<p>May 1st is really soon, and I can't choose. Although I'm split between 6 schools, let's just compare these 3. I'm strongly considering a neuroscience major, but I plan to explore a variety of options (especially BME if I go to Hopkins). Here are some of my current opinions on them:</p>
<p>JHU: It probably offers me the best shot at getting into a top medical school if I go that route, but it probably has less of a diversity in overall student interests. I was accepted into BME, which is a more challanging but potentially more beneficial program if I do well. I also like that there seems to be a tight-knit group of 100 BMEs within a big school (I'm used to schools with 45-60 kids per grade). My concerns are the large workload that students have complained about and there not being any major draw-factors that make Hopkins unique (D-plan / core curriculum). </p>
<p>Dartmouth: It probably has my favorite campus community. Everyone seems really friendly and thrilled to be there. I like the idea of going skiing or kayaking near campus since I'm an outdoorsy person, and I like the internship and study-abroad opportunities that come with the D-plan. My concerns are that Dartmouth is not really known for its cutting-edge science teaching and research (although research seems more accessible there) and that the D-plan might make me cram too much work into a short time frame even if I am taking less clases. </p>
<p>Columbia: I love the core curriculum that really seems to provide a well-rounded education for my classmates and I in small, discussion-based classes that change the way we think (although I hear that some teachers are duds). I also like all the great science research going on there and the learning, internship, and social opportunities in NYC. My concerns regard the red-tape bureaucratic system I keep hearing about and maintaining a strong campus community while in a big city. </p>
<p>So yeah, what do you guys reccomend. How's the workload and competitiveness at each of these schools? How's the social life? How are the classes (I prefer small, discussion-based courses to lectures)? How's the premed system and the placemend at top med schools? Any further advice would be GREATLY appreciated!</p>
<p>I trying to decide between BME and JHU and biological engineering at Cornell, so my situation might be a little different, but I think i can offer a few suggestions. First of all, neuroscience is pretty highly ranked at JHU from what i’ve heard. I was actually considering that as a back-up option if I don’t like engineering. Also, JHU is definetly a good place to be if you are pre-med because the hospitals are so close by (Columbia must have one right there too…idk about Dartmouth). However, going to med school at a place like JHU isn’t that necessary unless you want to get a phd or are looking at really competitive specialities like radiology or dermatology. If you are really into research, I would think about that carefully…Sorry, I can’t really offer much more since I don’t attend one or the other yet. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you are into research, Hopkins is the best option.
I’m not 100% sure about Columbia, but I do know that Hopkins offers a ton of undergraduate positions for research, internships, and assistance at the medical school, the school of Public Health, etc for undergraduates. Also, Hopkins is very diverse. The largest major here is actually NOT pre-med. it is International Studies. Other large majors include Public Health, Writing Seminars, and Biology.</p>
<p>The most unique thing about Hopkins is actually the LACK of a core curriculum. I think it’s very mature and well-thought of Hopkins to allow their undergrads the flexibility to focus on their own interests with only very open requirements in regards to credits. Not as many schools are like this as Dartmouth, Columbia, UChicago, NYU, etc can attest to.
Also, the unique factor of Hopkins includes the undergraduate research opportunities where more than 80% of undergrads will do some form of research at JHU. This is one of the highest rates in the country, if not the highest. Also, as a BME, you will have research opportunities THROWN at you as early as Freshman year.</p>
<p>Choose Dartmouth. If med school if your goal Dartmouth has fantastic graduate placement and Nuero is a real focus. JHU is incredibly competitive, both of my roommates attended and they joke that JHU is the opposite of what they woiuld have done for pre-med since its so cutthroat. Its a true weeder. The reality is for graduate placement Dartmouth does amazingly well, it ranks in the top 8 in nearly every elite school that publishes data. Also Dartmouth spends the most on advising and undergraduate research amongst the Ivies (COHE). Almost all of my Dartmouth friends that did well went to extremely high ranked med schools. In the end the advantage of having so much access to research is much more important than graduate-led research for someone aiming for med school.</p>
<p>I say Dartmouth because it seems like its the best fit for you, and its as good as you think it is socially. I transferred from Columbia to Dartmouth because I felt the city was too isolating and there wasn’t as strong of a community as I would have liked. Dartmouth was just another level this way. Getting to go swimming in the connecticut river, travel to international countries with amazing study abroad, sledding on occum pond during the winter - its a once in a lifetime experience. I loved the teaching - the smaller classes, the greater access to professors, the caring administration. The grad placement is incredible (note Amherst and Williams aren’t leading graduate facilities at science and both place into top med school at the highest rates as well). Choose for fit - and that fit seems to be Dartmouth.</p>
<p>Hopkins has a really ridiculously hard workload, people complain but ppl wouldn’t have it any other way. I personally believe although many students feel miserable in the moment at like 12am studying for the orgo exam tomorrow at 9:00am… many JHU students look back into those crazy nights and feel that they have overall became stronger because of the experience. JHU does push you to do a lot… I cannot emphasize that you will be pushed to your envelope and be challenged to change for the better. I feel stronger and much more ready to take on the challenges in the world.</p>
<p>If you can’t even handle Hopkins undergrad, how are you going to be able to handle med school? No “advisors” are going to be there for you to cry into their shoulders.</p>
<p>I look at it this way: Hopkins is doing both students and med schools a favor by weeding out some of the people. if those people who couldn’t handle Hopkins Pre-Med had just cruised by undergrad and gone on to med school, they would likely have either had a breakdown and/or a mental meltdown because medical school is very very very tough. Hopkins prepares you the best for the real world, the medical world, and the adult world.</p>
<p>7000 of the best premeds (that made it through the weeding process) from all the across the country vying for 100 spots for the entering class of top 25 XYZ med school.</p>
<p>They can take my organic chemistry class and fill the entering first year med class three times over. Take the most ultra competitive premed from each orgo class from over 100 schools… Those are the type of students you will be encountering in med school. 5X harder to get into a top 25 med school than getting into MIT… this is AFTER they weeding ppl out from applying…</p>
<p>Just don’t worry about the competitiveness. Competitiion for residency matching will be ridiculous enough. HBS, Booth, Kellog, Sloan, and Wharton look like chump meat versus medical school admissions.</p>
<p>My point is… don’t be afraid of competition of you are considering medical school. Workload is a lot tougher in medical school, trust me… better start the grind now or be last in your med class later.</p>
<p>^ I agree. Even Law School is nothing compared to the competitiveness and impossibility of medical school entrance. So many dang doctor wannabes >:(</p>