UCSD vs UC Davis vs UCI vs Pitzer vs Scripps - Neuroscience

aquapt
Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:35:25 +0000

Regarding Pitzer vs. Scripps: for a bio/neuroscience major, the coursework in the major will be very similar, as Keck Science is a joint venture. The general ed requirements will differ somewhat. Another thing to look at is whether it’s possible that she might be interested in a Cognitive Science major, which is also neuroscience-adjacent. At Scripps, she could do Pomona’s CogSci major as an off-campus major. At Pitzer, she wouldn’t have the Pomona option, because Pitzer has its own in-house CogSci major.

I don’t know how much the Founder’s Scholarship is at Scripps (presumably somewhere in the 15-20K range?) but I would be reluctant to pass up a merit award from Scripps to full-pay at Pitzer. Both schools offer access to nearly all the same resources. “Fit” factors are a matter of preference, but students socialize and participate in extracurriculars across all campuses anyway.

The UC’s are no bargain for an international student. If she doesn’t have a Regents offer that confers priority registration, getting the classes she wants can be a hassle. Lower-division classes will be large, and forming relationships with faculty will require a lot of initiative. Majors like bio/neuroscience that are full of aspiring pre-meds can involve a lot of competition for grades. They are excellent schools, but you’d be paying close to private college prices for the drawbacks of a crowded public university. For in-state students, the ROI is still excellent, but in your situation, I’d give the Claremonts very serious consideration. But it does of course depend on the temperament and preferences of the student!

To revisit the Cognitive Science question… that’s a very strong department at UCSD, and not impacted, so that path would be an option. There’s a neuroscience specialization within CogSci B.S. Spec. Neuroscience that is worth a close comparison with the bio-based path. For bio/neuroscience, Davis has a lot of really great options.

No bad choice here, but as you say, no bargains on the list either! Congrats on having good choices, though!