Question for Bio Majors from a Prospective Student

My daughter is leaning toward applying early decision to Amherst next fall. She’s visited the campus, loves it, and feels that she’d be a great fit there. And, as a prospective microbiology student, she’s excited beyond excited about the new science center. At this point, her only hesitation is that she isn’t sure the selection of courses in micro/virology/genetics is as broad as it might be at larger schools, or even other LACs with a greater focus on bio. Obviously there are terrific research opportunities, so that isn’t an issue.

So the questions she has asked me to pose to you are: as bio students, do you feel there is sufficient variety in the classes offered? Do you feel that you may have received a better groundwork in bio/micro/virology/genetics at a different school? And, finally, to what extent do you take advantage of micro/genetics/virology classes at other consortium schools, such as UMass–and does that sufficiently fill any gaps in classwork that exist at Amherst?

Thanks in advance for any guidance,

RayManta

I wish I could help specifically, D took a couple of semesters of Bio but did not major in it.
She did take several courses (in her major) at consortium schools that weren’t offered at Amherst - her senior year so pretty advanced courses - and loved that experience. No problem getting the classes she wanted, at any time, at home or at the other schools.

Thank you!