UW Bioengineering/Biochemistry vs Whitman Biochem/biophysics/molecular bio and 3-2

<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>

<p>I don’t know anything about the 3/2 bioengineering program at Whitman, hopefully someone else will. Mostly, I’m answering because I imagine that your experience at Whitman would be very different than your experience at UW. The students have a good time, enjoying the life on campus and in the great outdoors, even though they take their studies seriously. The ones I know are very happy. Making close friends seems to be something students at Whitman do. Good luck making your decision and I hope you get more specific information. Have you called the Biology department to ask questions, if not, I think you should.</p>

<p>I should mention, Whitman does have close ties to Fred Hutchinson also. There are some grants that guarantee spots there for Whitman students for summer internships and and BBMB majors do go there to work after graduation. Also Whitman has a strong network of alumni who are willing to network with Whitman students about jobs. My child graduated last year in chemistry, but had close connections to BBMB so I would be happy to answer any questions I can. I think the biggest advantage to her at Whitman was the close relationship with her research advisor and two years of solid research experience when applying to graduate schools.</p>

<p>When did she start undergrad research? Also, is there one subject that is more intensely focused on in the BBMB major (i.e. Micro bio)? Do you know how the grant for Fred Hutch works out? </p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>She started research the summer between sophmore and junior year and worked over both summers until she graduated. The Fred Hutch grant is advertised to students in BBMB and chemistry (at least) to apply for. There is at least one guaranteed spot (maybe two) for a Whitman undergraduate. My daughter did not apply so I am not sure all the details, but you could contact one of the BBMB professors to get more details.</p>

<p>I am not sure your question about one subject more intensely focused in BBMB. My daughter was thinking BBMB, but decided on a chemistry major because it gave her more flexibility in taking electives. She ended up working with other BBMB majors in her lab though. Note there are other internship possiblities too. I know they have some sort of deal with Cornell for summer internships and her professor has a grant to send a student back to University of Rochester to work in the collaborative lab with his research. There is probably more going on than just what I am aware of since they have been getting lots of grants in the last year or two. Probably best to contact one of the professors in the department.</p>

<p>Basically Whitman gave her great preparation for grad school (in chemistry) both in course work and research skills. Her main concern in going to large undergrad school was getting the opportunity to get a good research experience. At Whitman she and the professor collaborated over the direction to take the research. I don’t think that is as likely to happen at a large university with many grad students and post docs in the lab.</p>

<p>I’ve also heard great things about the linkages for research and post-grad. I know a BBMB major who loved it and had her choice of several great MD/PhD programs. For her the small college environment did not squelch big research opportunities and I think she felt like she got excellent guidance along the way. And getting courses did work out. She finished in 4 years and that included being able to do a semester abroad.</p>