Duke or WUSTL for pre-med?

[Runkli]

Hi,

I'm a high school senior and was recently admitted to Duke and WashU in St. Louis. I'm trying to decide between the two universities. I'm interested in performing research in labs, volunteering in affiliated hospitals, and attending medical school after I graduate. I'm interested in neuroscience and immunology and would like to take classes related to these topics during undergrad. I also do music composition and play piano and would like to continue as time permits. Which university would be a better fit for me as a pre-med student?

Thanks in advance.

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[efle]

As a WUSTL alum, I'd actually say Duke. Unless they've changed it since my time, the WashU neuroscience major had a limited number of seats per year and had to be applied for with certain GPA criteria. Plus, St. Louis generally less desirable of a city to live in than the research triangle for most. They're both in the handful of biggest premed factories, you'll have all the ECs like research and hospital volunteering available at either.

 

[Rachapkis]

I would not base my choice on which of two excellent universities gives you a marginally better chance of admission to medical school. College gives you an opportunity to explore and learn who you are socially and academically. A myopic focus on medical school at this point in your life would be a mistake. Assuming that finances are equal, I would go to the option that is the best fit for you (i.e., the place where you believe you will be happiest overall). Take the time to learn who you, make friends, and learn what floats your boat. Life is a long-term venture and assuming that you understand the optimal the course for the next five decades of your life as a high school senior is a mistake that many make and many regret later in life.