LACs with best Biology programs

tk21769
Thu, 13 Sep 2012 07:00:49 +0000

I don’t agree at all with the above post about PhD production as a proxy for quality, and I voiced my objections in the linked thread.



I don’t disagree with warblersrule’s objections. I think his advice above is excellent.

Nevertheless, as rough-and-ready, objective indicators of department strength at small liberal arts colleges, PhD production data is about as useful a starting point as any. I don’t think it is a coincidence if the above list “includes some of the strongest programs among LACs”. It may be missing (or under-rating) some good schools whose students are, for whatever reason, self-selecting a path other than a PhD program. However, if a school is high on that list, it very likely has something going for it in that field, even if most students aren’t making their way into tippy-top PhD programs. Just be sure not to over-rely on this one metric in making your college choice.