What schools offer good programs for Biotechnology majors?Answered
I want to major in biotechnology at a decent university. I have estimated my GPA at the end of my senior year to be around 3.8. I don't have a super strong extracurricular background, but here are the things I am doing this summer. Btw can someone tell me if my extracurriculars clearly imply my major? If they don't, what major do you think they are falling under?
- Using computer programming to classify real life cancer and tumor patient data
- In my senior year I am volunteering 30+ hours towards researching a specific disease (we don't know which one yet)
- Dual enrollment at my local college to learn computer science
- I have applied for....(note: i haven't been accepted to any of these yet, I am still awaiting a reply. when i receive a application status update i will update it here)
- Rice University's pre-college summer program (Biology/Computer Science)
- BlueStamp engineering
- a program that guides you through writing a research paper (I was invited to do this, so I think I will PROBABLY do this, and I want to write about Biology or Computer Science)
- AND a science camp which teaches you how to create real life models to DNA Barcode
THINGS I'VE DONE
- I was a part of a leadership program for underrepresented minorities all throughout middle school and in 9th grade (I stopped attending because it became difficult to attend these sessions since they stopped being provided at my school)
- In 10th grade I joined Chess Club and participated in a tournament, almost became chess club president but I switched schools :(
- ^ I also joined Girls who Code
- Latinx Club
Idk if this matters either, but I am a Mexican girl, low-income, first gen. I have also spent most of my High School career doing school virtually (I did a little more than half of in-person school in 10th grade, but that's it)
1 honors class
Estimated 6 Dual Enrollment classes
Estimated 7-8 AP classes, no exams (my school is small and doesn't offer many AP's which is why I am more focused in Dual Enrollment)
Can anyone recommend schools for my major? California is definitely somewhere I want to be, but I would be applying out of state. I want to apply to a UC, and my UC GPA would be 4.07. I am willing to travel ANYWHERE that offers a good program. I tried using the chancing simulator and I got decent chances at good schools but idk if they offer good programs and I don't have much guidance. My counselors both want me to apply to Stanford but tbh I don't think I have a chance. Both of them have family members who went to Stanford and tell me I am "Stanford Material" even though on College Vine I have a 8% chance.😭
I had an amazing opportunity to create a business this summer but due to financial constraints I had to drop out of it. This was supposed to be my college applications' BOOM but I feel like I am lacking it now. What could help make up for this?
Thank you for your time.🙏🏻
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1 answer
Here are some schools to look at:
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering: Biotechnology.
University of California, Davis (UC Davis) - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, with emphasis options in plant, animal, or microbial biotechnology.
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology through the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with biotechnology-focused courses and research opportunities.
North Carolina State University - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Bioprocessing Science, which focuses on the use of biotechnology for manufacturing.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, with the opportunity to focus on biotechnology-related research.
These universities provide excellent biotechnology programs and research opportunities, without being Ivy League. A lot of schools with excellent biotechnology are Ivy Leagues, so I will list a few I found:
"Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering, which covers biotechnology concepts.
Stanford University - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, with the opportunity to focus on biotechnology research.
Harvard University - Offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Physical Biology, with a concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which can be tailored towards biotechnology.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, which encompasses biotechnology principles.
University of Pennsylvania - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Bioengineering, with elective options in biotechnology.
Johns Hopkins University - Offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, which includes biotechnology coursework and research opportunities.
These universities are highly competitive and known for their excellence in research and academics. Keep in mind that admissions to these schools are highly selective, and applicants should have a strong academic and extracurricular profile."
I hear you. It is disappointing when something amazing we plan falls through :( I get that. Also, I think colleges will understand you financial boundries affecting the opportunities, b/c if i understand right, you were unable to begin the business due to low finances.
My biggest piece of advice to add the BOOM is very simple. Pursue what you love and are passionate about. Simple piece of advice, but not so simple to do. You really have to search for opportunities that are available and practically (perhaps financially) doable. I also want to start a business, but I do not have funds either. However, I have found other ways to work towards that goal right now. I am aiming to begin a floral design business and ministry that grows and uses organic flowers in the designs. Right now, I am preparing by taking floral design classes online with Team Flower Academy which are affordable ($49 subscription per month, I think) and I am earning certificates and valuable skills. I will be ready as soon as I can begin the business. Another thing I am doing is perfecting my techniques for growing and cultivating chemical-free plants. Last year, I had grew 200 plants downstairs on greenhouse shelves with grow lights. This year, I grew 600.
Sorry for the rant...I really hope this is helpful. There are always hidden opportunities, we just have to search long and hard and think creatively/outside the box. So you may not have the business on your application, but I am sure you can find ways to pursue that goal here and now.
As far as Stanford or any Ivy League, I really can't say if you have a good chance or not. BUT it never hurts to try. If you like the program and it looks like a good fit, shoot for it. Do what you can and just try. As long as you have other options ready, it doesn't hurt to try. However, if you decide you really want to attend an Ivy, you will need to work with that in mind as you prepare to finish high school.
Another thing that would work in your favor is fascinating essays. I highly recommend peers to begin essay writing in junior year to practice, practice, and perfect. Brainstorm lots of great ideas and try answering common essay prompts. Look up videos on what to and what not to write about. It can make a BIG difference! Admission officers read 1000s of essays- you want yours to be unforgettable.
I hope this is helpful to you. Please lmk if you have any questions!
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First of all, I will say that Collegevine chancing is not entirely accurate. Secondly, I am looking into the answers for some of your questions and will get back to you!