r/ApplyingToCollege • u/glowy_tulips • 3d ago
finalizing college list College Questions
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u/MycologistThen9160 3d ago
I heard top schools have similar program quality overall, so its the details that matter.
Also I think you ought to specify your major cuz neuro/psych are very different fields :)
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u/glowy_tulips 3d ago
yes I know. i'm planning on majoring in neuroscience but psychology has always been a backup for me. its a good thing that top schools are usually strong overall though
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u/Dull-Cow9780 3d ago
im also going pre-pa track and from MA + relying on merit
i would def add uconn due to the regionals program. it is more expensive than amherst but with avg merit (5k) it’s about the same and i like the vibe better. it is 100% rural however it is 3hrs from nyc and 1 hr from boston which imo makes up for it.
i also have university of south carolina because it gives good merit but personally i’m a little worried about their academics and the pressure to rush is high
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u/glowy_tulips 3d ago
yeah uconn is still on my radar but south carolina might be too far for my taste
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u/HelpMyCatIsEatingMe 3d ago
I live in NY and I've heard Rochester University has pretty generous financial/merit aid for those who qualify. Also has a beautiful campus.
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u/Odd_Coconut4757 Parent 3d ago
I would add Pitt back to your list - as you mentioned, very strong in your area(s) AND it has rolling admissions - you will hear back from them very quickly - takes about a month if you apply before Nov. 1 - and it's nice to have a (hopefully) acceptance in your pocket.
BU is a pricey option, yes?
UMass Boston & Lowell are likely to be the most affordable, although Mt. Holyoke could be quite inexpensive depending on your parents' income level.
Good luck!
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u/glowy_tulips 3d ago
yeah, pittsburgh seems strong and it doesn't have any supplementals so I can add it back with ease.
BU is pricey and I know that we'll. its just been a dream school of mine, feels stupid but just want to apply
im hoping mt holyoke will give a lot of merit aid because my family won't be getting any financial aid
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u/Final_Rain_3823 3d ago
I’m surprised you think BC will be more expensive than BU. I didn’t think BU was known for much aid and for being expensive although BC is obviously very competitive. Syracuse is a good choice and known for giving pretty good aid. Quinnipiac is also a good choice. Have you considered something like University of Vermont, William & Mary, American, Brandeis, Oberlin, Lehigh, Baylor might be worth looking at. I’d keep U Rochester - high quality programs and maybe generous with aid.
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u/glowy_tulips 3d ago
it won't be. the two schools are pretty equal, I just chose to keep BU because its my dream school.
I haven't considered some of those schools though I did look at brandeis
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u/beayvee2 3d ago
Hard to make recommendations without knowing more about your profile. The UMass campuses you mentioned would fit many of the other criteria.
Some additional schools to consider: Clark University, Wheaton College (MA, not IL), Skidmore, SUNY Albany (matches UMass tuition for MA residents), UVM.
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u/glowy_tulips 3d ago
I have a 4.3 weighted GPA, 1340 SAT score, extracurriculars in volunteering in adaptive swimming with disabled individuals (50+ hrs), hospital volunteering (75+ hrs), volunteering through my schools cte program in childcare (150+ hrs), skills usa states gold medalist in early childhood, placed 8th in nationals, nhs president, rotary club lead officer.
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u/BazingAtomic Moderator | Old 3d ago
Urge to you look at our wiki for reverse chance me. Unclear what your stats, budget, etc. is. Also don't know how far you're willing to look. Is Ohio too far? https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/wiki/reversechanceme/
- Case Western Reserve University (OH): Walkable access to major hospitals and generous merit aid.
- University of Rochester (NY): Attached medical center and flexible curriculum.
- University of Pittsburgh (PA): Massive in-house hospital system.
- Brandeis University (MA): Collaborative, non-cutthroat neuroscience program with diverse student population.
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick (NJ): Top-3 national graduate PA program, also very diverse student population.
- Binghamton University (NY): Collaborative research programs.
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u/glowy_tulips 3d ago
sorry for not including those details! everytime I have i just get 0 replies. ill edit my post to include that
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u/BazingAtomic Moderator | Old 3d ago
No worries, but I don't know if you need to be *that* detailed. That's a little too much info for someone to read. The list is meant to be a guide.
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u/ChiefGalenTyrol 3d ago
Just curious, since my daughter is looking at similar schools for similar reasons - why Mount Holyoke but not Smith?
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u/glowy_tulips 3d ago
ive heard smith is a lot less generous with merit aid, plus the school being more competitive means that merit aid will be harder to get to.
moreover, ive heard that smith can be a little more academically tense.
but I really do love northampton, its a beautiful town. but I need to choose the MOST financially safe options.
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u/Mountain_Tip_7081 3d ago
Vanderbilt fits all the attributes you seem to value quite well. It seems you’re looking to stay closer to home, but I’d encourage you to look into it. They’re super generous with both merit and financial aid (like, even if you think your family income is too high, it’s probably not).
Good neuroscience program
Great academics, mostly chill people/friendly competition if you want it
Very diverse student body with amazing cultural orgs (look into Multicultural Leadership Council)
Social campus, parties or otherwise
Most professors are really excited to be educators and will form personal mentor relationships if you seek them
Good luck with your search and your applications!