Brown vs. Rhodes (vs. Cornell)

RainyDaze
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:47:39 +0000

I am an international student from Germany. I am interested in neuroscience and creative writing, and would like to double major if possible. I do go out, but I’m more the type of person who prefers to chill rather than party. I enjoy intellectually stimulating conversations with friends and classmates, and I do hope to be in an encouraging, laid-back, open environment. I guess at this point I’m looking for a place that will open the most doors for me in the future. I am trying to decide between Brown, Cornell, and Rhodes College at the moment, though mainly between Brown and Rhodes.

I have not had the opportunity to visit either Brown or Cornell, but I have been to Rhodes. I think the campus there is gorgeous, and the people are really friendly. Otherwise, almost everything I know about the schools is not from personal experience.

I was initially leaning towards Brown because of their strong neuroscience department. I have also heard that Brown’s literary arts program is really good. I like the idea of being able to structure my own curriculum, and although I have never actually been on the campus, people say that students at Brown are open-minded and friendly. I think I would be very happy at Brown.

Rhodes has offered me a full-ride. Since I am an international student, that means a lot, especially when considering graduate school. I am not sure what I will study after getting my Bachelor’s degree, but I am considering going to medical school. This will be difficult for me in the US, especially if I need financial aid. Right now, I have just enough money saved up to afford a school like Brown. Afterwards, though, I am not sure whether I would be able to afford something like med school.

I do think I could be happy at both Brown or Rhodes. My parents think that Brown would be a better fit for me, especially due to my academic interests. I personally would like to make sure that I choose the path that is best for my education as a whole, keeping grad school in mind. I guess matriculating from Brown would give me better prospects, but I cannot anticipate what my financial situation will be at that point.

I would really appreciate your opinions and advice. Thank you in advance.