nicktim

Good luck, everyone. Have a great summer and stay in touch.

If the branch is in New Jersey, I would not live in NYC (assuming you mean Manhattan). Living and working in New Jersey and visiting Manhattan a couple of times a month sound like a more viable option, in my opinion. JHU's campus is near Washington DC, which is a couple of hours away (by train) from NYC/NJ area. You can complete the biotech degree from JHU online, so that flexibility is great.

Penn's biotech program is in the elite group and you can't go wrong with the choice. There is a vibrant life sciences community in the philly area and the academic atmosphere is fantastic. Congrats on going to Penn - I hope you can see the positives in every situation. At the end of the day, you are getting an ivy league education and you will be just fine!

Are you planning to do the online program or on-campus program at JHU?

NYC is not my hometown, but I have been living here for a few years. Columbia is located in the "morningside heights" area of manhattan. I love the academic vibe here and it's a few blocks away from the riverside park. Good food? Absolutely! It's as eclectic as it gets. Obviously, I will be focusing on my classes and trying to do well. That's more important to me

yorkies - you are exactly right. looks like you have done a lot of research. I was also choosing between a few biotechnology programs, but I am going with Columbia because of the following: The core classes fit what I need to learn in order to advance my career. Other schools (comparable names) require theoretical classes such as biochemistry, organic chemistry etc. I want to keep my studying as practical as possible. Yes, it is important to learn about the science, but I want to pick the curriculum that most fits with my background. Elective courses - very flexible at Columbia. Can dabble in business, law, medicine, etc. I really appreciate the ability to take these classes at Columbia. This might be biased, but I love the Columbia campus and the surrounding. Having the luxury of running around Riverside Park and walking around upper west side is fantastic. Again, these are the reasons for ME to choose Columbia. Everyone's background is different and you should choose the program that fits best for you.

Thank you very much, Yorkies. At the very least, you got into Penn, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Good luck and let us know how everything goes.

I am sorry if my post made you nervous. Keep your head up!

Hey guys, I just got an acceptance email from Columbia's director of biotechnology program. I haven't received the official offer letter for the school yet (pending final approval from Dean), but it's definitely great news since this program is perfect for my background.

Hi vcherneky - did you have a chance to speak with the university? any feedback so far? Thanks.

Hi guys, I am also waiting to hear from Columbia's Biotechnology M.A. program. Hopefully we will find out this week. Will let you know if I hear anything. Please keep me updated. Thanks