Wait-listed by Brown, Accepted by Hopkins and Berkeley

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hi, an international applicant from Japan here. Of 5 schools I've been accepted to, I'm thinking about attending either UC Berkeley or Johns Hopkins. Majors I applied to are Biological Sciences (Neurobiology) for Berkeley and Neuroscience for Hopkins. Currently, I want to become a neurosurgeon (although this may change in a couple of years, I've always been pretty committed). </p>

<p>My parents have been on the college rankings lately, and they seem to love Berkeley. However, I'm questioning the way someone would choose to attend college because of its position on the rankings that change annually and say different things. They're also reluctant to send me off to Baltimore, which I know is sketchy. I went to Hopkins for Summer University and loved the classes, but was kind of traumatized by the ghetto neighborhood. I know that it'll be safer to attend Berkeley, but Hopkins offer great education for people who are aspiring doctors (lower acceptance rate too). </p>

<p>Also, I've been wait-listed by Brown... I know that the chances of being admitted off the wait-list are extremely slim. But the offer to confirm my wait-list position is too good to turn down. Am I required to attend Brown if I'm admitted off the wait-list? And which college would be best for me to pursue neuroscience, taking into consideration its location and social factors? </p>

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<p>Berkeley and Hopkins are both extremely well-respected places to study neuroscience and you shouldn’t give one whit about which school is more selective. At this point, just choose the school that feels most right. </p>

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<p>You are not required to go to Brown if accepted off the wait list. You can decline.</p>

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<p>@Philovitist Thank you! Yes, I agree with you about the school selectivity… but it’s still kind of hard to let go when you know you’ve been one of the very few selected. Argh it’s difficult because both feels right to me! </p>

<p>@fireandrain I really needed to know that! Thank you. Would you say that it wouldn’t hurt to save a spot on the wait-list, even if I’m still indecisive about where I’d like to attend most? </p>