<p>All these threads asking “what’s the best school for…” and “which colleges are good for…” ask the wrong question. The question should be "What do I need to look for at different schools to make sure I’ll get a great education in … "</p>
<p>For biology, I recommend a book-length report titled Bio 2010 which was funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and researched and written by a team of professors, medical professionals, and research scientists. This is a report specifically looking at the elements necessary to create a strong UNDERGRADUATE biology program. It also looks at why traditional ideas about biology undergraduate education may not work in developing the skills scientists and doctors need for tommorrow’s technology. It includes case studies describing undergraduate biology programs at a wide variety of schools - not just the “elites” - in detail. When you finish reading this book, you’ll know the IMPORTANT questions to ask as you evaluate individual programs, whether you’re considering Harvard or your local state U. And, in truth, there are MANY great biology undergraduate programs out there beyond Harvard, Yale, and MIT. I’m not bashing Harvard, Yale, and MIT by saying that – just pointing out that there are many other options to consider as well, including some that you may not have have heard of yet.</p>
<p>By the way, the report is available for free download (registration required) at: <a href=“http://newton.nap.edu/catalog/10497.html[/url]”>http://newton.nap.edu/catalog/10497.html</a> You do have to register to access the PDF file.</p>
<p>And, my wise friend Warbler said it best: Figure out what you want overall in a school first, before you start looking for “good departments.” Students change majors all the time, so the first priority is figuring out what matters to you overall, where you’ll be most likely to succeed and be happy. That way, If you change your major, you won’t have to transfer when the “great department” no longer matters to you. :)</p>