Penn or Brown for Undergraduate ED

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So I'm having a little bit of trouble decided on a school and thought that you guys might be able to help me out. From my research, it appears to me that University of Pennsylvania and Brown both have the best programs for what I want to do (all things considered). The issue is that each school offers a slightly different experience, both of which are attractive. Ill list out everything I want in a school/undergrad program and any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! :)</p>

<p>Programs:</p>

<p>-Neuroscience or Cognitive Science with a strong program on both ends of the spectrum. Originally I was looking at more technical schools such as MIT but I really want an school that has a large population interested in the humanities and philosophy. I feel like those are two really important fields to gaining the best foundation for understanding the human mind. However, my interest runs slightly deeper as I would like to study the physiological behavior of the brain as it relates to network theory and electrical systems. One of my future career paths might be in BCIs so I feel like that is important. The molecular workings of the brain are also fascinating, not necessarily where I would like to spend a lot of time, but the time I do spend studying individual neural behavior and synapses and what not, I would like to work with other students who are dedicated their lives to that. </p>

<p>-Computer Science (cont. Artificial Intelligence): Through researching various computer solutions to complex problems, I have noticed many of the algorithms were born in biological roots. Whether genetic algoritms or ANNs etc I want to take an interdisciplinary approach to studying computer science. Looking ahead, my goal would be to take my knowledge of computer science into the realm of Artificial Intelligence. Using this I feel that I can solve many of computer science's most difficult problems, work for many different firms (industry, business, finance) or do research. I have a theory that we can learn more about the brain by studying artificial intelligence, just like we can learn about artificial intelligence by studying the brain.</p>

<p>-Most importantly I want academic freedom. This is obviously what attracts me to schools like Brown or Amherst. College is for me to learn and grow intellectually and in a way that I should dictate. The more constraints or Gen. Eds. that are forced on me, the less individual the experience becomes. My favorite thing with school is finding the strange little connections between the most unlikely to be related courses. (Ironically, hence began my interest in network theory). </p>

<p>School Life:</p>

<p>-While I feel that academic programs take priority over everything else. (Hey, you can do anything for 4 years) here is the type of environment my dream school would have:</p>

<p>-Intellectual environment: I want the culture to be formed by a group of diverse backgrounds, personalities, and opinions. Late night discussions ranging from quantum mechanics to the philosophy of religion to novel ideas on vision would provide the ultimate college environment. Because of this, a school where everyone is accepted for being who they are and given a safe environment to share would be ideal. </p>

<p>-There to learn: I know that a lot of times with Ivy League schools people often go there for the prestige or because its "Harvard" so it has to be the best. I don't want to surround myself with people who are only looking at the end goal. There is more to life than being a millionaire when you're 50 or having that fancy diploma hanging on your wall. Instead of worrying about the past or future, people should focus on the present and enjoy the experience, the connections they are making, the knowledge and wisdom they are gaining. Besides, any good neuroscientists/philosopher understands that reality is only what you make it, and gone before you even have a change to store that newly formed (and altered) memory. </p>

<p>-Going off of what was said above, because everyone is there to learn, I would hope the culture would be supportive. Too often you hear of the horror stories of cut-throat top tier schools. I never really understood the point of being academically competitive as jobs are almost always joint-efforts and collaboration is a vital skill is this globalized economy. </p>

<p>-Ultimately, I guess the reason I'm looking into Ivy League and other top tier schools is because I want to provide myself the most opportunities to have the greatest academic and social experiences while surrounding myself with a population of unique, but equally passionate individuals who can work together to throw everybody over whatever bar will be set.</p>

<p>-As far as size goes, the smaller the better. It seems like there is a tradeoff between size and opportunity at most colleges/universities. While ideally I would want to go to a small LAC where I can work 1 on 1 with the professors and have small seminar style classes, I recognize that an interest in artificial intelligence and cognitive science at the undergraduate level requires a slightly larger university to supply the courses. This being said, do you think that entering a field that is not as popular at a larger school will still provide me with the LAC feel as far as research with professors and class size is concerned?</p>

2

<p>You can’t go wrong with either school obviously. And no matter what your stats are, there is no guarantee of admission to either school. First off, I’d suggest that you try to re-visit the two schools before deciding where to apply ED – maybe try to arrange to sit in on a class, shadow a student, do an overnight etc. My D spent a day at her top two schools last fall and came out preferring one.</p>

<p>In general, I think that Penn (where I went) has a more pre-professional vibe and Brown (where a good friend went) is less structured and has no core requirements. Penn is known to have a good social scene as far as the Ivy schools go. From what you described about yourself, I would think you’d be leaning towards Brown, but this is a decision that only you can make. Again, no right or wrong answer here.</p>

3

<p>Thanks! :)</p>

4

<p>And in comparing a university to a LAC, I think that a smaller major will give you smaller classes and the chance to develop relationships with professors, particularly once you hit the upper level classes. Intro classes will likely be larger/less personal at a university. But you might be competing with grad students in terms of getting research work with professors at a university setting which would not be the case at a LAC. Again, there is no right or wrong answer between a university setting and a LAC and your major may dictate the choice.</p>

5

<p>Penn! Amazing location. Both schools are wonderful and offer a great education, but Philly makes for a great time. I had a great 4 years at Penn and didn’t regret it.</p>

6

<p>-Most importantly I want academic freedom. This is obviously what attracts me to schools like Brown or Amherst. College is for me to learn and grow intellectually and in a way that I should dictate. The more constraints or Gen. Eds. that are forced on me, the less individual the experience becomes. My favorite thing with school is finding the strange little connections between the most unlikely to be related courses. (Ironically, hence began my interest in network theory). </p>

<p>I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood the concept of academic freedom. It has nothing to do with a lack of requirements. Most schools do have general education, and you’ll have to meet the requirements to get the diploma. You probably will be able to choose the specific classes you use, but you will need to take them.</p>

<p>And I think you’re idealizing college life. Even in a small honors program at a highly selective school, I didn’t find the experience you describe.</p>