<p>Hello! I'm interested in studying international relations, with the slight chance that I might switch to neuroscience. As much as I wish I could apply to 12-14 colleges my counselor is limiting us to 10 universities. I have a 9 colleges I'm 100% sure about applying to, but the last spot has been a challenge to decide. The four colleges I'm considering at the moment are Pomona, Johns Hopkins, Harvard and Dartmouth. Here are the most important factors for me:</p>
<ol>
<li>Strength of the program</li>
<li>Overall quality of undergraduate education (class sizes, accessibility of professors)<br></li>
<li>Enough flexibility to explore both areas before deciding what to major on</li>
<li>Location - I prefer to be near a city that will offer me good internship and cultural opportunities</li>
</ol>
<p>Pomona is strong in both I.R. and neuroscience. Profs are very accessible, partly because of class size, and partly because they don’t have grad students and they are completely dedicated to their undergraduates. I can’t answer the flexibility question (maybe someone else can) because I don’t know how demanding either program is in terms of prerequisites for your upper division courses. Pomona is very good about helping students obtain internships in the L.A. area, however, as well as fellowships and opportunities after graduation. </p>
<p>Having come to the Pomona board, I assume you aren’t surprised to find big supporters here. Good luck!</p>
<p>Pomona definitely does have an exceptional Neuroscience program, but then again Harvard is probably strong in just about everything. Also, how exactly does your counselor plan on enforcing this applications limit?</p>
Good luck!</p>