<p>
Colorado is a perfectly good choice for biology. For ecology in particular it’s stronger than most of the top private universities except Cornell, Stanford, Duke, WUStL, and arguably Yale and Princeton. For those who like the outdoors, there’s no better location. </p>
<p>
USC is next to several amazing museums and near many interesting arts and cultural facilities downtown. Moreover, once the light rail extension is completed next year, students will have fast, easy, and cheap transit all the way across town to Santa Monica thanks to the station right next to campus. I personally think having to be a bit street smart is a very small price to pay for access to so many things to see and do. </p>
<p>With respect to the Claremont colleges, many people drastically underestimate the size of the LA region and the difficulties of travel from outlying areas. woogzmama’s caveat about Pomona (“…with a car”) is worth emphasis. </p>