I have been admitted to Centre College vs. wooster College, Rochester Institute of technology, Kalamazoo College and Gozaga Uni. for bichem major. Greally appreciate any advice as to who would be better in biochem and bio-related. The ranking does not get down to dept. Tks.
Cost?
I know that The College of Wooster is particularly strong in the sciences, especially since we have the Independent Study program that calls for our world famous mentored undergraduate research. But this is just an opinion from a very biased party. Go Fighting Scots!
The financial aid packages varies but their costs range from 25k - 32k/year after financial aid package. I came across the site biology-college.com that give a ranking on universities that offer bio-related courses but they do not disclose/describe how they rank schools.
The only one of those schools that will have you doing rigorous original research is Wooster.
You would have a SIP (senior individual project) at Kalamazoo, with research and paper similar to a master’s thesis. It ranks near the top of schools with graduates earning Phd later. You can also do overseas study and still graduate in 4 years.
Tks. Would appreciate any more advice on this. Tks.
We looked at 3 of these schools for Bio. Not sure about biochem, though. Didn’t think that RIT was particularly strong for bio, though they have incredible strengths elsewhere. Wooster has the research opportunities; they are also building a new biology bldg next year (could be a plus or minus, depending how you look at it). D liked Centre’s bio program; but there were other aspects of the school that she didn’t connect with.
Tks. Midwestdad3. What do you think of Kalamazoo compared to Centre and Wooster? Centre seems to be better in terms of cost (24k COA) vs. quality (i,e better rankings). Wooster is more expensive (28K) and the ranking is lower. can you share the other aspects that your D did not like Centre. Tks.
Wooster is distinctive because of its senior research project. if you’re the kind of person who’s excited about conducting research about a topic you’re passionate about, Wooster is a great pick.
Kalamazoo is know for its international studies/ outlook and study abroad.
Centre is strong academically and more conservative than both, which can be a plus or a minus. Their study abroad offerings are also very good.
Thanks Myos1634 for your comment.
What are your stats (GPA, APs?, test scores)? What do you plan to do after college - a job, TFA/Peace Corps, PHD, med school, law school…? What “vibe” do you want? Are you the kind who likes “dressing up” for class, or would love rolling out of bed, putting on a pair of cutoffs and flip flops, and heading to class? Can you get excited about a volunteering mission? About something you read? Do you want to be surrounded by kids who can’t wait to go to remote locales even if it means little comfort? Are you into hiking, fishing, etc, or into foreign films?
You could email Admissions and ask to be put in touch with several students.
This could also be looked at when choosing a college.
Good luck and keep us updated on your decision!