<p>Hi, I am new to College Confidential. The main reason I joined is because of my planned Early Decision choice: Duke University for Neuroscience. I had previously done a lot of research on this particular major, but now as time is running out (I will be a Senior this year) I need to reaffirm this decision (and others...) relating to my college list. As my major points of interest are Neuroscience as a good, strong major, available undergraduate research, and a diverse, interesting, intellectual campus, I feel like Duke would be a good choice. However, I also feel I don't have an insider's feeling of Duke Neuroscience (all of the people I know are either engineering majors or PubPol majors). If possible, could someone tell me whether the classes for Neuroscience are large (I know the overall graduating class is 75~ for the Neuroscience major), whether the major is filled with pre-medders (I plan to go into a Ph.D program, and do not want to be surrounded by pre-medders) and whether the program as a whole is friendly? Please reply soon!
:(( I am so anxious about this!</p>
<p>The introductory (core classes) can be quite large. However, there are several seminars where you will receive an incredible amount of personal attention. That’s not to say that you can’t get to know your professors in the larger classes. You definitely can. You just need to take the initiative to do so.
The program has its fair share of pre-med students (which is to be expected) but it is far from cut throat. The atmosphere is very collaborative to be honest. The material is absolutely fascinating. Tests are often quite conceptual (there is a certain degree of variability between classes). Most of my professors have been top-notch. Some of them have been absolutely phenomenal.<br>
Research is incredibly easy to come by and the program is quite flexible. </p>
<p>In short, Duke neuroscience is hard to beat. </p>
<p>^^^^
To assist the OP (and for everyone’s edification) could you please amphlify upon “quite large” (large by “big state university” or by Duke standards . . . thanks). </p>
<p>^ By Duke standards of course! 60-120 people tops! Some of the ‘larger’ intro classes even have as few as 35 students.</p>
<p>Thank you; I just didn’t want anyone erroneously to imagine those three or five hundred student massive survey courses that are common for underclassmen elsewhere. </p>
<p>.</p>
<p>Thanks Misanthrope1, for the information. Definitely set my mind at ease!</p>