<p>Among all the other differences between the two schools, I'm trying to decide which school has better opportunities for undergraduates to do/help with biological/chemical(/perhaps neurological) research; Colgate University or Johns Hopkins University. As a high school rising-senior, I've had the opportunity to work and do research for an (unnamed Ivy League) grad school group and I've found the experience very enjoyable. I realize that Colgate is a smaller school and that because there aren't graduate students (sorta, I know there are a few) undergrads seem to get very good research opportunities. However, JHU, being the medical research institution powerhouse that it is, complicates the matter.
I'm eventually looking to go into research-based medicine if that's of any concern; however, I'd like to do some research within the aforementioned fields as an undergrad.
Please share more than which school you think a student has more opportunities at, but why you think so. Also, sharing any personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!</p>
<p>JHU is #1 in the country for annual research expenditures, according to Washington Monthly, even though it is not nearly among the country’s largest universities. Much of that spending is related to biomedical or life science research. Hopkins spends over $2.1 billion dollars per year on research, according to Washington Monthly. Colgate spends about $2.3 million/year on research. Big, big difference.</p>
<p>Of course, the numbers may not tell the entire story when it comes to undergraduate research. Go visit colleges that interests you. Ask students and professors about undergraduate research opportunities. Check out campus bulletin boards (both physical and online boards) for announcements. Look at recent undergraduate thesis papers (examples: <a href=“Theses - Biology Department - Reed College”>http://www.reed.edu/biology/theses/index.html</a>).</p>
<p>I don’t think that among LACs, Colgate is one of the most research-oriented. Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford all have higher levels of research spending (individually), and as a consortium (with cross-registration opportunities at UPenn) may offer more research opportunities (collectively). These 3 schools also have higher per capita PhD production rates than Colgate does (as do Reed, Carleton, and Grinnell, among others).
<a href=“http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings_2013/liberal_arts_research.php”>http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings_2013/liberal_arts_research.php</a></p>
<p>I hope you soon visit Colgate and meet with professors within the departments sponsoring scientific research of interest to you. I expect you will be most impressed!</p>
<p>If you then recognize the fit then the choice will be straightforward. You will have superb facilities with access to everyone in its unique setting- the most beautiful campus in the nation* in the 11th most friendly small town in the nation**. </p>
<p>Colgate administrators like to call the school the best liberal arts university for a reason. It’s its combination of size, scope and focus.</p>
<p>Good luck with your search!</p>
<ul>
<li>Forbes Magazine 2012
** Princeton Review 2014</li>
</ul>
<p>This is my first time using CC, how would I go about posting this thread in a place where students of both schools would be able to give their opinion on the matter?</p>