<p>Hey all, first post.</p>
<p>Essentially my story is that I have virtually identical cost to go to either Vassar or Clarkson University (I go to HS in Poughkeepsie which is where Vassar is located and they give out pretty nice deals to students in my HS).</p>
<p>Anyway, I am looking to be a biochemistry (Vassar) or molecular biology (Clarkson) major. I want to continue education after my undergrad and hopefully get to be a professor some day.</p>
<p>I was wondering which school would be a better starting point for a career in the sciences: Clarkson University or Vassar College.</p>
<p>Some specific questions:</p>
<p>1) Vassar offers B.A’s- would this hurt me?
2) Obviously Vassar is more prestigious overall, but which school’s biology/chemistry programs are more well thought of among employers and admissions panels for Grad School?</p>
<p>Thanks for any help</p>
<p>I’ve never attended either college, but run an executive search firm, recruiting $100K+ execs for businesses and other organizations. I see people 10 to 40 years after their college graduation. Here’s my take on your question:</p>
<p>1) No one will care whether you have a BA or BS in biology. They are both bachelor’s degrees.</p>
<p>2) Vassar is noted for being strongest in the arts, rather than the sciences. Clarkson is, of course, noted for its engineering and science curriculums. You can do some research to determine if the stereotypes/reputations are accurate.</p>
<p>… however, I’d be surprised if Vassar’s bio and chem departments are weak.</p>
<p>3) You’ve been accepted to two strong schools. Both will provide you with a solid education. You couldn’t be comparing two more different schools, however. One is located in a remote town just north of the Adirondacks; the other is located closer to NYC, in what would be more of a suburban town. One school is mostly men; the other is 60% women. You will do well at the college at which you are happy, and will probably not do as well if you go to a college where you’re miserable. You need to check the two schools out from a personality standpoint, rather than by trying to determine the relative strengths of their science departments. Visit both, and visit again if you’re still undecided. Sit in on some classes, and see what it’s like to be there on a weekend.</p>