<p>My daughter who wants to ultimately "be a big time zoo curator" is thinking about the two options. We reside in Illinois. Money will be about the same when all is said and done. She may also be able to qualify for Honors College at MSU as well. Any advice, experience?</p>
<p>Also interesting her is Hillsdale College. That is a 180 I know but it's another train of thought going on at the same time.</p>
<p>Hi! I’m not a parent but I am a current student at Michigan state. Although I am not in Lyman Briggs I am also in a residential college (James madison) and have heard only good things about lyman briggs. I can vouch for the residential college and its challenging curriculum, as well as the benefit of living in the same residential hall as many of your classes/professors offices are. The professors for lyman briggs are also highly recommended and the community and friends made through such a program which organizes activities for students within their college/major (and also helps a lot with potential career/networking opportunities).</p>
<p>To MSU’s benefit, they also have one of the best pre-vet programs in the country so they have incredibly strong animal science programs as well (I haven’t heard anything about UIUC’s animal science program). I am also in the MSU honors college which I find to be an excellent program because it allows for early registration of classes, more flexible general education requirements and the ability to substitute for classes (and take grad. school classes for the same price as undergrad) among other benefits.</p>
<p>Does she want to become a vet? UIUC has a good vet school, and it is the only one in the state. Going to UIUC might allow her to make connections and help with acceptance.</p>
<p>fa-la… thanks soo much for your input! Yep we hear really good things so far about these residential colleges too. How are you liking your time there socially? How is the bus system? I know being both huge campuses, the bus system will be very valuable and hopefully dependable.</p>
<p>Nova… I don’t believe the ‘Vet’ route is exactly the way she wants to go. Unfortunately… 
I think she would make a splendid vet. </p>
<p>I think she wants to run a zoo. Basically how she put it. Diet, Habitat, Programs, stuff like that I guess… I know there are tons of people involved and a million different directions to go there but with a great Animal Science/Zoology background mixed with Business/Management she will be headed in the right direction! And boy does she have a passion for the critters!</p>
<p>[Department</a> of Zoology - Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Zoology](<a href=“http://www.zoology.msu.edu/undergraduates.html]Department”>http://www.zoology.msu.edu/undergraduates.html)</p>
<p>If she hasn’t yet, above is the link to MSU’s zoology department. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/other-college-majors/170958-zoology.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/other-college-majors/170958-zoology.html</a></p>
<p>Above is an old thread. Michigan State is one of the top colleges in the country for zoology as well as vet school and as a “land grant” college is top notch for these types of majors. Lyman Briggs is a very well respected “program.”</p>
<p>champ505 - socially I love Michigan State. I was fortunate to end up with a fantastic roommate so that really made things a thousand times easier for me. There are tons of things to do on campus, and the athletics scene (basketball/football)/school spirit is amazing. MSU is such a big school that there are a zillion different organizations and clubs for just about every interest…but the residential college atmosphere really makes the school a personal experience as well (at least for me). </p>
<p>1st semester I got a bus pass, but to be honest I didn’t find it all that useful because I like walking everywhere (fresh air and exercise!). Plus I lived in south complex (case hall) and most of my classes were pretty close-by. A lot of people have bus passes though, and the on-campus buses are pretty reliable - running every 8-10 minutes Monday to Friday 7am-7pm (then there are other buses that have limited time schedules during other periods of the day). A lot of people also have bicycles…it just depends on your daughters’ preference for transportation.</p>
<p>My D. is Zoology major but not at schools that you have mentioned. Her school gets lots of kids from Chicago for whatever reason. Zoology department is very good and vast majority of pre-meds (D. is pre-med) are zoology major. Very tough academically. She had applied at MSU, but did not like it at all after visit. They have accepted her there with good Merit scholarship.</p>
<p>Slightly off topic – I did the Backstage Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom earlier this week. I thought the animal care portions of the program were fascinating – and the entertainment bit was pretty cool too. If she is interested in zoo science as a subset of animal science i highly recommend doing this tour if you are in the Orlando area. Disney also has internships for college students and other programs. </p>
<p>I was an Animal Science major ‘back in the day’ and have worked in a variety of animal related jobs, some more hands-on than not. Currently – I own a pet shop!</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you for this really terrific info! Mom, thanks for the links! fa-la, again your insight will be very valuable in the next year especially, we will keep in contact. Miami, I am assuming Miami Oxford… I heard it is verrry good for Zoology, I wish your girl well and much luck in her endeavors. Any kid who loves animals is a good kid in my book. 
cnp55, my daughter, with some luck, will be able to work at our very well respected zoo this summer. That way she will get a feel of which way to direct her studies and passion never lies!
That Backstage Safari Tour sounds incredible!!!</p>
<p>Zoology has little to do with knowing how to operate a zoo, LOL. That being said, it’s hard to go wrong with Michigan State if you’re interest in Organismal Biology, Ecololgy, Mammology etc. And Animal Science and Biology are not the same dicipline in the U.S. Related? Obviously.</p>
<p>Thanks LakeWashington, I appreciate your input. Gotta love a kid with big dreams and the willingness and tenacity to make it happen, however long and difficult the road… :)</p>
<p>champ505,
Thanks and the best wishes to your D. as well. Yes, you are correct asuming Miami Oxford, for one more year.</p>