Drexel vs Lafayette for Biochem

College Search & Selection
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Hi everyone who took the time to click on my post! I’m just wondering what insights people might have :slight_smile:

Some quick facts:

I was accepted to Drexel Pennoni Honors

Drexel Cost: around $185,000 for 5 years co-op
Lafayette cost: Unfortunately I did not receive aid, so cost would be around $304,000

I plan to major in biochemistry at both schools (biological sciences with biochem concentration at Drexel) and hope to do research with professors as well.

Lafayette Concerns:

I’m from an Asian American background and come from an upper middle class family, but I’m worried about how I’d fit in at Lafayette since I’ve heard the student body is quite affluent and not very diverse.

I’m also wondering how much more difficult it would be to find internships, since Lafayette is in the city of Easton, which is a smaller city compared to Philly.

Drexel Concerns:

I’m mainly worried about whether the quarter system will be too overwhelming, since I’ve heard a lot of people talking about it. However, I’ve taken 10 APs in high school and have a 4.9 weighted gpa. With my high school classes, would I be fine in the quarter system?

I’m also wondering how Drexel academics stand in comparison to Lafayette academics!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my long post, and please feel free to ask any follow-up questions!

**Also I based the structure of this post off of one by @nougat6, since I found their organization very clear and well written. :slight_smile:

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I also plan to appeal for more financial aid at Lafayette, but I am unsure that they’ll give me money. If anyone has any insight into this process, please let me know!

Thank you!

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Ok a few things to consider , have you factored in the money you make while on Co_op. at Drexel? Drexel will have a more diverse student body and also UPenn is right next door so they blend together well, much more todo in Philly. The delta in cost should have you at Drexel, if you do the 5 year program your on 3 6 month co-ops that break up the school year. The 1/4 system seems weird but I think it works for them w doing a 6 month co-op

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@NJdad07090 Thank you for your reply. I have not considered the money I would make on co-op, but it is a big pro for me. If you can, could you elaborate on the opportunities students have to conduct research with a professor at Drexel?

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@iwikecheese - That I can not help you with, my guess is there is some of that but maybe not as much as other schools bc you have the co-op programs when you are out in the" real world " doing research

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The two schools are so different: big city vs. small town. Have you factored in whether you like a small school/small town vs. big city?