Rutgers Camden vs Rutgers New Brunswick for Biology

College Search & Lists
1

<p>I’ve been trying to find a good answer to this question, so I’m hoping you guys can help.</p>

<p>I’m an adult transfer student looking to major in bio sciences and eventually go on to grad school and a career in research. I haven’t settled on a grad school, though Rutgers NB is one of the options. Right now I’m going to a community college to earn an associate’s in biology and transfer. I’m carrying a 4.0 for the semester, but my GPA going in when I came back to school was 3.2, and I’m old enough that my HS record won’t enter into consideration. My work experience is all unrelated. I unfortunately am not going to shine on an application, and I have to bear that in mind all through this process.</p>

<p>Right now I’m leaning towards Camden due to my not-so-great record and because it’s closer, but I’m hesitant because I’ve heard the bio sciences department is much weaker and I’m afraid that may hurt me in the long run.</p>

<p>Here are some of my considerations:</p>

<p>Academics: My understanding is that, in terms of research and academics, NB is better and has a more well-respected and well-funded biology department. However, I’ve gotten conflicting opinions on that. Some people say they’re equal in the end. Others say that the A students at Camden turn into D students at NB because NB is more academically rigorous. If anyone can clear this up for me, I’ll love you forever. </p>

<p>Grad school: Like I said, I want to go on to grad school, though I haven’t decided whether I want to go full PhD or stop at a Master’s. How will my choice of undergrad school affect my chances to get into Philly area bio sciences grad programs? What if I stay in Rutgers and end up at NB for my graduate work? Will having come from Camden count against me? Will I have to find new mentors because I’ll be working with an entirely new faculty, or do a lot of the same professors work at both campuses?</p>

<p>Admissions: I understand that NB is harder to get into and I’m very aware that my record isn’t stellar. The temptation, therefore, is to at least start out at Camden and use it as a springboard to better schools. </p>

<p>Commute: I live about 30m from Rutgers Camden and 1h15m from New Brunswick. With my current housing situation I won’t be able to move for at least two or three years and I can’t live on campus unless they let me bring my family with me into the dorm, so I’m stuck with commuting. Camden is tempting because it’s so much closer and I won’t lose my already limited free time to a long commute.</p>

<p>Campus life doesn’t matter to me. I have nothing against people for whom the social/partying aspects of college are important and I hope they have a ball, but I went through my partying stage in my early 20s and now I’m in the thirtysomething have-a-couple-beers-then-a-quiet-dinner-with-friends-then-go-to-bed-early stage. Academics and research opportunities are what matter most to me right now.</p>

<p>I’m also familiar with Camden’s reputation, been through a few times, not really worried about safety as long as I stay on campus and take day classes. Work’s flexible enough that I don’t have to take night classes if I don’t want to.</p>

<p>Hope that was clear enough. If not, just ask me what I need to clarify.</p>

2

<p>Rutgers NB likely has family housing. Call and find out. </p>

<p>Rutgers NB is also much better academically and in terms of research. Overall, they’ll be more opportunities at NB. </p>

<p>NB is much larger, so there are many more professors there. Most professors do not work in both campuses. </p>

<p>The research opportunities at NB would help your grad school applications</p>

3

<p>I did ask about family housing, but was told that it was only for grad students.</p>

<p>Everything else you said was what I expected to hear. My main concern is that as a non-traditional student with a less-than-stellar GPA (3.4-3.5) and several years out of the work force (I got laid off and then devoted a few years to supporting my SO’s career, which required a lot of travel), I’ll have a very hard time getting admitted if NB is in fact more selective than Camden. Part of what I hoped to learn here was whether or not I have a decent chance of getting in to NB. I’m aware that it’s hard to judge that when I’m a non-trad student and don’t have the usual list of stats to give, but I figure it’s worth asking and seeing if anyone has an idea of what I can expect.</p>

4

<p>You have good chances of being accepted at NB. </p>

<p>Additionally, you could apply to both campuses.</p>

5

<p>Ditto what NYU2013 said, apply to both but I think your GPA is definitely strong enough to get into the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers. I am going to assume that you attend a CC in NJ and you can find data on how transfer applicants fair at Rutgers from your CC. Rutgers and many other large state flagships often take many transfers and there doesn’t seem to be an apparent reason why you wouldn’t stand a chance as long as your overall package and essays match your grades. I do understand the over an hour commute but for the academic reputation and research opportunities that the Rutgers bio department will be able to supply you with probably worth it. I believe being a non traditional student with an interesting story can be a positive boost for admissions and student diversity.</p>

6

<p>Rutgers NB most definitely has a much more stronger bio department, especially for grad school opportunities. Don’t settle for Camden because your near. If your admitted into NB go there no questions asked. Camden is just not on par with NB with research as well. Yes the coursework is rigorous but it all depends on how dedicated you are.</p>