<p>Having a tough time deciding to attend either Lafayette or TCNJ as a Bio Major. Any thoughts/comments appreciated :)</p>
<p>collegehunt,</p>
<p>It goes without saying that you should carefully explore the biology websites of both colleges. For TCNJ, visit: <a href="http://www.tcnj.edu/%7Ebiology/%5B/url%5D">http://www.tcnj.edu/~biology/</a>. For Lafayette, visit: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ebiology/biohome.html%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~biology/biohome.html</a>.</p>
<p>What makes the decision so difficult, I'm sure, is that both schools tout great facilities, top professors, impressive grad/medical school placement, extensive research opportunities, etc.</p>
<p>Allow me to point out a few differences between the schools. Lafayette has a student population of about 2,400 students, while TCNJ has about 6,000. Class sizes will be slightly larger, on average, at TCNJ.</p>
<p>TCNJ is a "suitcase school", plain and simple. When the website feels the need to make a statement like "80% of our students stay on campus at least three weekends during any given semester", you know something is up. At Lafayette, even though a significant portion of the population stems from the northeast, students stay on campus and get involved in activities/clubs/sports.</p>
<p>If this matters to you, TCNJ is slightly less prestigious than Lafayette. The students who are accepted to Lafayette have higher stats, on average (just look it up in any college guidebook).</p>
<p>I'm assuming you have visited both colleges at least once. What were your first impressions? How do you feel about each college now that you've had some time to think it over?</p>
<p>You have two great schools to choose from, and both have the academic opportunities you are seeking. Provided you take advantage of these opportunities, you really can't go wrong.</p>
<p>If you think of any Lafayette-specific questions, just let me know.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>One of the best things about college is getting away form home. I agree with Justin that TCNJ is a suitcase/ commuter school. it is so much better in college to get the real experience living on campus. Lafayette also has a more geographically diverse student population. You probably grew up in NJ, now it is time to interact with people from different parts of the country. Also, Lafayette has a much better rep. Until a few years ago, before the college changed the name and did a great marketing effort, Trenton State( the old name ) was considered on par with Ramapo and Rowan.</p>
<p>collegehunt, </p>
<p>I'd just like you to know that I agree wholeheartedly with OldPerson's commentary.</p>
<p>I'm glad OldPerson decided to bring up TCNJ's fairly recent turn-around (1996). The college was primarily a teacher's school back in the good ol' Trenton State days. I'm not saying they haven't expanded their curricular offerings since then...actually, I believe they offer four more majors than Lafayette. However, I still remember back when I was applying to colleges how TCNJ's application listed "[specific major] Teacher Preparation" under almost every area of study. To be totally honest, that kind of frightened me. I wondered...how was I going to fit in if I chose NOT to study to become an elementary or secondary school teacher?</p>
<p>Thanks for your response, OldPerson (I almost feel bad referring to you by that name!).</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>I thought I'd throw in my own observations. Our high school sends a lot of kids to TCNJ almost all from the top 10% of the graduating class and many from the top 5%. Lower ranked kids from our town pretty much get shut out of TCNJ. For every one that is accepted 3 or 4 more have applied. The kids choose to apply and attend TCNJ because the feedback that they hear from their friends already at the school is very positive and the school is an amazing value. </p>
<p>That said there are differences between TCNJ and Lafayette for you to consider:
S choose Lafayette because of its smaller size. He also felt he would be less inclined to come home weekends from Lafayette. I would not call TCNJ a suitcase school since I know a number of kids that stay on campus many weekends however they are home more often than S.
From our perspective Lafayette has a stronger alumni base for purposes of internships and job searches, a stronger academic program (however S was not looking at any science studies), smaller class sizes and more opportunities to get to know and work closely with faculty.</p>
<p>It is true that TCNJ has come a long way since its days as Trenton State College. When I graduated high school some 30+ years ago it was much more prestigious to go to Rutgers College than Trenton State. My friends who went to Trenton were there for either teaching or nursing. I wouldn't let that background bother you though since it is absolutely not the same school today and now enjoys a solid reputation (at least in this area of the country).</p>
<p>Thanks for your input, joinville. I'm glad you pointed out the "amazing value" of an education at TCNJ...that is something I neglected to mention.</p>
<p>Collegehunt, I hope you are reading all of these responses. You are receiving some really helpful feedback in this thread.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Justin, OldPerson, and joinville,</p>
<p>Thank you for your thought provoking input. I have taken the advice you have given into great consideration.</p>
<p>After visiting both Lafayette and TCNJ, I was extremely shocked at how similar the student body/campus life was (making my decision very tough). I have come to the point where I can picture myself at both colleges. </p>
<p>Lafayette would certainly be a new experience for me and a chance to leave my comfort zone. I know I will be receiving an excellent education as well. However, TCNJ also offers a great education for a great price. I received a great deal of merit from TCNJ which has become a big factor in my decision. </p>
<p>I will be visiting Lafayette one last time this Sunday and, by then, will have hopefully made a decision. Essientially, I am looking for a school that will prepare me well in the science field as I am hoping to pursue either pre-med or pre-dental. Unfortunately, both Lafayette and TCNJ seem to be strong in the science field :) </p>
<p>Thanks again for your great advice....your persuasive responses to my dilemma have certainly made an impact!</p>
<p>-collegehunt</p>
<p>collegehunt,</p>
<p>It sounds like a "win-win" situation to me!</p>
<p>Hey, since you'll be on campus for Experience Lafayette Day, we could always set up a time/place to meet and talk. I'll be leading a tour at 10:00am, but I'll be free the rest of the day.</p>
<p>Shoot me a PM if you're interested.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Justin,</p>
<p>It is definitely a win-win situation :) Thanks.</p>
<p>Also, could you give me information regarding bio majors who end up getting into med/dental school (stats, etc). If not...could you please let me know where I can get that information directly. </p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>collegehunt,</p>
<p>Career Services publishes graduate statistics on their website for the three most recent graduating classes.</p>
<p>Here's the link: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ecareers/grad_stats.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~careers/grad_stats.php</a></p>
<p>Keep in mind that, if a graph were to show that 2% of a particular graduating class went on to medical school, that 2% reflects THE ENTIRE CLASS OF APPROXIMATELY 600 STUDENTS (not just bio majors).</p>
<p>For acceptance rate information, or for any other information regarding medical school placement, you might consider getting in contact with someone in Career Services. They definitely have access to more detailed statistics. You could email any member of the staff (contact info: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ecareers/staff.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~careers/staff.php</a>) or call up the office at (610) 330-5115 on a weekday from 9:00am - 5:00pm. </p>
<p>Don't be afraid to give them a call. I'm sure they'll be able to answer all of your questions.</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>collegehunt,</p>
<p>Which college have you decided to attend? I'm sure there are many other CCers eager to hear!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>