Hello!
I first want to start off by saying thanks for taking the time to read this post.
So now that I’ve heard back from all my schools in terms of where I’ve been accepted, it’s finally time for me to make a decision on where I want to go. I’ve been accepted to 9 schools and I’ve narrowed it down to two: Johns Hopkins and Brown.
I really like the fact that both of these schools have a pretty open curriculum, which is a good asset considering I hope to double major. In terms of cost, both of them are almost the same (literally there is only a couple of hundred dollars separating them). I live in Virginia, so Maryland is really close compared to Rhode Island, but I don’t mind being that far away from home.
But of course, the most important thing is academics. I definitely plan on majoring in Neuroscience, and hopefully double majoring with Public Health as well, and I also plan to go on a pre-med track. I know that Johns Hopkins has a great science program in general and lots of research. But, I’m a little concerned about the environment. I know that the whole “Hopkins is really competitive” stereotype might be overplayed, but it’s hard to not keep that in your mind. On the other hand, Brown is said to be more “laid back,” but I’m wondering how much of that is a stereotype too, considering that it’s pretty selective in the first place.
Anyways, I’m not even sure if I’m making any coherent sense, but I would love to hear anyone’s thoughts on the issue. Thanks again!
There is absolutely no reason to choose Hopkins over Brown based on current goals. Brown has a superb neurosci program, the undergrad program is held (appropriately) in at least equally high esteem, and if medical school is indeed your goal I could think of nothing more stressful than being surrounded by very large numbers of similar minded types (i.e. JHU). Brown’s grading is almost notoriously scaled to the A with one of the hoghest mean GPAs out there among grads. With all that said, I’d tell you to go not to Brown but to where you find yourself fitting in best. Please beware advice from people with shallow understanding of the facts.
Hopkins has one of the best, if not the best, public health program in the country. And yes, undergraduates benefit when their major is housed in outstanding departments. Everything is better when the department is better-including funding and research opportunities. People on this site often claim that the department ratings are just about grad school-I’ve never understood why they say that. It is simply not true. Another plus about Hopkins is the affiliated hospitals and the Kennedy Institute-a plus for neuroscience too. Neuroscience is very highly rated at Hopkins. I don’t think Brown compares. Take the time to look at all the various ratings for the two schools. They are telling. They are not the be all and end all. You have to go beyond just ratings but if Hopkins is rated in the top 10 and Brown is rated in the 60’s for departments that house the major you are most interested in, well that is telling.
Baltimore is a great city. Yes it has high crime rate overall. But areas in close proximity to the Homewood campus are relatively safe. Baltimore has a lot of great neighborhoods-that are thriving and a ton of fun-Fells Point, Charles Village, Bolton Hill, Roland Park are great. The entire harbor area is loads of fun–great seafood, shopping, cafes, entertainment. Little Italy has some great eats too. And then there are some great historic restaurants and places to see. lots going on in the city. It is a vibrant fun energetic city-and very different from its old reputation from 30 years ago.
