Hi! I’m 20 turning 21 soon and asian american applying from out of the states.
I want to work with animals in the future, such as a marine biologist or a wildlife rehabilitator.
I am accepted to University of Maine, University of Conneticut(Storrs), and University of Oregon.
I’ve been offered scholarship from UMaine about $15,000 a year.
Money isn’t the biggest problem but it would be good to save some if I can. However, I still want to go to the school that fits me the best. Although I applied all 3 schools for biology, according to my research they all have good marine biology programs and related professors and research program etc. Please help me choose among 3 schools!
I’m also planning on going to Graduate school in the future.
University of Maine
pro: scholarship,
con: lowest ranking, cold climate
University of Oregon
pro: helpful faculty, close to sea, I like the location and the atmosphere
con: lower ranking
University of Connecticut
pro: research university, many intern opportunities, highest ranking(my mom wants me to go here for this reason)
con: high cost(some people say that it's not worth the money), unhelpful faculty(I don't know if this is true), not so good location
I personally prefer University of Oregon the most but my mom thinks going to a college with higher ranking would help me in my future career. I agree with her too but I also want to make sure I’m getting good education during college too. I don’t want to feel like I’m just paying for a degree to get a job. THank you for reading and please help!!
I can definitely see where both you and your mom are coming from. Safe to say that although I agree with Mom on this one, you should do whatever you think will make you happiest over the next four years. Your mom is right, going to UConn could definitely help you in the future, maybe more than the other two schools because it is ranked much much higher. However, like you, I have heard about some of the cons to UConn, and being an in-state kid who has many friends at UConn, it comes off as quite the turn-off to me too to hear about some of those things. I would say you should definitely visit all of your schools if you have yet to do so and especially attend their open houses, as it might sway your decision completely. Think with your brain as much as your heart in making your decision. Like you, I plan on attending grad school down the road, which has led me to believe 2 things: 1, I need to go to a financially affordable school if my parents and I have to pitch in for grad school afterwards, and 2, I need to go to a really good school where I will succeed so I’m a competitive applicant for grad school. Although I think I’m dreading to admit it, UConn is probably the best option for me, personally, and it might just be the best option for you, but again, take these things into consideration as you try to make your decision. The best of luck to you!
UConn is the most highly ranked Marine Biology program, has the largest number of faculty in Marine Biology, and will likely provide the largest number of opportunities for undergraduate research, and largest selection of courses. This will both provide you with an idea as to what part of marine biology actually interests you, as well as help you start networking in the field - something that is critical for continuing on to graduate school and finding employment. Maine has the advantage of easier access to field sites, and School which can also be a big advantage, though UOregon has a higher ranked marine Biology undergraduate program
Thank you so much! @StudentBMA2 I visited UConn’s homepage and I can definitely see that I have more educational opportunities. And I agree with you that it will be a better choice when I consider the fact that I want to go to grad school later. Your comment helped! Are you going to UConn this fall too?
@eu1030 I did a post-doc there many long years ago - it’s a great place. Their Animal Science department has its own creamery, and makes its own ice cream, which in itself is a reason to go there!