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What are some good colleges besides ivy-leagues that are good for a biology major?

Trying to look into some!

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Michael’s Answer

What is your goal? Are you looking to go to medical, dental, veterinary school? Or are you looking to become a scientist? I suppose I can answer all! As a native New Yorker, I will give you the most New York-centric and most cost-effective options.

There is a great book by New York Times journalist Frank Bruni called "Where You Go is Not Who You'll Be". In the book, he details the money and struggle wealthy families undertake to ensure their child gets into an Ivy League college (this also includes legacy admissions). However, the major point made in this book is the undervaluation of honors colleges within state university systems.

With that said, definitely definitely definitely apply to the CUNY Macaulay Honors College. It will give you the financial and academic support to succeed. This is especially important if you're looking to continue your education to medical school and beyond.

Now, if you're interested in becoming a scientist, you could certainly stay within the CUNY system- a school like City College is great for molecular biology. Let's zoom out to the greater SUNY system; Stony Brook University on Long Island is great for genetics, bioinformatics, neuroscience, ecology, and evolutionary biology but also boasts a great marine biology program. UAlbany has a decent and affordable biology program, but their College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering offers graduate degrees in nanobioscience, if that's something you're also interested in. If your interests span more toward environmental sciences, forestry, or mountain and river ecosystems, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) may also be a great choice.
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Nicole’s Answer

Hello Emilka,

There's a multitude of excellent schools out there, but here are some key factors you might want to ponder:

1. Choosing between in-state and out-of-state schools
2. Opportunities for scholarships
3. Networking possibilities after you graduate

I suggest you check out the rankings of biology schools, as this could be a great starting point to help you decide on the perfect location for you. Here's a link that could be helpful:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/united-states/biology-biochemistry

Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!
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Lauren’s Answer

Good luck with the college search! I would recommend James Madison University in Virginia! The Biology program is great and provides undergraduate students the opportunity to connect with professor and get involved in research. Additionally, the school has wonderful network of alumni as well!
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Kim’s Answer

Besides the Ivy Leagues, schools like Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin - Madison are excellent choices for a biology major. These universities have strong biology programs, top-notch research opportunities, and great faculty to support your academic journey. The campuses provide a vibrant and supportive environment for learning and growth, ensuring you have a well-rounded experience that prepares you for a successful career in biology.
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Jacob’s Answer

Hi - since you're in NY, I would suggest University of Rochester, Daemon (up in Buffalo), Stony Brook (on Long Island), LIU.

If you're willing to go to school out-of-state, you've got options in NJ too if you wanted to stay closer to home - Montclair State, Seton Hall, and Rutgers University - my alma mater :)

Good luck!
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Nidhi’s Answer

NYU, North Western, North Eastern University, UC Berkley, UC San Diego. I recommending narrowing it down based on your geographic location and job opportunities. Usually NY, Ohio and Boston are hubs for Biology related career.
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Som’s Answer

Hello Emilka,

You know, Ivy League schools sure do get a lot of buzz, and many students dream of attending them. But did you know there are plenty of fantastic public and private schools out there with top-notch Biology programs too? Based on what you're interested in, why not take a little time to look up the Biology department websites of some state universities that have caught your eye? You can check out the classes they offer, learn about their professors, and see what their students are achieving.

If there's a specific topic that's caught your interest, don't be shy! Feel free to reach out to a professor who specializes in that area. They might be open to having a chat with you. It could also be helpful to chat with some students in the program. And don't forget to consider other important factors too, like how much it'll cost and what kind of internship opportunities the school offers.
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Padam’s Answer

Ohio State University presents an excellent program and supplies hands-on experience in a real-world lab setting.
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Angela’s Answer

I would also suggest University of California school system for excellent Biology majors. In particular, University of California, San Diego, Irvine, Santa Barbara, and UCLA all excel at biology as well. Good luck on the college search!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Emilka,

Here are some top-notch colleges and universities beyond the Ivy League that offer robust Biology programs:

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's Department of Integrative Biology is recognized for its demanding academic programs. It delivers an extensive curriculum in various biology sectors, including molecular and cellular biology, ecology, and genetics. (University of California, Berkeley, 2022)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): The Department of Biology at MIT equips students with a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of biology. The institute is famous for its research facilities and a learning environment that encourages collaboration. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022)

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan provides a wide array of undergraduate programs in biology. Students can select from concentrations like cellular and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, or neuroscience. (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, 2022)

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a robust undergraduate program in biochemistry and molecular biology. Students can utilize state-of-the-art research facilities and have the chance to work with globally recognized faculty members. (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2022)

Carnegie Mellon University: The Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon is home to the Department of Biological Sciences. This department provides a comprehensive curriculum in various biology areas. Students enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and practical research opportunities. (Carnegie Mellon University, 2022)

Used References: University of California, Berkeley., n.d., “Integrative Biology,” Retrieved June 6, 2023 from https://ib.berkeley.edu/ Massachusetts Institute of Technology., n.d., “Biology,” Retrieved June 6, 2023 from https://www.mit.edu University of Michigan - Ann Arbor., n.d., “College of Literature, Science & the Arts,” Retrieved June 6, 2023 from https://lsa.umich.edu/ University of Wisconsin-Madison., n.d., “Biochemistry,” Retrieved June 6, 2023 from https://wisc.edu Carnegie Mellon University., n.d., “Mellon College Of Science,” Retrieved June 6, 2023 from https://www.cmu.edu/mcs/

May God bless you,
JC.
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Shyam Varan’s Answer

If you are keen on a Biology related career, my suggestion is start early. Some High Schools have Academies like Medical and Health Academy.
Also consider dual enrollment in local community college while in High School to take Biology courses in Summer with labs or if offered online during Fall or Spring. This will give you good first hand perspective of Biology in College as you will be in class with college students.
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Annastasia’s Answer

Hi Emilka! Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska is a fantastic option for a biology major. Creighton takes a great interest in their students and will prepare you to follow your passion, whether that’s medicine, biotechnology, research, education, an environmental field or another area.

I have included a link here in case you are interested in learning more: https://www.creighton.edu/arts-sciences/biology/

Best of luck in your college search!
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Kyana’s Answer

Hi Emilka,

That's a great question! Some excellent colleges for a biology major outside of the Ivy League include Stanford, University of California - Berkeley, MIT, Caltech, John Hopkins, Duke University, University of Chicago, and University of California - San Diego. These schools offer strong biology programs with great research opportunities. Best of luck!
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Carla’s Answer

Hi Emilka!

All of these answers are super! There are so many great schools out there (public, private, large, medium and small) that have fantastic programs. I am not sure if someone already suggested this, but I think, too if you have the ability to visit some of these schools before you apply to check out their facilities. That speaks to the size of the program they have as well as the funding that they receive for these facilities as well as the research they perform. Also, some schools offer up the opportunity to chat with their students in specific majors. Many schools offer in person and virtual open houses. There are also zoom online sessions available for some and you can ask your questions live!

We recently visited Syracuse University to check out their Forensic Science program and learned SO much. It was an open house format so we had the chance to chat with the students and meet the dean of the Art and Science school. It was so great because we saw every inch of their Science and Tech buildings and other parts of the school we might have never seen if we toured the school by ourselves.

I'd recommend looking at all shapes and sizes of schools and researching the programs they offer. Visit them and the cities/towns where they are located. You will know the right school the second you experience it whether it is through a virtual experience or in person. I wish you lots of luck in your search!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Emilka !

The colleges are all good and most colleges do offer a major in Biology. You will have to decide which college is best for you by reading their catalog of major courses and seeing which college is doable for you. You are in New York City so you have within your reach some of the best community colleges and universities.

I would recommend Johns Hopkins as one you can look into. You can also consider LaGuardia Community College if you decide to begin at a community college. They are all good. I want to recommend Brooklyn College for Biology, also. I know some medical doctors that attended there for their undergraduate degree before medical school.

No matter which college you choose, remember that scholarships, grants and federal financial aid can greatly help you with your undergraduate studies. Read about the various Biology programs of the different schools at the links I have left for you below. Do some more research as well and read the websites of the schools that other advisors have mentioned for you. Compare the Biology programs and choose the school you'd like.

Being in New York City, you will have many opportunities for internships, projects and possibly employment as your city is abundant with medical facilities and laboratories. It may be good to aim for non-ivy league schools due to the cost as well as the low acceptance rates, but be assured that there is financial assistance at whichever college you choose. Research scholarships and grants or ask more questions about them to the advisors here at Career Village.

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/arts-sciences/full-time-residential-programs/degree-programs/biology/
JOHNS HOPKINS SCOOLS AND DIVISIONS https://www.jhu.edu/schools/
LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR BIOLOGY https://www.laguardia.edu/majors/biology/
BROOKLYN COLLEGE FOR A BIOLOGY MAJOR https://www.brooklyn.edu/nbs/
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Anne’s Answer

Hello,

I am not a biology major but have couple friends who majored in it!
What I have heard is that USC, Northwestern, UCLA, UChicago, Johns Hopkins, and most of the top 50 universities have good education in biology!

Best luck for you!
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Mmasi’s Answer

Hi! I will recommend The University of North Carolina and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), they both ranked very highly in Biology & Biochemistry. The University of California school network has great Biology programs as well!
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Priya’s Answer

Hello Emilka,

Good luck with your college search. To add to colleges listed in previous comments, I would like to add Emory university, University of Georgia and UPitt for good biology majors.
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Henry’s Answer

Johns Hopkins University is an excellent choice.
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Su-Ting’s Answer

Hello! I might be a bit biased since I graduated here, but UC Davis is a really good school for it's biology and other medical related programs. I know a biology related major is super popular here, and a lot of people I know have been able to build a solid foundation in this field, as well as do research and internships related to their interests! Not sure what field you're planning to go into specifically, but some career paths people have taken are in physical/occupational therapy, veterinarian, and optometry, I know that UC Davis Health also exists, and students are able to get hands on experience there as well.
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Bidisha’s Answer

Depending on your career ambitions, different universities could be the perfect fit for you. Here are a few top-notch institutions that offer a major in Biology:

1. University of Michigan
2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
3. New York University (NYU)
4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC)

These universities not only provide a strong foundation in Biology, but they also boast of robust research programs. I encourage you to explore each university's website to discover which program aligns best with your future goals. Remember, the perfect university for you is out there. Good luck on your journey!
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Brian’s Answer

Hi, Emilka! There are tons of top 10 list that will tell you which ones are supposedly best. However, I would caution you to invest too much in those rankings.

The best programs are the ones that align to your needs as a student and your goals as a future professional. How do you sort that out? Ask yourself:

- Which school is making it most affordable for you?
- Which school has recruiters from places you might want to intern and/or work at?
- Which school has the community and/or resources to support someone like you?

Obviously, it doesn't hurt to have prestige (going to a prestigious graduate school certainly changed my life), but these questions should always take priority (that prestigious school also offered me a full ride + had recruiters from the exact job I wanted).
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Chosen Osarodion’s Answer

There are many excellent colleges in the United States for a biology major outside of the Ivy League. Here are some notable ones:

1. **Stanford University** (California)
2. **University of California, Berkeley** (California)
3. **California Institute of Technology (Caltech)** (California)
4. **University of Chicago** (Illinois)
5. **Duke University** (North Carolina)
6. **Johns Hopkins University** (Maryland)
7. **Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)** (Massachusetts)
8. **Washington University in St. Louis** (Missouri)
9. **University of California, San Diego** (California)
10. **University of Michigan, Ann Arbor** (Michigan)
11. **University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)** (California)
12. **University of Wisconsin-Madison** (Wisconsin)
13. **University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill** (North Carolina)
14. **University of Texas at Austin** (Texas)
15. **University of Florida** (Florida)
16. **Vanderbilt University** (Tennessee)

These schools are well-regarded for their biology programs and offer a variety of research opportunities, resources, and strong faculty support.
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Lianne’s Answer

There are many good colleges out there besides Ivy Leagues that have a great Biology program. Check out the ones others have mentioned in the comments.

I also want to highlight that you may want to consider beyond the Biology degree. Many people who go into Biology choose to do further schooling after undergrad (medical school, pharmacy school, PhD, etc). You can take that into consideration when choosing which school to go to. For example, if you want to study physical therapy after undergrad, but want to obtain a Biology degree as a stepping stone to get there, you can look at which schools have a good physical therapy program. Chances are, you will have a higher likely hood of getting into that post-grad program if you studied undergrad there.

Good luck!
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Melecia’s Answer

Specifically in New York, some non-Ivy schools you could consider that are regarded for biology programs are:
- University of Rochester- known for molecular genetics and biochemistry.
- Stony Brook University- known for ecology, evolutionary biology and biochemistry.
- Cornell University- known for biological sciences including molecular biology, genetics and ecology.
- NYU- known for biology and medical research.

If you are looking outside the NY area, you can consider:
- Johns Hopkins- known for biomedical engineering, cellular biology and research,
-University of California, San Diego- known for molecular and cell biology, microbiome science and bioinformatics.
- MIT- known for molecular biology, genetics and biostatistics.
- CalTech- known for biological sciences.
- UC Berkley- known for life sciences and research.

These universities are known for their strong biology and research programs. I would also recommend you speak to your school counselor to gather more information/insight.

Good luck in your search!

Melecia recommends the following next steps:

Connect with your school counsel for additional information and advice.
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Olivia’s Answer

I'm a little biased as it is my alma mater, but besides the Ivy Leagues, UCLA is highly regarded for its biology programs. It offers a robust curriculum in various biological sciences, providing a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, research, biotechnology, and other related fields. UCLA's faculty includes renowned researchers, and the university is well-equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities!

The school offers diverse biology-related degrees and has collaborative ties with numerous research institutions and hospitals, enhancing the academic and practical learning experience for students. Additionally, UCLA's location in Los Angeles offers students access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in the sciences.
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Quin’s Answer

Georgia Tech is an awesome option!
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Abhishek’s Answer

Echoing what many people said above there are many great options out there in terms of attending a college/university for a biology major. While the caliber of the school is import to consider, I would highly suggest keeping in mind the fit of the school, cost, and location. Remember, college is what you make it so if you pour your hard effort into it no matter where you are, it will pay off!
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Nicholas’s Answer

Hi Emilka, everyone above has already given great answers! I would add NESCAC schools to the list. These smaller New England/Northeast US schools are sometimes referred to as mini-Ivies and include Amherst, Bowdoin, Colby, Middlebury, Williams, Tufts, and Bates amongst others. As these are small, liberal arts schools in typically rural areas, they're not for everyone, but might be worth checking out!
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