<p>Ok, so I've been accepted to a several schools, but have narrowed it down to Carleton, Haverford, Vanderbilt, and Duke.
I'm interested in studying neuroscience. My query is, for those who know or may have information, how strong is neuroscience at Haverford for it only being a concentration? The fact that there is travel required between Bryn Mawr and Haverford to complete this concentration also makes me a little tentative.
I would really love to have a wholly undergraduate experience like what exists at Carleton and Haverford, but at the same time, I worry that I won't be able to have the research opportunities available at places like Duke or Vandy. Also, grad school placement worries me a little bit. I realize Haverford has one of the highest PhD productions, but I guess I'm just looking for someone to settle my worry on this point.
Can anyone help me out with numerical or anecdotal information?
While not taking cost and location into consideration, what would you guys suggest?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance, I appreciate any responses :)</p>
<p>A classmate at Duke who majored in Neuroscience is now getting his PhD at Stanford in Neuroscience so the department definitely has some incredible advisers, faculty, and student. I don’t know anything about Haverford though.</p>
<p>I would suggest joining the Facebook group (Haverford College Class of 2016) to get some of your questions answered. There are many current students there who would be willing to answer your questions and there are also several incoming freshman who are interested in the neuroscience concentration as well.</p>
<p>All are great schools, with Haverford and Carleton being known as two of the strongest LACs for science generally and Haverford known for cranking out successful med school candidates. Sounds like you want the LAC liberal arts education, which also favors them. </p>
<p>Re research, Duke and Vandy both have medical schools (with Duke’s being among the nation’s best), and so depth of research almost certainly better there. But as I recall both Carleton and Haverford require a research thesis for graduation. So not only are there good research opportunities there (remember this is undergrad, not grad research, and so the focus should be as much on research methods and process as the latest equipment), but Haverford and Carleton force the students to get involved in research. If you are a self starter, then this may not be an issue, but if not you will have to scout out appropriate professors for research at Duke and Vandy. </p>
<p>In addition, the Haverford program with Bryn Mawr is really well established and the schools are just a short distance (ten minute bus ride) from each other). I would not worry about that. Plus, Haverford has a program with UPenn where students can take some classes there too, including in the sciences. </p>
<p>In short, all are great programs, but I would go with Haverford for the above reasons plus in my view the Philadelphia suburbs are by far the best location of the four schools.</p>
<p>CesVar,
It sounds like you are leaning towards the small LAC and just want support in your decision. All your choices are excellent so you can’t go wrong. But have you visited Duke? If you haven’t, you should to make sure it’s not what you want. It’s so easy to get amazing research opportunities there. The hospital and other research facilities are a main part of the campus. They couldn’t be more convenient. And you really can’t top the undergraduate experience there. The facilities at Duke in general are so fine. You don’t mention the other things that Duke offers such as the Freshman Focus program, pre-orientation programs, Duke Engage etc etc. Vanderbilt has a new excellent Freshman living experience called the Commons. I kind of love the medium sized universities where you have all the advantages of a major research university in a setting that focuses on undergraduate learning and an intimate atmosphere. Duke and Vandy both have these. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS!!!</p>