<p>Hello!
I've recently received decisions for all three of these schools saying I was accepted, but I'm having a hard time deciding between them. I'm a senior in nyc currently, and I wish to major in Neuroscience, maybe double-majoring with Middle Eastern Studies or History as well.</p>
<p>My personal preferences would be a school with a good close community, a lot of opportunities for me to do research, and allows me the option to take some creative classes. (I want to take a creative writing course in the near future.) Also, I'm planning to go on the pre-med track, so that should probably be accounted for as well.</p>
<p>I know that Johns Hopkins is the most distinguished of the bunch, but I'm a 21st century scholar at Mount Holyoke, which means I get some much needed aid from them. Barnard is very close to home, and I'm loving the tight knit community there, but I'm worried that Johns Hopkins may have the best resources for research and internships.</p>
<p>Help? Thanks in advance!
(Note: I also cross-posted this to other school's forums)</p>
<p>Hello! I’m a current senior and Admissions employee at MHC. Obviously I’m in support of Mount Holyoke, but I think you should really think about what you’re looking for from your school. Mount Holyoke is an incredible community of women. Something amazing about Mount Holyoke is that you get the small liberal arts feeling, space, and community but you’re in an area surrounded by other students and 4-other schools including a huge research university (Umass Amherst). Mount Holyoke is also what is known as a research college which means we have our undergraduate students participate in actual research with professors in their field. Working as an undergraduate researcher is unheard of at a lot of major research universities because graduate students are generally given the best positions, but because Mount Holyoke is strictly undergraduate, our students are given incredible opportunities for research and work experience.</p>
<p>noramarlow- That all sound really amazing, especially the idea that I could work as an undergraduate researcher. I also love the community there, as I’ve already attended the nyc reception and was bowled over by how friendly they were. The 21st Century Scholarship also means that I get a lot of research opportunities and it’s definitely making me consider Mount Holyoke a lot more! Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I have an update in terms of Financial aid: Mount Holyoke has given me by far the best aid package, coupled with the 21st Century Scholarship, it becomes 30k yr. However, I’m skeptical of it’s distance and isolation. I have actually found it hard to even go there to visit. Is there any way to easily leave campus?</p>
<p>Johns Hopkins University has also given me good financial aid, around 20k a year w/no loans. However, I’m a little worried about the atmosphere there, as I have heard from multiple sources that it’s very competitive and people actually sabotage each other. I have talked to alumnae from there, and they have said the same. Does anybody know anything more about this?</p>
<p>Barnard College gave me the same, 20k a year, but with loans. Yet, since I already live in NYC, it’s very close to home- which my mother loves- and I’ve already visited and fallen in love with the campus and people. I know I’d be happy going there, but I’m worried about the financial burden to my family.</p>
<p>I’d really like some help, and I’m already really grateful for all the help everyone’s already given me. Thank you!</p>
<p>My D was accepted to both Mt. Holyoke and Barnard, among others. She chose Barnard and has now graduated. She was very happy with her choice, although she did love Mt. Holyoke. She also received a merit award, although it was 7 years ago, and I can’t remember the particulars.</p>
<p>Between the 5 college consortium and the very reciprocal, tight Barnard-Columbia relationship, I think Mt. Holyoke and Barnard could equal Johns Hopkins resources. I think you have an open choice here depending on your own preferences and values.</p>
<p>We met with a longer time prof at JHU who is an acquaintance last year, and her low down was that it is that competitive, especially in the pre-med areas. She led us to believe that a LOT of students are just gunning for good grades, and are not really about learning or researching. Not that you can’t research there… honestly, I think your research opportunities would be better than than your other choices. But she gave the impression that a lot of students are researching to look good on their med school apps, not for the actual love of discovery. There is something to be said for an environment that is more collaberative and less cut throat. It also could be easier to get the grades you need for pre-med at one of your other choices. Also… our tour guide said that many students end up having to overload (take 5 classes) at JHU to stay on track to graduate. D2 was pretty turned off, and took it off her list.</p>