<p>Ok, so I've been accepted to a several schools, but have narrowed it down to Carleton, Haverford, Vanderbilt, and Duke.
I'm interested in studying neuroscience. My query is, for those who know or may have information, how strong is neuroscience at Carleton for it only being a concentration?
I would really love to have a wholly undergraduate experience like what exists at Carleton and Haverford, but at the same time, I worry that I won't be able to have the research opportunities available at places like Duke or Vandy. Also, grad school placement worries me a little bit. I realize Carleton has one of the highest PhD productions, but I guess I'm just looking for someone to settle my worry on this point.
Can anyone help me out with numerical or anecdotal information?
While not taking cost and location into consideration, what would you guys suggest?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance, I appreciate any responses :)</p>
<p>Grad. school-wise, Carleton indeed does have an excellent placement record. Research opportunities might appear to be more abundant at bigger universities in general, but I know several people concentrating in Neuroscience/majoring in Cognitive Science who have carried out independent research with faculty. PM me if you’d like to talk to some of these people, I will put you in touch, I am sure they’d be glad to help! :)</p>
<p>Many people who argue the opposite is true - that Carleton and Haverford would offer you more opportunities to work directly with professors and their research. It is true that Duke and Vandy will have more quantity of research on campus, but in many cases you will be with TAs or profs who have many more students to deal with. Not the case at Carleton and Haverford. Small LACs are the place for undergrad. Hit the big U for grad school.</p>
<p>@worldspirit, Vandy only uses TAs in recitations (hour-long, weekly review sessions outside of lectures) and labs.
Vanderbilt actually makes a point of creating a small, interactive learning environment at the undergraduate level. The only large university-type classes here are some of the intro courses, most of which you can place out of with ap credit. The largest enrollment cap I’ve seen for any of these classes is 296 heads, and most of them only fill to about 70% of capacity. Even in these large classes, therefore, it is possible to interact with professors frequently and personally.
After you take your intro courses, most of your classes will be small, and you will always have access to 10-15 person seminars. I’ve never had trouble meeting with professors, and I’ve actually had lunch/dinner with some of mine on occasion. It really does feel like a small college.
Congratulations on your acceptances, and good luck with the choice!</p>