State for biology?

Colleges and Universities A-Z North Carolina State University
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<p>Hi, I'm a rising high school senior and urgently need to get an idea of where I want to apply this year. I love biology and am hoping to go into microbiology, but possibly cellular/molecular biology, plant biology, biomedical engineering, biological engineering with an environmental emphasis, or slightly possibly biotechnology or pre-medicine. However, I also enjoy chemistry, languages, English literature, and international relations, and I have a hypothetical enjoyment of theoretical physics and computer science (hopefully I will be able to test this out my senior year). I LOVE the atmosphere and the extracurriculars offered at NC State, but others have told me that it's not the best choice education-wise and that I should go to UNC or another school. The following are what I'm looking for in a school and any advice on if State would be the right choice would be greatly appreciated:</p>

<p>*A place that offers challenging classes and where students will learn, but not someplace particularly exclusive or (how should I say it?) "pristine."
*Lots of opportunity for (biological) research.
*An urban campus
*A good study abroad program
*Coed
*A bagpipe band open to beginners
*A quidditch team :D
*Someplace without a stifling social norm to be followed. Perhaps it was by chance, but I liked the fact that I didn't encounter a top 40 song, that there were political activists in the main courtyard, there was a free expression tunnel, and that I didn't feel too pressured to be into basketball on my tour of State.
*Affordable</p>

<p>I am a little worried that I hopefully will be going to a school without a med-school for biology and that others tell me it should be a safety. To give you some background, I go to the North Carolina School of Science and Math. My composite ACT score was 33 I think, my best subject being science, and my best SAT was 2220 with my best subject being writing. The positive side is that my school has an articulation agreement with State so I will most likely be able to enter as a sophomore, the tuition is affordable, and it's in the Research Triangle (which I think is super cool!), plus I just really like the school and I don't really want to go to UNC. I would love to hear your opinions! And if they are not positive, maybe some suggestions for schools similar to State in the ways that I have mentioned above?? Thank you!</p>

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<p>Also, I heard from a few people that UNC may be harder to get into, but classes at State can be just as challenging if not more so. Could anyone validate this? I am hoping that this is the case.</p>

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<p>Go to the school you really like, Go to NC State. You won’t regret it.</p>

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<p>Goodness, reading your post makes me wonder why you’re even considering anywhere else. Go where your heart leads…don’t listen to the herd. The fact that you already like NC State tells me that you will be starting off with the right attitude, you’ll feel at peace knowing you’re at the right place, and your high school stats indicate you’ll be one to excel. UNC may be “harder” to get into, but biology at NCSU may be harder to stay in. It’s not an easy major given the science rigor and research at NCSU. Congratulations on your outstanding H.S. record.</p>

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<p>Thanks guys! Going to a competitive school I can lose sight of things sometimes. I’m definitely considering the school and I think it will be a great experience!</p>