<p>I've been accepted at both schools. I am very interested in cognitive neuroscience, and REALLY want the chance to begin doing research as a freshman. Could you please give me a breakdown of the similarities and differences in:</p>
<p>-Research opportunities for undergrads and underclassmen
-Strength of neuroscience and cognitive science programs
-Difficulty of pre-med cirriculum
-Intellectualism on campus
-Overall atmosphere</p>
<p>between these two schools? Thanks a lot. I have my own opinion, but I'd love to hear from other people. (I cross-posted this on the Northwestern forum too).</p>
<p>WashU's PNP program would be very useful to you, I think.</p>
<p>Go to WashU's site then go to Academics--->Majors and see Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology. It's pretty nifty. WashU has great research opportunities from what I've gleaned. I'm also a recently admitted student.</p>
<p>My son is in the PNP program, premed track. It is really a tough program but a very good one. He is doing a research that he was able to get summer his freshman year.
As for the overall atmosphere, the students at Wash U seem happy and content.Every time we go visit, there are always groups of students studying together. They work very hard but they also find time to enjoy life outside of academics. Last night when we called my son, he was at the gala for the Catholic Student Center helping out. He has been doing this since freshman year also. There are a lot of things to do. It is up to the student how much involvement he is willing to do.</p>
<p>I've found Wash U to be very encouraging of research, even in your freshman year. I'm sure you'll have no problem finding an opportunity. You can also check out <a href="http://ur.wustl.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://ur.wustl.edu/</a>, which is the website of the undergraduate research office.</p>
<p>I'd also suggest looking into the PNP program! I'm not in it myself, but I've heard really great things about it and it's a very unique interdisciplinary program. As far as intellectualism goes, I think the general consensus that the average WU student (if there even is one) "works hard and plays hard", for lack of a more accurate term. In other words, people are intellectual in the classroom and take their classes seriously. But everyone knows how to have fun as well :)</p>