Best colleges for biology bachelor's in Tennessee?

I'm planning to major in biology and would love to stay in Tennessee for college. What are some of the best schools here for a bachelor's in biology? Any lesser-known gems or tips for picking the right program?

Certainly, there are a range of quality schools in Tennessee offering strong biology programs. The selection will partially depend on your personal preferences, such as size, location, and any specific areas in biology you are interested in.

Here are a few options to consider:

1. Vanderbilt University - As one of the top institutes in the nation, it offers an incredible biology program and is known for its research facilities. With multiple biological science tracks, you could specialize according to your interest.

2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville - The biology program here offers both a BA and BS in biology and opportunities for undergraduate research and internships which could be valuable.

3. Rhodes College - A smaller liberal arts college in Memphis known for its high level of student-faculty interaction and research opportunities. Its biology department offers both a major and minor and provides comprehensive coursework.

4. Middle Tennessee State University - This school has a rigorous biology program with specializations available including Botany, Ecology, or Zoology to name a few. They also offer significant undergraduate research opportunities.

Tips for picking the right program would include considering whether you prefer a large or small school setting, as this will affect class sizes and potentially the amount of individual attention you'd get from professors. If there's a specific field of biology you're interested in, look at what specializations or concentrations are available. Finally, look at research opportunities and internship placements, as these experiences will not only deepen your understanding of biology but are also beneficial for applications to jobs or graduate programs post-graduation.

Remember, rankings should only be a single part of your decision making process, visiting the campuses (if possible), experiencing the surroundings, and talking with current students or alumni can provide invaluable insight.