Hello! I’m a senior who is having trouble deciding between five schools for different reasons. I want somewhere where I can get a great science education, but also have a comfortable, nurturing environment, and opportunities for internships and travel abroad. I’m deciding between Caltech, Johns Hopkins, rice, Dartmouth, and Carleton college. Any advice or experience is much appreciated! I’m not leaning towards anything right now and and I need to decide soon! Thanks so so much in advanced!
You don’t give enough information to truly differentiate these schools. What is your intended major? What would you like to do after college? What else are you looking for in a school? An extensive party scene? Things to do off campus/distance to a city? Vibrant fine arts clubs? Research opportunities on campus?
I’m intending on majoring in either biomedical engineering or neuroscience/biochemistry…I am NOT a partier or drinker by any means…distance to a city isn’t important to me…after college I will want to pursue either medical school or graduate school at a highly ranked university…this is why internship opportunities and research are important to me so I can distinguish myself from other applicants at the graduate level
If you are pursuing medical school, Caltech probably isn’t the right choice - the amount of effort you’d put in to getting a 3.5 there would be enough to get a 4.0 for sure at any other college you listed.
On the other hand, if you’re going to pursue a PhD, the Caltech IS the right choice.