Hello! I’m from nova and I am considering UVA, W&M, and VT for a neuroscience undergraduate, but am having a really difficult time choosing. As of right now, I plan to go the research route (no med school), but I may change my mind and decide to try to pursue med school. As my time is ticking before May 1st, I was hoping to get some insight about the schools. I was impressed by UVA’s professors as well as their commitment to helping undergraduates at their admitted students day. Loved the campus environment and the research opportunities in neuroscience major, but am scared by the 25-student acceptance into the major. Seems like a very small number considering the popularity of this major right now. For reference- currently I am in the top 1% of my class (650 students) and have taken 12 AP classes and many honors courses. I feel almost deterred from UVA because I’ve heard they can have a bit of a pretentious attitude, but then again I feel that I will choose to be friends with the people who do not have this attitude. As for VT, I was amazed by the amount of options for their Neuroscience majors. They have four different options for majors within the Neuroscience school, and they are constantly bringing in new faculty. They have a commitment to undergrad research and the four majors provide more job options that the traditional med school or research route. The location of VT seems a little isolated, and I definitely wanted a more city-like town, so that’s one of my qualms. VT doesn’t quite have the same prestige as W&M and UVA, but I think they make up for it in their comprehensive neuroscience program. As for W&M, it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would go there. I loved the campus and the homey feeling of Williamsburg. I haven’t visited in over a year (I am going to their admitted students day this weekend), so I don’t know much about their Neuroscience program and whether it is any better than UVA and VT’s. I do know that the professors are very committed to the undergrads and provide great research opportunities. I’ve heard about the grade deflation, and I am a little worried about that, but I’ve worked my butt off for my grades in high school and am hoping that my study skills will help me succeed if I go there (not trying to brag, def not a genius and have had to work really hard to get A’s in the difficult classes). So sorry that this was sooo long, did not mean to turn this post into a book lol! Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated, and thank you!
How’s cost compare at each of them?
albertsax, thanks for answering 
VT is cheapest at about $27,000 per yr, then UVA at $33,000 per yr, then W&M at $40,000 per yr. I’m super grateful that my parents are paying for my education and are able to afford the tuition for each of the schools, so it really comes down to fit and their neuroscience programs.
I’d vote UVa.
Update: I picked UVA
Wahoo, Wah!
(thanks for closing the loop.)