Dartmouth vs. UPenn for Neuroscience

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
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<p>I’m a rising senior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA). I’m very interested in pursuing neuro- or cognitive science as a major in college. I’m also looking to become a cognitive neuroscience researcher, and would like to have the opportunity to do this type of research as an undergraduate. </p>

<p>I began looking at Dartmouth very early on in the application process. I became very interested in their neuroscience programs, and I visited campus recently this summer, and loved it.</p>

<p>I’m taking a psychology class at Northwestern University this summer, and my professor suggested looking at UPenn. I did, and liked what I saw.</p>

<p>My school is very competetive, around 20 graduates out of classes around 185 go to Ivy League schools and MIT, about another 20 go to the great midwestern schools, Northwestern, U Chicago and Wash U. The thing is, UPenn is a very popular school to apply to from my academy, but UPenn is one of the hardest places to get into from my school. Last year, 22 applied, 3 got in. Dartmouth is much less popular among my peers, and is much more accepting of IMSA kids. </p>

<p>I’m wondering what you all have to say about how UPenn’s cognitive science/neuroscience/psychology programs measure up to Dartmouth’s.</p>

<p>Also, how do applications work at UPenn? Are there seperate applications for each school? </p>

<p>Thanks for reading that much. Any help would be appreciated.</p>

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<p>It's hard to predict your admissions chances. I would speak with actual students and see what school is a better fit for you. Penn is larger and urban; Dartmouth is smaller and rural. The social scene at both is similiar and they are both prestigious schools. In neuroscience though, Penn is probably stronger than Dartmouth - you can choose from Cognitive Science or the Neuroscience concentration in Biology or BBB (Biological Basis of Behavior). If you are planning on being pre-med, Penn has excellent research/clinical opportunities (there are a couple hospitals on campus). Usually rumors about the admissions office at either schools liking students from Illinois Math and Science Academy or not are myths. They look at each application individually.</p>