Best Urban (ish) College with Strong Sense of Community? Creative Writing and Neuroscience???

<p>I think JHU is a pretty good fit for what you describe.<br>
The premed stereotype is over-sold. If you aren’t on that hamster wheel, it won’t be that relevant (unless I misunderstood and you want to be pre-med yourself, in which case, yes, it is a tough environment for premeds). The students are serious and a little nerdy, similar to what you would find at most “top 20” schools. </p>

<p>JHU has a long tradition in literary arts, and while it has been overshadowed by the success of the medical campus, they are still thriving and have amazing professors and programs. </p>

<p>Baltimore is a super artsy, diverse city. The area around JHU is particularly so. </p>

<p>It is very easy to double (or triple) major. They allow you to count each course as many times as applicable toward your distribution requirements, major, double major, minors etc.</p>

<p>It is very easy to get involved in scientific research. The enormity of the medical research complex and sheer number of open positions (way more than there are undergrads to fill them) means that you don’t have to “compete” too much to find a research position that excites you. </p>

<p>Very diverse student body, good school spirit and camaraderie, albeit with serious students. </p>

<p>I would encourage you to look closely at JHU, it seems to fit many of your items, so don’t let the pre-meds scare you off!</p>