JHU vs. Dartmouth vs. Columbia

cc2212
Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:20:12 +0000

Hey guys,

May 1st is really soon, and I can’t choose. Although I’m split between 6 schools, let’s just compare these 3. I’m strongly considering a neuroscience major, but I plan to explore a variety of options (especially BME if I go to Hopkins). Here are some of my current opinions on them:

JHU: It probably offers me the best shot at getting into a top medical school if I go that route, but it probably has less of a diversity in overall student interests. I was accepted into BME, which is a more challanging but potentially more beneficial program if I do well. I also like that there seems to be a tight-knit group of 100 BMEs within a big school (I’m used to schools with 45-60 kids per grade). My concerns are the large workload that students have complained about and there not being any major draw-factors that make Hopkins unique (D-plan / core curriculum).

Dartmouth: It probably has my favorite campus community. Everyone seems really friendly and thrilled to be there. I like the idea of going skiing or kayaking near campus since I’m an outdoorsy person, and I like the internship and study-abroad opportunities that come with the D-plan. My concerns are that Dartmouth is not really known for its cutting-edge science teaching and research (although research seems more accessible there) and that the D-plan might make me cram too much work into a short time frame even if I am taking less clases.

Columbia: I love the core curriculum that really seems to provide a well-rounded education for my classmates and I in small, discussion-based classes that change the way we think (although I hear that some teachers are duds). I also like all the great science research going on there and the learning, internship, and social opportunities in NYC. My concerns regard the red-tape bureaucratic system I keep hearing about and maintaining a strong campus community while in a big city.

So yeah, what do you guys reccomend. How’s the workload and competitiveness at each of these schools? How’s the social life? How are the classes (I prefer small, discussion-based courses to lectures)? How’s the premed system and the placemend at top med schools? Any further advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks,
cc2212