<p>HI all, I am an admitted student and among my many interests, Biology ranks high. Any thoughts on the Bio department, research opportunities and choice of courses? I have a tough choice between Wellesley, Smith, Holyoke, Oberlin. Anything in particular I should do on my visit to campus next week? Thanks!</p>
<p>The Wellesley bio department is a large department with a LOT of students. Many pre-meds are obviously either biology or neuroscience majors. And so, you have lots and lots of class options. Most of your intro courses will be about 30 people or so and labs I believe had a cap of 15 when I took bio… Lab instructors are flexible with fitting people in so the numbers change every semester depending on schedules. </p>
<p>Many people do research in bio and chem with professors. Many professors have lab research groups that students can work in during the year for credit or for pay. Wellesley also has a summer science research program where you can get money and housing for the summer and start or continue research with a professor on campus. I know a lot of people who have done it in the past and they really liked it. </p>
<p>When visiting campuses, I would look to see what the environment of the school is like. Sit in on multiple classes if you can, in different departments, and see how students act in the classroom. Could you see yourself being there? Wherever you decide to go (and you have a lots of choices so congratulations!), you want to be able to fit in with the rest of the student body – are these the types of students you want to hang out with in your dorm, on the weekends? Do they like the same types of activities you do? Are they interested in the same things?</p>
<p>I know that’s probably really vague, but you really have to be in the college environment to see what it’s like. You may love a college on paper but once you visit you may find that it’s not the right the place for you. Only you can make that decision.</p>