I was lucky enough to be admitted to both Johns Hopkins and Harvey Mudd, but I can’t decide which one to attend. The price is the same, and I like the atmosphere of both schools equally (even though they’re quite different). My interests are in math, CS, physics, biology/medicine, and neuroscience, but I’m not exactly sure where I want to specialize. As of now, I’m thinking that some sort of bio/physics/CS combination would be my best bet, as it would give me a solid foundation that might prepare me go into any of the aforementioned directions in grad school. The potential for undergrad research is a huge factor for me. Also, in terms of post-grad plans I’m strongly leaning towards getting a PhD and doing research but I’m not entirely opposed to going straight into industry. Any insight regarding the pros and cons of either or any thoughts that could help me choose would be much appreciated.
tl;dr - Hopkins or Mudd?
Congratulations! This is a great dilemma to have. Either one should fulfill all the requirements you list. Maybe consider which one you would feel worse about not attending.
OP wrote: “my interests are in math, CS, physics, biology/medicine, and neuroscience”. Diverse interests suggests that JHU might be the better option for OP.
^ But a great thing about Harvey Mudd is the ability to take classes at the other Claremont schools. Pomona has a Neuroscience department: https://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/neuroscience
Congratulations on two great choices. With your diverse interests, the core curriculum at Mudd might be very good. You, along with all the other frosh will be taking the same bio, chem, physics, math, cs and engr intro courses. This is in line with Mudd’s liberal arts approach to the sciences, to give a broad, and yet in depth look at all the sciences. This might help you hone your interests. And, yes, you can take classes at the other 5C. Finally, HMC does have an excellent track record sending students onto PhD programs
If you are seriously leaning bio/medicine or neuroscience, I’d say JHU. If you are leaning CS, Physics, math - Mudd.
Generally I’d say Mudd has a reputation as more cooperative, JHU leans more competitive. Don’t mistake that for a light workload at Mudd - but there are a lot of supports to help you through it (tutoring, engages profs), and fellow students support and help each other constantly there.
The weather is preferable at Mudd. The consortium is a plus at Mudd - 4 other schools with distinct personalities and strengths for easy cross registration and socializing.
You can get great research experience at either. My kid was a Mudder, and had lots of research experience starting summer after freshman year. Was an author on 2 papers with a national lab for her undergrad research (3rd one pending publication).
Hopkins. You will have better access to top notch research and grad classes. Resources at Hopkins are better as well.
I posted on your other thread, in case anyone on this one wants to agree or disagree:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/johns-hopkins-university/2139235-harvey-mudd-vs-johns-hopkins.html#latest
Someone on the other thread says Hopkins has more resources. For bio/medicine and neuro, I agree. I do not agree for the other possible majors - Mudd is stronger in CS and Physics, and I’d think about equivalent in math.
Probably for CS and physics, Harvey Mudd is better, but JHU will have better opportunities for neuroscience and biology/medicine, so it’s a tough choice. You probably can’t go wrong, although the school vibes are quite different so that is probably worth looking into. You’ll get a more tight-knit and personal experience at Harvey Mudd, and at JHU it will be a much larger pool of people which you may like better.
Agree JHU is larger, although Mudd has the 5Cs for a larger social group if desired.