<p>I was admitted to U of Rochester, Wash U, and U of Minn College of Biological Sciences. I want a general biology program as I'm not sure of my concentration. I want to go on to get a Ph.D. in Biology. What school should I pick?</p>
<p>Rochester I know is known for their stress on the sciences. If you want a general bio program you can choose classes as you see fit with the counselor. I haven’t a clue about the other universities so my vote is for UR. Good luck whichever you choose</p>
<p>All of the programs are strong academically and all will allow you to go to a graduate program, provided that you do the hard work needed to be a top student at each school.</p>
<p>(Grad school admissions are based on a combination of GPA in your major, GRE general and subject test scores, letters of recommendation. While undergrad research is extremely helpful for top bio graduate programs, it is not an absolute requirement.)</p>
<p>I’d say to choose the school that is most affordable and which offers you the best fit in all areas. You’re going to be spending the next 4 years of you life at whatever college you choose–pick one that makes you happy. You may not stay a bio major and you may not decide to pursue a PhD. Life happens. </p>
<p>I included affordable in my recommendations above because while doctoral programs in science tend to be fully funded, the current academic job market for Bio PhDs is exceptionally tight and you may face 2-8 years or more of post docs before finding a permanent academic position. You don’t want to be dragging a lot of debt around behind you. Post docs are paid enough to live on, but they aren’t getting rich. Paying off student loans can be problematic on a post doc’s salary.</p>
<p>That said, my D’s experience as bio major as UR has been exciting and productive. She has had good teaching and excellent opportunities to get involved in research.</p>
<p>Thanks for the amazing reply Way Out West Mom. Just what I needed to hear - go with my gut at this point, as in most ways they are pretty equal choices.</p>
<p>I am currently a sophomore attending CBS at the U of M and I can attest to the quality of the education you would receive. I’m just finishing up the introductory bio courses required of CBS majors and I definitely feel that these courses have helped me become a better scientist and sparked my interest in research. There’s less of a lecture-based approach to these courses and more of a team-based approach. </p>
<p>CBS also offers a variety of majors including Biochemistry, Genetics Cell Bio and Dev, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Biology, Plant Biology, and Ecology Evolution and Behavior. It also has a really tight-knit community despite the size of the University. It’s pretty easy to get involved in research at the U (with a certain amount of perseverance). I started working in a lab as a freshman. I don’t know much about the other schools, but if you have any questions about CBS, feel free to ask.</p>
<p>I agree with WayOutWestMom. I don’t know anything about Wash U and U of Minn. If all of their science programs are comparable to UR, go with the school with the least amount of debt if you don’t think you will be in a high paying field once you graduate. I mention comparing not only biology but other sciences as you may change your mind. My D goes to UR and is a physics major (she was going to be a biology major all throughout high school but changed her mind to physics a week before college began). UR’s biology program is extremely strong and competitive with ivy league and other top universities. Good luck in your decision.</p>