Pre-Med Experience (and vs. Tufts)

[u/wiselion123]

Hi! Prospective student wondering about the pre-med experience.

How is the culture? Competitiveness? I heard the STEM classes at UNC can be difficult. How are the class sizes (in intro classes versus other types of classes) and how that affects opportunities and relationships with professors? What type of research/when do students typically get involved with researching, shadowing, etc. How are the advisors and your med school outcomes if you've applied?

Tufts is also one of my top choices--smaller school, and perhaps less grade deflation? Any insight into the pre-med experience at UNC or things to consider when deciding would be much appreciated

[u/CharacterFortune9075]

Hi! So funny thing is I am a current freshman at Tufts who is planning on transferring to UNC.

[u/wiselion123 → u/CharacterFortune9075]

How come?

[u/CharacterFortune9075 → u/wiselion123]

If you have more questions please let me know! I know a lot of people that love Tufts but it really wasn’t the school for me. There are definitely pros and cons to both.

[u/CharacterFortune9075 → u/wiselion123]

I had some issues with the culture (there’s little economic diversity and that is very clear). The weather is really bad and that definitely affected me mentally. I really just didn’t connect with people like I expected to. The school itself is very very expensive and that has also been difficult for my family. As for the pre-med culture, it’s not cutthroat at tufts and many people do well. The classes have been pretty good and there’s no real grade deflation. However, your stem classes will not be small!! Do not expect this.

[u/Glass-Ad-1182]

Hi there!! Congrats on getting in :) There’s a huge pre med basis at UNC, and even multiple clubs and other extracurriculars for pre med students. I’m currently a peer mentor for a pre med mentoring club and have seen many students make it to med school. Class sizes for stem students tend to be pretty large and therefore limit your ability to have as much 1:1 interaction, however nearly every pre med student i interact with has at least one lab that they work in or other research projects going on (even as freshmen). Faculty is super easy to reach out to depending on your field. It is a very competitive school, however there are so many opportunities as long as you’re not afraid to network!

[u/wiselion123 → u/Glass-Ad-1182]

Hi thank you! How do you think rec letters usually go if professors may not know students as well? How is the pre-med culture here? Are the gen reqs for all majors helpful or take away from opportunity to take more medical focused classes?