Expert: Susie Watts - 10/21/2007

Question
Mainly I want to find a college that is focused on research in biological sciences like cell biology with a chemistry perspective...I really enjoy DNA, Bacteria, and I want to learn how to research cures for things.

But I also don't want to go to a college that is too cold or completely arrogant.  I'm not known for my competitive spirit either, so a college that doesn't grade on a curve would be nice.

Green is another thing that I desperately want in a college.  Give me a nice little pool of pond water and some trees and I'm happy and I hate the cold...

Do you have any matches of UC colleges for undergraduates?  Or maybe just a college in California like that?  The smaller the campus size the better -I didn't like UCSD for example, but I really liked the feel of UCLA...I just don't know if UCLA would kill me or not.  I'm doing good in my classes at MSCJ  (community college) but I'm not a cut-throat competitive person.



What do you think?  Could you give me some suggestions of colleges that are green, Science research oriented, and not going to kill me?

Sincerely, Grace

Answer
Most schools in the UC system do not provide many opportunities for students to do research,  That is something that usually happens when students are in graduate school, specializing in a specific area.  Some of the private schools might be a better bet because they try and provide their undergraduates with more research time.
I think you should look at the UC schools with good science programs and focus more on the research later.