Hi everyone, I'm looking into colleges in eastern Pennsylvania since it seems like a good location close to home but with plenty of new experiences. Does anyone know of schools in that area with strong biology or environmental science programs? I'm also interested to know about the general atmosphere on these campuses—are they more urban or rural, and how's the social scene? If anyone has visited or attends schools in eastern PA, your insights would be super helpful!
Sure, I'd be glad to help with that. Eastern Pennsylvania is home to several noteworthy colleges with strong programs in biology and environmental science.
Let's start with the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). It's an Ivy League institution in Philadelphia that offers top-tier programs in both biology and environmental studies. The urban campus is right in the heart of the city, offering a bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere, lots of opportunities for internships, and plenty of social events to attend.
On the other hand, if you're interested in a campus with a more rural feel, check out Lehigh University located in Bethlehem, PA. They have renowned science programs and the campus offers a blend of a collegiate atmosphere with access to outdoor activities, thanks to its picturesque location in the Lehigh Valley.
There's also Bucknell University, another notable option, located in Lewisburg. It offers strong programs in both of your areas of interest. It's located in a small town, so you're going to find a strong campus community with plenty of social events, but on a smaller scale than what you may find in a big city.
Lastly, there's Swarthmore College. Swarthmore is known for the strength of its science programs and has a particular focus on undergraduate education. It offers a good balance between the social scene and strong academic programs. Swarthmore is located in a suburban setting just outside of Philadelphia, so students can enjoy both the peace of the natural areas around campus and the cultural opportunities of the city.
I hope this gives you a good starting point. There's a wide variety to choose from depending on what you're looking for, so I recommend visiting the campuses of these schools if you're able. This can give you a better feel for the atmosphere and help you determine if it's the kind of environment you'll be comfortable in for your college years.
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