<p>I am having trouble deciding between the University of Washington Bioengineering/Biochemistry majors vs the possibility of going to Whitman for the Biochem/biophysics/molecular biology major. Please give me some insight.</p>
<p>If I go to Whitman it will be more expensive, approximately $10,000 more than UW each year- I got some financial and merit aid. Additionally, if I choose Whitman I want to take advantage of the 3-2 bioengineering program with Duke, Caltech, or Columbia University allowing me to study three years at Whitman and earn a BA and then get a BS from Duke, Caltech, or Columbia in two years.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I've heard people having trouble getting classes they need and even getting into their major at UW (UW's bioengineering is ranked 6th in the country). This causes them to stay for five years instead of four years to finish their major. With the possibility of spending five years at UW it seems more tempting to go on the 3-2 program at Whitman so at least I would be guaranteed admission to the program I apply.</p>
<p>Academically what is the better route-- a big name brand school with connections in Seattle to local research institutes (i.e. Fred Hutchinson) or a smaller LAC with the ability to transfer to a more prestigious school such as Duke or Caltech? </p>
<p>Some of the main draws of Seattle for me personally are that I live around Seattle so I would know a lot of people already and I like the idea of living in a big city. On the other hand I want to really focus on my studies and prepare myself for work after undergrad or for grad school (Whitman seems more academic to me). One thing I like about Whitman is the plethora of small classes, more access to profs, and the general happiness most students have at Whitman.</p>