Colleges With Strong Biology Programs?

[Carissa]

Which colleges are known for good biology programs? Are there any colleges that have relatively high rates for matriculation into medical school? Also, I think I read somewhere (Princeton Review's Planning a Life in Medicine, I beleive, but I'm not 100% positive) that a premed major is not always recommended over a bio or any other major, but I forget why it wasn't, so if anyone has anything to say on that, it would be appreciated. Also, if you go to an undergrad college with an associated medical school, would that increase your chances of getting into the said medical school?

So, does anyone have any recommendations?

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[bodonid]

Which colleges are known for good biology programs? Are there any colleges that have relatively high rates for matriculation into medical school? Also, I think I read somewhere (Princeton Review's Planning a Life in Medicine, I beleive, but I'm not 100% positive) that a premed major is not always recommended over a bio or any other major, but I forget why it wasn't, so if anyone has anything to say on that, it would be appreciated. Also, if you go to an undergrad college with an associated medical school, would that increase your chances of getting into the said medical school?

So, does anyone have any recommendations?

there is no such thing as a premed major.


Major in Cell Biology!

just kidding. Just pick something where you will be interested in and do well in the classes. Also, this topic has been canvased many times. and Yes, often attending a school for premed will be a slight plus. But not much.

 

[pntgrd]

The bio stregnth of your college really doesn't matter for premed purposes. Any decent US college has a good enough bio program.

As for majors, "pre-med" major isn't a real major at most places, since a major implies a subject, and pre-med covers everything from math to biology, which are not the same subject.

 

[armybound]

it seriously makes no difference. just go to whatever school you like the most, even if it's just because the campus is pretty or you like their colors.

 

[167649]

Which colleges are known for good biology programs? Are there any colleges that have relatively high rates for matriculation into medical school?

Your college doesn't get you into medical school. You do. That said it really doesn't matter which college you choose, or which biology program it has.

Also, I think I read somewhere (Princeton Review's Planning a Life in Medicine, I beleive, but I'm not 100% positive) that a premed major is not always recommended over a bio or any other major, but I forget why it wasn't, so if anyone has anything to say on that, it would be appreciated.

Undergraduate major makes no difference in MS admissions. All you are required to have is the prerequisites done. Succesful applicants to medical school majored in everything from philosophy to art to business. Just pick something you are into and do well in it. And take the prerequisites courses.

Also, if you go to an undergrad college with an associated medical school, would that increase your chances of getting into the said medical school?

Yes and no. Some medical schools do have "feeder" programs. But these routes are usually equally as competitive if anything. So I wouldn't attend a college just because you think it will punch you into an affiliated medical school.

 

[Carissa]

Your college doesn't get you into medical school. You do. That said it really doesn't matter which college you choose, or which biology program it has.

Right, but being in a college with a strong biology program could increase your MCAT scores (well, you are responsible for your scores, but taking good classes would help) and maybe make your medical school courses a little easier.

 

[xiaoyi666]

When i visited cornell when deciding where to go, they strongly emphasized that they had a 94% acceptance rate for medical schools......then again, that 94% are the ppl who survive their premed program. They're the same ones that have dedication, discipline, and commitment

really, getting into medschool is up to you.

 

[armybound]

Right, but being in a college with a strong biology program could increase your MCAT scores (well, you are responsible for your scores, but taking good classes would help) and maybe make your medical school courses a little easier.

please just go enjoy high school and think about all of this later. you're far too young to be worrying this much about it.

people score well on their MCAT if they learn well, not if their school is better. your school really has very little to do with any of it.

 

[87138]

When i visited cornell when deciding where to go, they strongly emphasized that they had a 94% acceptance rate for medical schools......then again, that 94% are the ppl who survive their premed program. They're the same ones that have dedication, discipline, and commitment

really, getting into medschool is up to you.

The 94% is the percentage of students the school endorses. Schools do this to pretend they're somehow extremely good at preparing students for med school when in reality this number only applies to people they "let" apply.

 

[Quadratic]

Right, but being in a college with a strong biology program could increase your MCAT scores (well, you are responsible for your scores, but taking good classes would help) and maybe make your medical school courses a little easier.

Not really. There's more than bio on the MCAT. I would check out schools that are strong in research, in general not just Bio. Why? Because the courses are more proficient in everything that will accompany the major, like chemistry, physics, and such. It's not about being strong in one science, it's about having them all in check. That's the way to be prepared for the MCAT.

But seriously, graduate first before worrying about this stuff.

 

[spanamit]

I can speak from personal experience that Princeton has a phenomenal program for premeds. I would highly consider going if you get in.

 

[littlealex]

Right, but being in a college with a strong biology program could increase your MCAT scores (well, you are responsible for your scores, but taking good classes would help) and maybe make your medical school courses a little easier.

Going to a top20 university makes getting into medical school quite a bit easier than the people who goto less competitive schools. I don't have an amazing GPA, but I had success applying partially because of the reputation of the undergrad being difficult. These schools also tend to be swimming in research opportunities, free clinics, shadowing opportunities, etc.

As for majors, I don't think it matters much. Major in what you're interested in. Certain programs are stronger than others for the purpose of med school though. I only know Johns Hopkins programs, but Biophysics has over 90% acceptance rate to medical schools, and Neuroscience BA/MS has 100% acceptance rate to MD/PhD programs in its history.

 

[Carissa]

Not really. There's more than bio on the MCAT. I would check out schools that are strong in research, in general not just Bio. Why? Because the courses are more proficient in everything that will accompany the major, like chemistry, physics, and such. It's not about being strong in one science, it's about having them all in check. That's the way to be prepared for the MCAT.

But seriously, graduate first before worrying about this stuff.

After reading your post, I'll definitely have to reword my question:
What colleges have programs strong in science and research?

As for majors, I don't think it matters much. Major in what you're interested in. Certain programs are stronger than others for the purpose of med school though.

I'm interested in Biology, of course, or I wouldn't be on SDN!

I only know Johns Hopkins programs, but Biophysics has over 90% acceptance rate to medical schools, and Neuroscience BA/MS has 100% acceptance rate to MD/PhD programs in its history.

😱

 

[armybound]

After reading your post, I'll definitely have to reword my question:
What colleges have programs strong in science and research?


I'm interested in Biology, of course, or I wouldn't be on SDN!


😱

every school that's not some little podunk school will be good enough in academics and research. seriously, don't worry about this right now.

and not everyone likes or studies biology. I sure didn't. a lot of people go to medical school after pursuing art, history, english, physics, engineering, etc.

 

[ufgrad00]

You should also know that there is also a difference between a "supportive and challlenging program" and an "ultra competitive, gunner producing program." So don't choose a school only because you hear that it will make you a more competitive candidate.
I also second the "enjoy the rest of your highschool" remark.

 

[Jolie South]

go to a school you like that won't put you in a lot of debt! BAM! 👍

 

[ufgrad00]

go to a school you like that won't put you in a lot of debt! BAM! 👍

Absolutely, I don't know why I didn't think about this, you never fail at excellent advice. 👍

To the OP, go to a school which will cause you the least amount of debt or will give you the best scholarship opportunity.

 

[eight sat up]

Save yourself some heartache and choose a school thats cheap with grade inflation...its a long, hard, and expensive road ahead....

 

[al112987]

Right, but being in a college with a strong biology program could increase your MCAT scores (well, you are responsible for your scores, but taking good classes would help) and maybe make your medical school courses a little easier.

No, you will forget more or less half of what you learned in your freshman/sophomore year pre-req's by the time MCAT's roll around and will end up studying a review book just like the rest of us.

You're not even a year out of middle school.

Why not worry about finishing HS first, then worry about this.

Also, it doesn't matter what school has a good biology program. You will be an undergraduate and will learn for the most part undergraduate biology. No matter where you go, you will learn the same thing as everyone else.

 

[167649]

Right, but being in a college with a strong biology program could increase your MCAT scores (well, you are responsible for your scores, but taking good classes would help) and maybe make your medical school courses a little easier.

Pretty much all 4 year universities are going to have good classes. It really boils down to what you want out of your education and which one fits you best. Do you want a large state school with 400 people in a lecture hall with a TA? Or do you want 30 students in a class in which you are scrutinized and graded by the professor himself. Some people like one, some like the other. Do you want to be in a city? Suburb? Rural? The characteristics you should be looking at are personal; which atmosphere is most conductive to your own success and best suits your learning style. There is great diversity amonst colleges in this regard. But content-wise, all of them will offer the same thing. The krebs cycle is the krebs cycle wherever you go; it doesn't change from place to place. So the place which is going to best suit you for MCAT prep is going to be the place you feel most comfortable in.

BTW, none of your pre-med courses will prove to be much "help" in medical school anyways. Some upper-level work in anatomy (which isn't a pre-requisite) can help a little when re-memorizing it, but everything else you will probably forget completely.

I'm interested in Biology, of course, or I wouldn't be on SDN!

Plenty of pre-meds on SDN are majoring in something else. Engineering seems to be common around here, as are a lot of humatities majors.

 

[dienekes88]

Plenty of pre-meds on SDN are majoring in something else. Engineering seems to be common around here, as are a lot of humatities majors.

All the cool kids majored in history.

Don't worry about the MCAT yet.

 

[Carissa]

Pretty much all 4 year universities are going to have good classes. It really boils down to what you want out of your education and which one fits you best. Do you want a large state school with 400 people in a lecture hall with a TA? Or do you want 30 students in a class in which you are scrutinized and graded by the professor himself. Some people like one, some like the other. Do you want to be in a city? Suburb? Rural? The characteristics you should be looking at are personal; which atmosphere is most conductive to your own success and best suits your learning style. There is great diversity amonst colleges in this regard. But content-wise, all of them will offer the same thing. The krebs cycle is the krebs cycle wherever you go; it doesn't change from place to place. So the place which is going to best suit you for MCAT prep is going to be the place you feel most comfortable in.

Not sure If I was meant to answer those questions or if they were rhetorical, but:
Relatively small, city, and I hate the krebs cycle (not a question but I felt I had to add that).

Plenty of pre-meds on SDN are majoring in something else. Engineering seems to be common around here, as are a lot of humatities majors.

All the cool kids majored in history.

I understand that you don't have to major in biology to go to medical school, but I was just stated that I am obviously interested in it.

 

[smsc2009]

Many medical doctors have advised me to go to the undergraduate school that is the cheapest. Save money, and excel.

And remember you do not have to be a biology major to get into medical school. For what it's worth my father majored in Chemistry and completed his M.D.

Oh and by the way, premed is a term that is used to declare that you are planning to attend medical school. It is not an official major.

 

[135892]

Which colleges are known for good biology programs? Are there any colleges that have relatively high rates for matriculation into medical school? Also, I think I read somewhere (Princeton Review's Planning a Life in Medicine, I beleive, but I'm not 100% positive) that a premed major is not always recommended over a bio or any other major, but I forget why it wasn't, so if anyone has anything to say on that, it would be appreciated. Also, if you go to an undergrad college with an associated medical school, would that increase your chances of getting into the said medical school?

So, does anyone have any recommendations?

Just do well in high school, and stop worrying about all of this

I don't know about other people, but I didn't even start thinking about college till maybe my senior year in high school, and even then I thought about it for maybe 2 minutes and applied only to my state school. You don't even need to be thinking about college at this point, much less about getting into med school. Is every high school kid like this nowadays...

 

[dienekes88]

I understand that you don't have to major in biology to go to medical school, but I was just stated that I am obviously interested in it.

I'm actually serious. History is very cool. Don't discount it just because you have an interest in biology.

You might change your mind after a couple semesters in college. I did.

 

[Carissa]

I'm actually serious. History is very cool. Don't discount it just because you have an interest in biology.

You might change your mind after a couple semesters in college. I did.

I know, I'm not discounting it at all. Obviously I'm interested in other things (I'm not that boring), but I'd have to have an interest in bio if I want to be a doctor.

 

[Ashers]

I know, I'm not discounting it at all. Obviously I'm interested in other things (I'm not that boring), but I'd have to have an interest in bio if I want to be a doctor.

I have friends who are doctors who majored in chem because they hated bio. To them, every biology class they had to take was painful. Bio itself is WAY different than medicine. I majored in bio because I wanted to do marine biology. My bio major was in the college of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and the classes reflected that. We got to count cacti for field trips. Not even close to what medicine is, and it did not help me in med school. Only the electives I chose to take helped me in med school.

When I had my freshman orientation in college, I went to the honors college bio orientation, and someone asked how many people were planning to go into medicine. I was the 1 person out of 70 that did NOT raise their hand. Not to scare you or anything, but during college, people may not make it in the pre-reqs, or they may change their minds for other reasons (eg. I decided I didn't want to do aquaculture stuff, and wanted to do medicine). There definitely were not 70 people who went into medicine from that orientation.

I also have friends who majored in lots of non-sciency stuff. I minored in non-sciency stuff to pursue stuff I liked.

 

[NonTradMed]

People on SDN tends to play down their college reputation or college academic programs, which I strongly disagree with.

I've taken science classes at three different universities and there is a HUGE difference in quality and preparation in their science programs.

I'd suggest going to a program that is known to have a strong science and academic program. I took classes at a couple of schools which were pretty abysmal in terms of what they expected of you to get an A---I didn't even learn anything in a few of those classes yet I got an A. At my undergrad, I could not say that about any of my science classes (I was a premed/computer science major). So in my experience, there is a significant difference in quality between various universities.

You are making an investment in four years of your education which is foundation for medical school, don't randomly pick a school because you like its colors or its locale. Pick a school which has a reputation for sending kids to graduate school. I'm glad I did.

At my undergrad, our admissions' office will write a personalized compiled recommendation letter for med school for ANY student who is not on academic probation. And yet our school has a 80% acceptance rate into medical school. The year I graduated, a quarter of my class went directly into medical school after graduation. A huge chunk (roughly half) of my class go onto some sort of graduate program after college.

I was very happy with a school which encourages students academically and has the resources to allow us to succeed. The couple of other schools where I took classes (one of which my parents worked at) did not have any of these resources and their science programs were sub par which deterred me from going there despite the fact I could have gone with a full scholarship and no debt.

In fact, my parents worked at the local med school and I thought about going there for undergrad. However, my parents were warned by friends who had sat on the med school's admissions committee that the undergrad was NOT looked highly upon and had a very low success rate of sending students into medical school. We knew another family friend whose daughter made a 4.0 and couldn't get into the state's public medical school!

So yes, not ALL colleges are created equal. That said, almost all colleges will have sent people into med school at some point, the question is do you want to be in the few lucky ones from that school that gets into med school? Or do you want to be one of many from your school that ends up in med school?

At the very least, do your research and make sure that the school you go into has a history of sending kids to medical school and provides a good environment for YOU to study well.

That doesn't mean you have to apply to Harvard/Stanford/Yale (although you can). It means you should research your schools and find ones that suits your study habits and needs, and that is known to be good at sending their students into medical/graduate school.

 

[CTtarheel]

You're 15 years old. Do well in school, don't get arrested, get into a good college. HAVE FUN!

Seriously don't start thinking about this now, do the best you can and let the chips fall where they may. Enjoy your free time and summers in high school as the older you get the more it gets sucked up.

 

[nevercold]

Adcoms know which schools are stronger than others and know what schools tend to grade-inflate. If you go to Cal Tech and get a 3.4-3.5, you're gonna be competitive with people getting 3.7 and 3.8 at most state schools. If you go to Wuss University and get a 3.3, it's not gonna look good at all. If you go to Wuss University and get a 3.9-4.0, you're at *zero* disadvantage. If you go to Cal Tech and get a 2.9, the rigor of the school will not mediate that.

Majors are similar. If you pick an "easy" major, you will be expected to do better, but at the high end of the scale you will be at no disadvantage due to your choice. If you pick a "hard" major, you will get a little bump from that but you still have to do well.

I went to a somewhat above average state school, but I took some great classes in immunology, biochemistry, and physiology that prepared me phenomenally for medical school. In other words, what you choose course-wise and what you put into those courses can help or hurt once you're in medical school no matter where you came from.

 

[suwaifo]

You don't even have to do well in school. Don't do your homework, sleep with peace of mind, and fail a class or two. That will get you geared up for college for sure.
If you can't handle failing, you won't be able to handle life. It's better to start early.

 

[veaselhaufen]

Original Poster: I may receive some heat for this, but I would be weary of attending a small private liberal arts college (of course this is a generalization). Like the above poster, I have taken premed classes at three universities (the large public school where I will graduate, a small Liberal arts college and a "top" ivy). My experience that the education that I received at my state school and the ivy were roughly the same (other opportunities don't compare, however). The LAC that I took physics and biochem from was completely watered down. Although this school has a good reputation within my city, their med school admissions statistics are bad, their average mcats are low, etc. College, like just about anything else these days, is a business- especially for small private schools. Many of these small private schools will do anything to increase enrollment. This includes pampering their premed students so that they "enjoy" their experience, but don't learn a whole lot and thus are not prepared to take the mcat, etc. My father, who is a professor emeritus at said private liberal arts school, would completely agree with me. He advised me to pass up free tuition there to attend my state school (where I have paid full tuition). Also, remember that this LAC has a very good local reputation.

Having said that, I'm sure there are many private LAC's that are great.. It's just not the experience that I had. I don't think you can go wrong with big state schools in terms of education. They have a vested interest in creating professionals and leaders in their state- not just make money

I hope I have helped more than harmed (seems doubtful)

 

[Carissa]

You don't even have to do well in school. Don't do your homework, sleep with peace of mind, and fail a class or two. That will get you geared up for college for sure.
If you can't handle failing, you won't be able to handle life. It's better to start early.

Well, I can't say that my teachers would like your philosophy very much...

That doesn't mean you have to apply to Harvard/Stanford/Yale (although you can). It means you should research your schools and find ones that suits your study habits and needs, and that is known to be good at sending their students into medical/graduate school.

That's my problem, I don't where I would find this out. Do those huge books from CollegeBoard or Princeton Review have any helpful information?

I hope I have helped more than harmed (seems doubtful)

Don't worry, you definitely helped. I appreciate your advice.

 

[MichaelRowle]

If you really want to go to medical school. Find a biology program that is geared towards the mcat. You don't need to study for it twice. All the rest of this major in what you like stuff is horse****. Think about this logically. What are the components of the mcat? Do you think spending 2 extra years studying philosophy will help you on the bio section which is the longest science section of the mcat? Or will it help you more to take extra bio courses which are general topics on the mcat?

 

[MisterVeil]

If you really want to go to medical school. Find a biology program that is geared towards the mcat. You don't need to study for it twice. All the rest of this major in what you like stuff is horse****. Think about this logically. What are the components of the mcat? Do you think spending 2 extra years studying philosophy will help you on the bio section which is the longest science section of the mcat? Or will it help you more to take extra bio courses which are general topics on the mcat?

Sorry, this is nonsense.

As long as you take the required courses (intro bio, physics, gen chem, and organic chem), you'll be fine. Taking other biology courses may help marginally (if at all), but you can take those with any major too.

In fact, if you really want a major that will help you with the MCAT, do something reading- and verbal-intensive, like English; statistically speaking, English majors beat out bio majors on MCAT scores.

Or you could, you know, major in whatever you want, pay attention in your bio/chem/physics classes, and read critically a lot on the side to make sure your reading abilities are up to snuff.

 

[TooMuchResearch]

Sorry, this is nonsense.

As long as you take the required courses (intro bio, physics, gen chem, and organic chem), you'll be fine. Taking other biology courses may help marginally (if at all), but you can take those with any major too.

In fact, if you really want a major that will help you with the MCAT, do something reading- and verbal-intensive, like English; statistically speaking, English majors beat out bio majors on MCAT scores.

Or you could, you know, major in whatever you want, pay attention in your bio/chem/physics classes, and read critically a lot on the side to make sure your reading abilities are up to snuff.

No, it's nonsense because the thread is 2+ years old.

 

[MisterVeil]

No, it's nonsense because the thread is 2+ years old.

Oh wow, good call

Normally I'm good about noticing dates/huge bumps.

 

[schrizto]

Oh wow, good call

Normally I'm good about noticing dates/huge bumps.

you're not the one who looks lame here. it's the user who bumped this thread with their uninformed opinion.

"Find a biology program that is geared towards the mcat."

 

[MichaelRowle]

meh. i have the stats. the numbers are for those who make it to the application phase. misleading.

and no. of course. take 'schritzo's' advice. don't look into if the students who do well on their science courses at the schools you are interested in do good on mcat sciences.

i got stuff to do now so i can't flame war all day. do what you want.

 

[schrizto]

meh. i have the stats. the numbers are for those who make it to the application phase. misleading.

and no. of course. take 'schritzo's' advice. don't look into if the students who do well on their science courses at the schools you are interested in do good on mcat sciences.

i got stuff to do now so i can't flame war all day. do what you want.

No biology program at any college is designed just for the MCAT. If it is, then it's a pretty pathetic program.

 

[schizosquirrel]

Shameless plug for Haverford. We developed the first undergraduate program in molecular biology, Harvard copied our program, and Penn has recently come to us for advice on theirs as well. Here are where my classmates are currently (my year and a year above me), many of who were bio majors (some of whom were not- there are some religion, english, chemistry, and anthropology people thrown in there). Also consider there are only 300 students in each class, and less than 10% pursue medicine. So, this is pretty much a good chunk of the people in my class (and well...everyone I know about).

1 Cornell
1 Stanford
3 Penn Med
2 Harvard
1 Hopkins
1 UCSF
1 UCS-Keck
5 Mount Sinai
1 Yale
1 UTSW
2 Temple
1 Drexel
4 Jefferson
2 UMDNJ-RWJ
2 University of Maryland
1 PCOM

I think we all did pretty good for ourselves. We've claimed to have something like a 98% acceptance rate to medical school, but this is of course inflated by the fact that many students who are interested just don't end up applying (the pre-med advisor is supportive, but realistic about your chances). I've only heard of one person from my class who didn't get accepted once he applied...but I think this was for reasons outside the school's control. You have excellent means by which to get to know your professors, great research opportunities (lots of $$$ and first author papers), we're close by to some great clinical training sites (Bryn Mawr Hospital, Lankeanu Hospital, Drexel Med, Temple Med, Penn Med, Jeff Med), and lots of fully-funded opportunities to do either study or volunteer abroad programs (during semesters or summers). After leaving, I had a first author paper in Development, I spent six months working in clinics throughout Europe, I had taught and designed my own class on medical anthropology, worked extensively in the HIV/AIDs volunteer community. Sky's the limit, but I'm sure everyone shamelessly supports their own school.

 

[Perth Domer]

Notre Dame is definately improving the Biology department (added 10 faculty in the last year). Most premeds here don't do Biology (we have a premed major that most do). Our GPA's tend to be low, but MCAT high. There are opprotunities for research, study abroad, etc.

My advisor said we have a 90%+ acceptance to med school from our major, but I expect that's due to the premed advisor telling those with GPAs below 3.3 to do post bac. or apply DO (as a School, those with 3.5 to 3.75 GPAs got into med school at a 96% rate. One kid with a GPA above 3.75 didn't get in, apparently because he didn't know why he wanted to go into medicine)

The funny thing is there are no submajors to declare within Biology, however you can specialize in areas like cell bio, etc.

Only warning is that you will face additional weed out classes that general premeds won't face, like genetics which makes doing well in Organic more difficult. (curved to the C+/B- break point) You will however really know your stuff after you get through it.