confused about where to go. Can anyone share their opinions on their pre-med experiences at these schools and what sort of research opportunities and student support are available? Much appreciated!

Congratulations on your acceptances to Colgate and the University of Michigan! Both are excellent schools, but they offer different experiences for pre-med students. I'll try to summarize some key points for both to help you decide.

Colgate University:

1. Small, private liberal arts college with a close-knit community.

2. Smaller class sizes, which allows for more individualized attention from professors and greater chances to build meaningful relationships with them.

3. Strong focus on undergraduate teaching.

4. Research opportunities may be less abundant compared to larger universities, but it could be easier to secure a position due to less competition.

5. Pre-health advising office provides support and guidance for pre-med students, including preparing for the MCAT and medical school applications.

University of Michigan:

1. Large, public research university with diverse student population and resources.

2. Larger class sizes, particularly in introductory science courses. Could make it harder to build relationships with professors, but you'll typically have access to teaching assistants.

3. Excellent research opportunities across various fields due to being a large research institution. It may be more competitive to secure research positions, but there are more options overall.

4. Renowned medical center (University of Michigan Health) near campus, which offers volunteer and shadowing opportunities for pre-med students.

5. The Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) and Health Sciences Scholars Program (HSSP) are available for support and to help build a community among peers.

In summary, if you prefer a smaller, more personal learning environment and value close relationships with professors, Colgate may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you're excited about a wide range of research options and access to extensive resources at a large institution, the University of Michigan might be more suitable. Ultimately, you should consider your personal preferences and needs to decide which school will provide the best environment for your pre-med journey. Good luck!