What colleges to add or remove on my COLLEGE LIST for Biology? **Too many reaches?**

Having just gone through the college search with an aspiring MD/PhD student focused on research, here are my suggestions. Don’t focus solely on merit as there are great schools that will fit the budget without it. Do apply to a wide range of schools (selectivity, size, geography, etc) and see what feels right to her. NC State would be fairly easy to navigate in a scooter. UNC Charlotte would be even easier and light rail from campus to the city would be great for her. Research opportunities at both on campus and in Research Triangle of N.C. for summers. Emory is a great campus but pricey. Definitely a reach for all. University of Dayton has good scholarships, research, diverse students, compact campus and sends students to Emory and similar schools for grad school. A great safety for her. We did not tour UT Dallas but checks most of her boxes. Does not appear mobility would be an issue there at all. Happy to answer specific questions. Good luck!