<p>Drek’thar - The University of Sheffield is ranked 5th in the United Kingdom for Biological Sciences [University</a> Rankings League Table 2010 | Good University Guide - Times Online](<a href=“The Times & The Sunday Times: breaking news & today's latest headlines”>The Times & The Sunday Times: breaking news & today's latest headlines)</p>
<p>So it would be more like mediocre grades from a top school in my field. Also, two of the research experiences I mentioned were post-high school…
Nope, grandma was not a significant donor and neither was my uncle unfortunately. I actually wouldn’t technically be considered a legacy either as this title is reserved for the children of alumni. </p>
<p>HopefulEagle86 - Thanks for the advice. I mentioned that I was a second year finishing up my first semester. I am planning to emphasize my desire for more of a liberal arts approach inspired by traveling, (How seeing Percy B. Shelley’s grave and the Colosseum made me truly miss Literature and History classes), rather than focusing on the negative, financial aspects. I understand that Duke is more competitive, an ao told me about 20 out of 500 students are admitted, making my chances extremely slim I think. The only school that has a somewhat decent program in my desired field out of the SUNYs is SUNY-ESF, which I will apply to. </p>
<p>As someone who intends on applying to a graduate program, research opportunities are important. Unfortunately, SUNY-ESF lacks a faculty engaged in large scale macroecological processes and the more “charismatic” vertebrates, hence why it’s not my top choice.</p>