<p>I'm planning on majoring in biology, but probably not premed (not planning on it right now, at least). I would like to go into public health, maybe? Money isn't a factor for any of these, no financial aid and they all cost relatively the same amount.</p>
<p>-Wash U: Flattered that I got in, but didn't really like St. Louis that much when I visited. I really just wanted to see opinions on how hard their biology program is if I'm not planning on going premed (very competitive w/ premeds or manageable?)</p>
<p>-USC: Love the campus. Love the weather. I was admitted under the Biology program but if I go there, I want to look into a new major that they offer at their Keck School of Medicine called "Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies", which is basically ideal for either pre-public health OR premed, should I choose that route. Also, any information on their Freshman Science Honors program would be great (I applied but have no idea if i got in yet). I also might get an alumni scholarship (my brother went here), but the phone interview is on April 18th so I don't know when I would find out if I got it (maybe not before May 1st??), and it probably won't be that much ($4,000/yr, max). The only real cons I see to USC are that it's not as prestigious as the other two schools and it is very far away from home.</p>
<p>-Northwestern: Chicago weather is dismal and not very appealing. NU is close to home, but this is a pro and a con so I'm trying not to factor it into my decision too much. I'm scared of the undergraduate biology/premed being cut throat and entirely too difficult to keep up with. If I end up getting "weeded out" in some of their more difficult classes, I think I would be screwed because I don't have any other interests major-wise (at least right now). Also, I'm not sure whether the quarter system is ideal or not, any experiences with it at NU? It seems a bit demanding. Despite all of this, the reputation is AMAZING, especially around here. When I tell people I got into NU, they immediately say, "Wow." And if I do end up doing premed, I think an undergrad degree at NU would be beneficial (~80% med school acceptance rate)...if I can make it through.</p>
<p>Looking back on this, basically, it's between USC and NU. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Since you like the feel of USC, campus, weather, etc, and it has a major program you are excited about, I think you should choose USC. The marginal prestige difference seems insignificant in light of your obvious enthusiasm for USC. Good luck!</p>
<p>I would also recommend Northwestern, simply b/c I know more of it and I lived in Chicago at one point. Bigreddawgie seems to scoff at the idea that USC is even a consideration, however, it is a very competitive school (86% of students were in the top 10% of their class compared with 85% for Northwestern). While I do think that the city in which a school is located should be considered, you will be spending the bulk of your time on campus, so you should choose the program and the campus lifestyle you like best before considering the city in which the school is located.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice so far! I'm looking to see if anyone has some suggestions on the whole difficulty of the undergraduate biology program issue?</p>
<p>It sounds like you like USC for the right reasons, and HPDP is a unique, excellent major. There are alot of people who turn down NU for USC because they realize that USC is the right school for them. Good luck with your decision, and Fight on!</p>
<p>Thanks, if you have any more specific information about HPDP that would be great (like for example, are the classes actually AT Keck or do you take most of them at the normal campus?)</p>
<p>ANYWAYS, I chose USC. Turned my deposit in yesterday, and I'm beyond excited! I got into their Freshman Science Honors program, and that basically sealed the deal.</p>
<p>yeah i think your heart seems to be with usc, you might as well be happy overall with your school, than to go whats best for a career, especially when the former offers a strong program and the ideal environment you like.</p>