Best school for Biology/Neuroscience?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey all...
I've applied/been admitted to a few schools, all under the major Neuroscience/Neurobiology/Biological Sciences (Biological Sciences only because some schools don't offer a major in Neuroscience, but instead offer specialization). </p>

<p>So far I've gotten into:
UC San Diego
UC Irvine
USC (second choice)</p>

<p>Waiting on:
U Chicago
UC Berkeley (first choice)
Cornell U
Columbia U
Yale U</p>

<p>For discussion's sake, let's assume I get in everywhere (which is HIGHLY unlikely, but still). Which school would be the best for my major? Thanks in advance everyone!</p>

2

<p>I would chose them in the following order:</p>

<p>Pure academics in you chosen fields.</p>

<h1>1 University of California-Berkeley</h1>

<h1>1 Columbia University</h1>

<h1>3 Yale University</h1>

<h1>4 Cornell University</h1>

<h1>5 University of California-San Diego</h1>

<h1>5 University of Chicago</h1>

<h1>7 University of California-Irvine</h1>

<h1>7 University of Southern California</h1>

<p>Reputation:</p>

<h1>1 Yale University</h1>

<h1>2 Columbia University</h1>

<h1>2 Cornell University</h1>

<h1>2 University of California-Berkeley</h1>

<h1>2 University of Chicago</h1>

<h1>6 University of California-San Diego</h1>

<h1>6 University of Southern California</h1>

<h1>8 University of California-Irvine</h1>

<p>Quality of Life (subjective):</p>

<h1>1 University of California-Berkeley</h1>

<h1>2 Columbia University</h1>

<h1>2 Cornell University</h1>

<h1>2 University of Southern California</h1>

<h1>5 University of California-San Diego</h1>

<h1>5 University of Chicago</h1>

<h1>5 Yale University</h1>

<h1>8 University of California-Irvine</h1>

<p>Cal is a good first choice...USC is not the best second choice in that list.</p>

3

<p>What do you want to to? If you want to be a doctor forget the major and go to the best school.</p>

4

<p>I agree with Slipper. The good thing is, you have 5 schools on your list (Cal, Chicago, Columbia, Cornell and Yale) that are top 10 universities in the nation. But three of those (Cal, Chicago and Cornell) grade very harshly, and Medical schools really look at GPAs. Still, those 5 schools would be my top choices. UCSC, UCS and UCI would be my bottom three.</p>

5

<p>if youre going for premed, look into the percentage of med school admits from each school. going to the best school you can get into isnt always the best decision because theres a lot of cut throat competition among premeds.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for all the help everyone!
My career plan is to do either research or practice Neurology (no brain surgery!). Either way, I plan on doing a dual MD/PHD program (I still need to research which graduate programs offer that) after my undergrad, but I might just opt for one of those instead of both. </p>

<p>I didn't know about the grading systems at the schools you mentioned Alexandre (Cal, Chicago, Cornell), but the problem is, I most likely won't get into Columbia or Yale, which are the ones that grade relatively easily in that bunch. I live in California, so my preference would be to stay here unless I get into Yale or Columbia. But with the information you've all given me, Cal is looking better and better.</p>

<p>If there's any more information you all can give me, it'd be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks again!</p>