Yep, I totally agree, which is why I started looking at the honors college info for the schools with the highest percentage of classes over 50, because generally the big classes are the classes that are most likely to have smaller honors classes that can sub in for those. As you mentioned, not all honors programs/colleges are the same, so it’s important to learn more about each one. But knowing more about how competitive it is to get into honors can be an important factor when crafting a college list. For instance, someone who would only want to attend UT if they got into Plan II would know that it needs to go into the reach (or high reach) category, whereas there are other schools where a student knows their odds for admission to honors are much higher.
Sounds a lot like my daughter. I would add Juniata College to your list. D23 looked at lot of the schools mentioned here (although price was a big factor for us) and ended up choosing Juniata. It hits pretty much everything on your list, although is a little challenging to get to from California as it’s in central PA, about midway between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Another resource that might be helpful is this Higher Ed Data Stories visualization that can show you the number of grads by major at schools, filtered by size, location, etc. Good way to find out which schools in your target area have the most robust programs for an environmental science major. For example, for smaller (<10k students) schools in CA, the most environmental science degrees are awarded at Cal Poly Humboldt, University of San Diego. Cal State Channel Islands, and Cal State Monterey Bay. Broadening it to the whole western region, Willamette and U of Portland show up high on the list.
Seconding Oregon State, and noting that they have a highly-regarded Honors College https://honors.oregonstate.edu/ , which was mentioned as a criterion for considering larger schools. Also, with high stats, your daughter could qualify for the discounted WUE tuition rate, which is competitive here. The resources here for Marine Bio are top-tier, https://marinestudies.oregonstate.edu/ and the natural beauty you’re looking for is certainly available. I would strongly consider OSU over UofO for her interests. (And my impression, supported by various admittedly-subjective ranking lists, is that UO is more of a party school than OSU, as well.)
Lots of great LAC options also, if she prefers that environment. You’re just more reliant on outside programs for marine-lab type research, but that can definitely be done. (My friend’s daughter, for example, attended Scripps, studied abroad in Australia, spent a post-grad year at Woods Hole, and then had her pick of tippy-top marine bio PhD programs.)
Actually OSU researchers were interviewed in several recent articles in the BBC about whale song and the issues with anthropomorphic sounds in the oceans. Just saying.
Another school you might want to consider is Lawrence (WI) which has about 1500 undergrads. It has a marine program within its bio department, in addition to majors in environmental science and environmental studies. And although not all are fans of 3/2 programs, Lawrence has one with Duke that can lead to a Master’s in Forestry or Environmental Management. Here is its profile from Colleges That Change Lives: Lawrence University – Colleges That Change Lives
We toured OSU and she really liked it (especially once she saw the gym!). It was over winter break, so very few students. We’ll definitely need to revisit when it’s bustling with students. Thanks!
CSU Monterey Bay is one of the top marine science programs in CA and country. The school is small, about 6k total and about 50 marine science majors per year. Just visited and loved the campus, spacious dorms, very friendly students and staff who are responsive to questions. Small classes and newerish facilities. Totally a hidden gem. Not a party school at all, can walk to one of fhe most beautiful coastlines in the world with incredible biodiversity and one of the best aquariums around (students get a $75 annual membership!). They have a great dive program as well if your kid is interested and a sailing club.
If moving away from the marine biology and focusing on Environmental science like you mentioned above, check out Washington college in the eastern shore of Maryland. Extremely hands on and in the field. You child will absolutely be “seen” there. Plenty of activity on campus on weeknights. Great internship opportunities. Quirky fits in there. Wonderful science professors who encourage double majors. And they give great merit.
Williams fulfills most of your daughter’s wishlist for campus environment, culture plus extensive offerings in environmental studies, including a concentration in coastal and ocean studies.
Williams is situated inland in a bucolic mountain valley but it also administers a residential marine studies program in conjunction with the Mystic (Connecticut) Seaport Museum.
Plenty of accessible Nature which Williams students take full advantage of through academics, campus activities and off-campus travel opportunities
@Wanderlust22 , I’m not sure what part of CA you’re in. If you’re close enough to Scripps College to attend a midday event next week, this might be of interest. Scripps Presents @Noon STEM Series: Stephanie Lim Tickets, Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
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