Hello, I am currently a stressed out senior who is approaching the May 1st deadline. I am torn between these two schools. I plan on becoming a Biology major. I really dont know if I want a small school or a big university. Both schools have totally different vibes to them so I really dont know what to do. Any advice would help.
Cost difference?
UMass Amherst is #70 in all us research type universities which is a big and long list. #29 of all the fabulous public unis UCs and flagships Lafayette is #36 in rigorous liberal arts colleges which is a great list too.
I think they offer the same post graduate respect which is great
UMass will offer s lot more research opportunities and Is very fun. Lafayette is beautiful and a wonderful small school experience
Go where you think you will thrive and do your best.
UMass would be in-state tuition. While Lafayette would be about $15,000 more.
I also know i need to go to graduate school so i really have no idea what to do. I know with Umass since there are so many people, I would have to compete for research opportunities. Lafayette is way smaller, making it easier to get closed to professors and access to research opportunities.
What do you think you want to study?
I think something in the biology field. Most likely pharmaceuticals. Med school may be a possibility too I’m not sure though.
You’ll have pretty great access to labs at UMass. I don’t know Lafayette’s science scene. But it’s a well respected school with a great rep
UMass Amherst is really great for feeding to med schools is you are a super disciplined student
I have a med school admissions counselor who we work with and she thinks med schools love the top students coming out of state flagship school students
Schools like Lafayette have a way of creating a much more nuturing environment. UMass will require much more self discipline and focus. But the end results can be equally successful from either