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I cannot decide between Purdue - West Lafayette and University of Washington. I want to get my major in biology. Which would be better overall, not just for the major but also the location? I'm not much of a party person.

By Vulcano (Vulcano) on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 04:23 pm: Edit

Well, Purdue has much better weather, unless you like rain 8 months a year. Im not sure about the biology departments though. Seattle is obviously a bigger city than West Lafayette. So I dont know, see what others say.

By Constellation35 (Constellation35) on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 09:11 pm: Edit

Actually I don't think I'd mind rain or snow much, unless for some reason I couldn't use a car. Now that I think of it, neither West Lafayette nor Seattle are have below zero temperatures or Florida-like weather, so we can just dismiss the whole weather concern.

One of my small concerns is the student body. I know in a big school I'll be able to find people with similar interests, but I do not think I'd love a school where the vast majority is obsessed with parties and drugs, rather than their major. So, would UWash or Purdue be better in this respect?

By Thedad (Thedad) on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 09:18 pm: Edit

There are lots of things to do in Seattle. West Lafayette is in the middle of the boonies. General trends would indicate that there's more mindless partying in the latter environment.

By Barrons (Barrons) on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 09:49 pm: Edit

Udub has a commuter school feel, Purdue is more college town typical life. Seattle is very nice and the weather is OK for 4 years or so.

By Constellation35 (Constellation35) on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 04:19 pm: Edit

Is it true that only 50% of freshman at Purdue manage to graduate? If so, what's the reason for it? I'm thinking they accept too many underqualified applicants, and am HOPING it's not because the school is impossibly hard. I know College Board says 88% of people return for their sophomore year by the way, but that's besides the point.

I find myself increasingly attracted to Purdue because of this quote on Studentsreview...:

"...I think it is best for those who are super-smart but are downright lazy. Purdue professors will put you to the grind, they have that crazy work ethic...You will come out still super-smart, but also workaholic. I have always been able to outthink most people, but now I am also able to outwork most people..."

If there was some way I'd be guaranteed that was true, I'd go in a heartbeat.

By Constellation35 (Constellation35) on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 10:17 pm: Edit

bump (refer to top post, thanks)