Which Schools???

I’m a junior who plans to major in biological science. So I’m at the point where I’m trying to chose 20 colleges to which I will apply to. The way I have chosen my selection is by looking at the US News Best Biological Science Programs top 50. However, I need some confirmation if using this method is reliable, considering this ranking is for graduate programs and not undergraduate, and this ranking is outdated: 2014.

Graduate programs are not always a reflection of undergraduate programs. There are many other factors to consider besides department strength as well. Cost, location, size, etc.

Except in clearly homogeneous comparisons, I’d highly recommend against the use of graduate department rankings for the evaluation of undergraduate programs, mostly because in doing so you would, by definition, eliminate some of the top programs available at purely undergraduate-focused colleges.

Though this site represents a sampling more so than a complete analysis, it will nonetheless guide you to some highly regarded undergrad bio departments:

http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/lists/list/colleges-to-consider-if-you-want-to-study-biology/117/

Once you create a list of potentially strong colleges for your major, you can cross-reference by other factors such as selectivity:

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-610-smartest-colleges-in-america-2015-9

And don’t apply to 20 colleges.

Since it doesn’t appear on the above bio-schools list, I’d recommend you research URochester as well.

                    First, do you need FA, merit, etc? Are you full pay with no financial worries? These are your first points of reference. Unless you are full pay and have no limitations, you work within those parameters according to your academic stats. 

A few comments:
–If you do your homework there should be no need to apply to 20 colleges.
–Consider affordability if that is an issue.
–You need to pick a group of reach, match,and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be happy to attend. Cherry-picking the top 20 from some list is not a wise way to apply.
–Plus the list you used is for grad school. You are apply to undergrad. Tons of schools will have a solid undergrad biology program. In addition that survey is simply a ranking done by peer institutions.
–Consider what you want in a college – size, location, anything else (Greek Life, sports etc.). People tend to do their best in an environment where they are happy and comfortable.