Middlebury for Pre-Med: Yay or Nay?

Dear folks, I am considering Middlebury college for my pre-med studies. It's more known for its liberal arts focus, but is it also strong for pre-med? Does it offer challenging science coursework and pre-med advising, etc?

Middlebury College, despite being primarily recognized for its strengths in liberal arts, does indeed maintain a very solid pre-med program.

One of the key elements of a strong pre-med program is a rigorous and comprehensive science curriculum and Middlebury provides just that. The college offers robust coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics which form the foundation of pre-medical studies.

In terms of pre-med advising, Middlebury has a Health Professions Program that offers advising for pre-med students. This team provides you with guidance on navigating your academic journey, preparing for the MCAT, gaining clinical exposure, and going through the medical school application process.

Middlebury College also offers a "Health Professions Committee," which acts as a resource by providing students with a comprehensive evaluation when they are ready to apply to health professional schools. This endorsement from such a committee is valuable, as med schools often find assessments from college pre-health committees beneficial during their selection process.

One other feature that can be beneficial for pre-med students at Middlebury College is its liberal arts environment. The practice of medicine requires not only a strong scientific knowledge base, but also skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are all fostered by a liberal arts education.

Lastly, Middlebury also has partnerships and affiliations with medical schools and institutions, offering opportunities for internships and research experiences which can further enhance your preparation for medical school.

One factor to consider, however, is that Middlebury is known for its rigorous academics and grading standards. Therefore, you will be challenged academically which can be seen as beneficial for preparing you for medical school, but could also have an impact on your GPA. But as long as you are prepared to work hard and take full advantage of the resources at your disposal, it's a suitable choice!

While Middlebury College might not be at the forefront of typical "pre-med" universities, it certainly offers a comprehensive, well-rounded pre-health program that can prepare you effectively for medical school. Your decision should depend on your individual requirements, goals, and desired college experience.