Harvard or Princeton for Neuroscience and Track

<p>I am a high school senior deciding between Harvard and Princeton for neuroscience. I will be competing in cross country/track and field at the D1 level. Academics definitely come first for me, and I was wondering which school--Harvard or Princeton--has the better undergraduate experience overall, and more specifically, for an aspiring neuroscientist. I definitely want to get involved in research. Which school has better research opportunities for neuroscience? I know Harvard has the grad schools, which could be a plus or minus in terms of research, and I know Princeton has the required senior thesis. Any thoughts? I'd also love to hear any general information about the undergraduate experience at both schools- is Princeton's relative isolation a pro or con? What about the storied eating club? At Harvard, is the house system a pro or con? Any help would be much appreciated!!!</p>

<p>Are you THAT sure you are going to be admitted to both schools? Do you have a likely letter for track? Princeton in particular has a very strong running program and you must be extremely good to be sure you are getting in. I have known runners in the past who had strong assurances that they would be admitted as runners and, whoops, they did not get in. Harvard does not have as strong of a program, but it still takes very strong ability to be able to KNOW you are getting admitted. I hope you have some safety schools.</p>

<p>Track - Princeton
Neuroscience - Harvard</p>

<ol>
<li><p>The House system is an incredible benefit.</p></li>
<li><p>You should go to whichever one you get into. If you get into both, you can’t make a wrong choice.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>

Frankly, this is for you to decide. If you have a LL from both schools (though this is a bit peculiar, as usually you have to commit to a school before they even bother getting your LL), take visits at each to scope out a feel. I’m also a HS senior who was pretty much in this situation over the summer, and visiting each school a couple of times gave me a good idea of what I wanted in my undergraduate experience and where I would find what I truly wanted.</p>

<p>Are you asking b/c you need to let one of the coaches know that they are your #1 choice, and that if that coach uses one of their chits with admissions, you will certainly accept?</p>

<p>I don’t think Princeton has a neuroscience major, but they do have a molecular biology major. Harvard is particularly known for neurobiology.</p>