<p>Based on the fact that this thread is located in the “College Search and Selection” forum, you’ve probably gathered that I’m looking for suggestions as to which of these schools I should attend and reasons for attending each. Since money is a significant issue, I’ve listed my financial packages below.</p>
<p>-Case Western - Trustee scholarship leaves most need unmet and I doubt I’d be able to attend
-Northwestern - Attending is a stretch with the nearly worthless financial package I was offered
-Pomona - will be almost free to attend
-Rice - will be almost free to attend
-UCLA - This is my dream school! Unfortunately, at 35000/year, it is by far the most expensive place I’ve been accepted to and I will be unable to pay for it.
-UT Dallas - almost full ride NMS</p>
<p>Other considerations…
-I plan on majoring in neuroscience (or cogsci at NU, Rice) and would like to attend an MSTP after I graduate if possible.
-LA is my favorite place in the world!
-A school where it is easy to become involved in research as an undergraduate is a must.
-Prestige is not of major concern - except where it would help open doors to an MSTP.
-I’d prefer smaller classes as long as intellectual diversity isn’t compromised - environments where I’m put on the spot are much more challenging.
-I’d also prefer professors that focus on teaching undergraduates, but that’s probably a given 
-A nerdy student body is preferable - a place where every person is weird in his or her own way 
-I want to be able to learn for the sake of learning but also be free to explore academic disciplines without fear of closing doors to MDPhD programs.
-I’d prefer a place where social activity revolves around intellectual discussion and creativity to one where drinking and partying are the primary social events. (Most schools probably have both?)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your advice!</p>