<p>Don’t rule out Brandeis altogether! My d1 is now a junior pre-med and because it is the smallest undergrad research university in the u.s. she has had an amazing lab job for two years. She has her own keys,tools and project this year. So many of her friends were Ivy rejects and swore they would transfer after freshman year but all stayed because of the incredible friends,professors and research opportunities. My d started as a chem major but is now a neuro/bio major. Look at where they place their premeds- but more importantly look at how happy the kids are. They were ranked in the top of a survey on happiest college students- and if you are a serious student- you rarely leave campus anyway!</p>