I got accepted into all three of these schools with merit scholarships of 30k a year, so debt is not a problem.
I’m having a hard time deciding which one to pick though. I’m planning on getting a double major in Biology and Environmental Science. I don’t know much about the quality of the science programs at any of the three schools. Given their small size, it is hard to find information. Ideally I’d like to do as much research with faculty as possible. Can anyone provide insight?
Congratulations on your acceptances!
When you say debt is not a problem, does this mean you can easily afford $25,000/year? For CLU at least, this will be your portion as room and board comes to approximately $55,000/year.
One advantage of small schools, as you know, is the opportunity to get to know faculty and do research. I think you would probably get those opportunities at all three schools. I know Redlands is very strong in the sciences. I live in the general vicinity of Cal Lutheran and have not heard much about strength in sciences, which kind of says something. I know their physics department is small but don’t know about their biology and environmental science departments.
I think if I were you I would be looking at the faculty in different majors, and look at the requirements for majors. I would review the school news releases. Do they have a lot of news releases in the area of biology and environmental sciences? If so, they do a lot of research in that area.
I’d pick between Whittier or Redlands. Both are strong in the sciences, but their respective “vibe” is different so I’d recommend an overnight. I’d say Redlands is more preprofessional and conservative (fiscally, not sociall/culturally), whereas Whittier is Quaker-heritage, and keeps the tradition of consensus-building.
I second the idea of looking at their news releases.
Do email the head of department and ask questions about the number of majors, upper-level classes offered every year, study abroad opportunities for the majors, etc.
Here is are the course curriculum’s for both University of Redlands and Whittier College. You can see if you have a preference for either school by looking at the course offerings.
http://catalog.whittier.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=1&ent_oid=27
I like Redlands the best personally. Cool little town and a really nice campus. I also like their 4-4-1 calendar (if they’re still using it). Assuming your here in So Cal, I would suggest spending time on both campuses when class is in session.