<p>Hey guys,
I'm a senior from Upstate New York, and to this point I've been mostly a bystander in the forums. However, I'm stuck between the schools listed above and I'm looking for any input you might have to help my decision. I applied to each of the schools as a philosophy major with a pre-med track because I'm interested in, as you can probably guess, the philosophy of medicine (i.e. the future of cellular research, genetics, etc.). That said, I'm somewhat undecided at this point. I feel like Rice and JHU are stronger in the hard pre-med discipline, and Tufts and BC are more geared toward the humanities component (Boston College's Honors Program focuses heavily on Western Philosophy so I had that as a point in their favor). Essentially, I'm hoping somebody could shed a little light on these schools (strengths, weaknesses, grad school placement, prestige etc.). Thanks for your time.</p>
<p>I am assuming you’ve been accepted at all of these schools. What you’ll find, maybe to your surprise, is that the Humanities faculties at top Universities, even universities mostly known for Biology, STEM, etc., are topflight and full of well-paid, players in their respective fields. All of these schools grant well regarded Humanities-based Ph.D’s and have the faculty to make that happen. Western Philosophy, in one way or another, anchors every Universities philosophy department (unsurprisingly as they are staffed primarily by western-trained philosophers). Of course, there is something wonderfully timeless about the ecclesiastical rigor of a Jesuit education in Philosophy-so that’s something to consider. Boston is a way better city for students (or anybody) than Baltimore. Houston can be great…but coming from Upstate New York, make sure you have a sense of the Urban culture of that very large, Texan city. These are all well-loved and well-regarded schools with vibrant student bodies (though, Hopkins has one of the most competitive academic cultures in the country. That might appeal to you, but it is a far cry from the quirky bonhomie of Rice, the cozy, left-leaning love-fest of Tufts, or the collegial school spirit of Boston College).</p>