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<p>I think that’s an interesting perspective, and I also think it’s a matter of preference. For me, for instance, Carleton’s distribution requirements are a point in the school’s favor. If there’s a spectrum of “guidance” – with Chicago’s common core at one end and an open curriculum (like Brown’s) at the other – Carleton seems to fall roughly in the middle.</p>
<p>I do have to quibble with the characterization of the English major requirements as having too much “free choice” of “highly specialized” courses. As an English major, I’ve found the degree requirements to be too traditional and constraining, if anything (though my overall experience with the department has been positive). Adding more required survey courses is the last thing I’d want. </p>
<p>But anyway, this is getting way off-topic from the OP’s cogsci/premed interests. OP, you’ve almost certainly made your decision by now, so best of luck – you really can’t go wrong with any of those options.</p>