<p>Hi everyone! This is my first post so please be warned if i do this wrong...</p>
<p>I plan on majoring in biochemistry for my undergraduate BUT I don't know where I would like to apply. First of all I would like a comprehensive list of the top science universities, I did some research and I would like to see if my list matches. Second of all I'd like for it to be on the East Coast because I have lived in Washington all my life and I'd like something new. But I am considering Berkeley or California Polytechnic I don't party too much, but I'm not that smart either, I somehow manage to get a 3.88 as my GPA though. I really like watching basketball and marching bands though (i'm in the band), and I might play during college. I want to go to a college where I can see a good sports team, but with a good science program also. I have the feeling that I got all of that right at home (University of Washington), yet I still want to get out! I just took the SAT literally today (i'm a junior) so I don't know my scores so i can't tell you. I plan on taking the SAT subject tests for math 2 and chemistry. Thanks.</p>
<p>Do you have cost constraints? That may be a big factor in which schools you can realistically attend.</p>
<p>Different schools have different strengths within the sciences.</p>
<p>I’m not really focusing on cost constraints right now because I know scholarships will come in (race/gender). I’m would like to know though the best schools out there.</p>
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<p>Don’t assume unless the scholarships are guaranteed by stated policy (i.e. you can find a stated policy at the school that says that you will get a scholarship or grant if you have characteristics (GPA, family income, etc.) that you definitely meet).</p>
<p>Put “net price calculator” into each school’s web site search box.</p>
<p>Again, what schools are strongest depends on which sciences you are interested in, and what your eventual goals are.</p>
<p>My goal is chemistry/biochemistry. I want to go the best college that has these programs. List please?</p>
<p>There is a tendency on CC, and perhaps with high schoolers in general, to demand to know “the best” - whether it be for overall education, a program, weather, sports, or something else. Many posters are more inclined to skim the US News and NRC rankings than read the more detailed and informative Fiske Guide or Insider’s Guide - it’s ever so much easier and convenient to reduce life to numbers and long lists.</p>
<p>The reality is that many, many colleges have very good programs in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, and it is highly unlikely that they will all appeal equally to the same person. The differences between such programs at Johns Hopkins and Wisconsin are absolutely dwarfed by the differences in size, location, weather, selectivity, diversity, athletics, feel/atmosphere, and many other things. </p>
<p>Focus less on the best colleges for biochemistry and more on the best colleges for you. That includes thinking about what you’re looking for in terms of size, location, affordability, student body composition, and other factors you deem important.</p>
<p>The following Wikipedia page has a list of need-blind, full-need schools. Most of these are among what many people would consider top colleges (and are highly selective). I believe that with one possible exception (Deep Springs), all of them offer chemistry/biochemistry (as does virtually any state “flagship” university such as U.Washington). </p>
<p>[Need-blind</a> admission - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission]Need-blind”>Need-blind admission - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>Many schools that are not need blind and full need nevertheless are excellent schools with very good financial aid. I suggest you start by considering the USNWR top 100 or so (including the above schools).
[National</a> University Rankings | Top National Universities | US News Best Colleges](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities]National”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities)
[National</a> Liberal Arts College Rankings | Top Liberal Arts Colleges | US News Best Colleges](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges]National”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges)</p>
<p>Also look up schools in the Fisk or Insider’s Guide as warblersrule suggested. Do in-depth research on 20 or 30 that appeal to you the most. From those, build a list of 10-15 schools that (a) span a realistic reach-match-safety range, and (b) either meet at least 90% of demonstrated financial need, or offer guaranteed merit scholarships for your qualifications. Race may affect your admission chances, but generally will not affect eligibility for need-based aid. I don’t know if it can significantly affect your chances for merit aid at some schools (but note that many top schools do not even offer merit aid.)</p>