I think WashU has one of the stronger neuro programs (but I believe it is selective for certain tracks in it…as in you must do a certain number of courses and then apply), Duke has VERY strong biology programs, Rice is strong in STEM but is more known for physical sciences (including chemistry) and engineering. As far as I’m concerned, all can prepare you for MCAT and give great social, EC, and co-curricular opps, but WashU may be a bit less pre-med friendly curriculum wise than some of the others with its unusually rigorous general chemistry sequences (unless they recently reversed it, Gen. chem 1 there was more reminiscent of the version at Caltech full of the real quantum chemistry, not just the basics) and organic sequences and usually chemistry sequences at selective schools are the ones that push students aside (and even Stanford has earned a bad rep. for this). WUSTL also has a pretty rough biology sequence for freshmen and so does Duke (annoying multiple choice tests that are basically only testing higher ordered cognitive skills. Those level questions in multiple choice format is the worst scenario one can ask for grade wise but is MCAT-like I suppose). Rice, I have not investigated as deeply, so can’t say. I just know that they have a lot of cool things going on with certain parts of the science curriculum that may benefit pre-healths. I would argue that I like Vanderbilt for neuro more than for only the biology or MCB concentration/major as it seemed as if it stressed more critical thinking and application which is critical on something like the MCAT. Biology there seems to have too many courses that were more about remembering large volumes of content until you hit some of the very upper-range seminar like courses. Overall, I would consider it pre-med friendly while also having enough challenge so that you get what you are supposed to from the courses. Perhaps some of the rougher sequences at Vandy are math and physics I guess (as in, if compared to other solid private schools).
Also, let’s be careful about judging “social life” at other schools. Again, what appeals to one student body may not appeal to the other. Like Rice students often seem happy(they are also often rated as a very happy school despite being known as more “nerdy” one) being on the more quirky end of things and many are comfortable not being party animals. It isn’t our say to suggest that they aren’t having a good time. Same goes for WUSTL. Also, the intensity of WUSTL for something like STEM can explain a good deal (known for lower GPA’s matching higher MCAT scores than peers).
Lastly, you should not ED based on where can get in. You need to ED to the place you like the most regardless of your chances. If it is a more unpredictably selective school like Stanford or Duke (or really any of those you named), fine as you should be able to get into some other good schools RD if your application is theoretically deserving of admission to such places (note that being deserving doesn’t mean you get in).