Pre-Med Biology Major - Which College?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I’m a high school senior planning to major in biology, and I’m trying to pick an institution that has an excellent biology program and numerous research opportunities. However, since I’m pre-med, the most important thing to me is to be able to maintain an excellent GPA (3.9 or above). </p>

<p>I’ve been accepted to the following institutions:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Northeastern University
University of Vermont
University of Connecticut
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of New Hampshire
Drexel University
Boston University (too expensive, though)</p>

<p>I’m leaning towards RPI or Northeastern (because of the Tufts Early Assurance program). RPI is supposed to have a great curriculum, and they gave me a good amount of financial aid, but I’ve heard that RPI is very harsh with grading. Northeastern’s biology program is supposedly more difficult than their chemistry program, but I’m not sure how true that is. Both institutions offer amazing research opportunities. I’ve also heard that UMass Amherst’s biology/pre-med program is quite good, and it’s the cheapest option for me. </p>

<p>Any recommendations? Thanks very much in advance. :)</p>

2

<p>*I’ve also heard that UMass Amherst’s biology/pre-med program is quite good, and it’s the cheapest option for me. *</p>

<p>If you can go to UM-A without accumulating debt, that is the best choice. If the other schools require you to take on undergrad debt, that will make it difficult for you to borrow what you’ll need for med school. Anyone going to med school needs to avoid undergrad debt if possible.</p>

3

<p>Thank you very much, mom2collegekids! :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Cost was a pretty big factor, but after much deliberation, I’ve finally decided on Northeastern. They offer so much for biology majors in the way of co-ops and research that I felt it was the best choice for me.</p>

4

<p>Wow, I’m in the exact same boat you’re in. I got into umass, rpi, northeastern and am most likely picking neu because i feel it would give the most opportunities in terms of research/volunteer & making good grades. im in biochem right now (found out its really tough and doesn’t really relate to material covered in med school), so I might switch into health science/bio.</p>