<p>I'm really into Biology (not pre-med though) and I want to go to a school with a strong program and research opportunities. My dream school is Cornell, CALS, and I'm in state. But 1. It's REALLY expensive still and 2. Cornell is beyond a reach school for me, I think. (I'm a junior, so I'll start applications in a scarily short amount of time)</p>
<p>So I was wondering if anyone knew of any strong science schools. I'm still unsure on size, but I like the feel of a college town (vs. big city campuses). I think I'll go to grad school, eventually, and I'd like to have a good program behind me. But I also want to have a real college experience, and not go somewhere I hate because it has a famous name or something. Any input would be appreciated, especially if you know a lot about the school! :)</p>
<p>PS: I have researched this a lot, obviously, but real feedback is always nice. Its hard to tell about a college from its website alone.</p>
<p>What stats do you have? How far away from home are you willing to go? Do you need/want merit or need based aid? I feel certain you’ll want one of those since you mention Cornell being expensive, but which one. Have your parents calculated their EFC? Is it affordable?</p>
<p>SUNY Stony Brook is actually the best research and science university within the SUNY system, hands down. They have the best biology and biomedical programs with great research oppertunities due to its partnership with Brook Haven, which is a federally funded national research institute, as well as their exceptional hospital.</p>
<p>Thanks, I didn’t realize that Stony Brook had a hospital near it. That definitely makes a huge difference! To answer a question above, I will probably get a little need aid, and merit aid if they give it. The problem is that I have four siblings, including one who will be entering college the same time as me, which means we’ll probably have to work out some kind of trade-off. I’m looking East Coast-Midwest, nothing too far from NY. I want to be able to get home semi-fast.</p>
<p>Did you look at Brandeis University in MA? </p>
<p>I wonder how Stony brook compares to Binghampton for biology as my son is interested too. In our district smart kids go to Bing, NY public ivy, not to SB.</p>
<p>Boston University, University of Pittsburgh also have good biology programs. From what I know Stony Brook is more of a science and research school while Binghamton is more of a humanities type school</p>