<p>I intend to major in biochemistry (or something related to this- it's called by different names at different schools-for example it might also be called chemical biology). I do pretty well in school and have research experience- so hopefully I will do well in the college admission process. I am looking for an academic environment in which people aren't afraid to be a little nerdy and are very intellectually curious. Of course, academics don't have to completely dominate students' lives, but you get my point. I intend to go to graduate school after completing my undergraduate degree, so a school that is known for being able to well prepare students for future studies would be a plus. Also, if they offer good financial aid packages, this would also be a plus. Any schools come to mind? Your input is very much appreciated and will help a nervous high school student very much. Thank you!</p>
<p>Hamilton College comes to mind. I hear their science/med related fields are superb and that the campus kind of has that “nerdy” atmosphere, but people are still social. It is really small, though has <2000 students I think. Not sure if you are okay with that or not. I have no idea about their aid, just that they are need blind (sorry I couldn’t help you there). It is a really good school, though.</p>
<p>Also another caveat: it is in a very rural town in NY. About fifteen minutes from there is a major shopping complex. But if you want somewhere where you can walk into a bustling town from the campus, it is not the place for you.</p>
<p>You also might want to look into the University of Scranton. They have an excellent medicine program, which hopefully translates into their science departments (sorry I don’t know much about their biochem). Again, not so up to date on the FinAid there (sorry). But this college is in a city. Scranton is not nearly as crazy as NYC, but when you walk off campus you can definitely find something to do.</p>
<p>So I just looked up Hamilon. They meet 100% demonstrated need (they dot give out merit aid) and their average financial aid package last year was $36,500. $33,700 of that does not have to be repaid. The other $2800 must be paid back in the form of student loans or work study.</p>