Hi CC parents. I’ve been wavering back and forth for the last month between these options:
An amazing liberal arts college (top 5). I’d be a great fit here, I love the location (New England), and it’s really strong and well-regarded in my intended field. Internships, recruiting opportunities, and grad school placement are fantastic. The college is a bit small and not as diverse as I’d like, though. Full pay - I wouldn’t go into debt, but it’d be a stress on my family and me.
A very good private research university on the rise (top 15-25). Some great programs, but unfortunately, my major is one of its weaker ones. It’s quite large and diverse, so although I don’t feel like I “click” with the school, there should be a niche for me. Fratty/football reputation, which I fully intend to avoid. Honestly, I’m not a fan of the location (L.A.), but who knows? SoCal might grow on me. I was accepted to the Honors program (academic rigor and mentoring are pluses) and given a large scholarship, so it’ll be half the tuition of the other school. I could go out to eat, get a nice dorm, study abroad without feeling guilty, and I’d even have some savings left for grad school.
Is it worth the $$$ to go to the prestigious, beautiful LAC? I know that college is what you make of it, and grad school is more important, but I can’t help but feel a little sad about walking away from the LAC. But I’d feel sad about walking away from a 100k scholarship at an excellent university, too.
It was also suggested to me that I take the scholarship at the second university, and if I dislike it, transfer to the LAC or somewhere similar. And I’d actually save money that way. Lol.
I’m also having difficulty choosing a college, and I saw some cliché advice on here that said:
“Flip a coin, and if feel disappointed with the outcome, then you have your answer.” Really cheesy, but true…
Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with either school, but It seems to me as if you heart is set on the LAC.
Talk with your family, and if the tuition is something they are willing to take on, then I would go for that one. You can always apply for more scholarships sophmore year and work as well. Good luck!
You seem like a better fit at the LAC, but is it worth 100k more than a top 25 university? Probably not worth paying 100k for an undergrad education, especially if you go to another top university. If you are planning on going to grad school, I would highly recommend saving the money. Also, since it is a big and diverse university, won’t you have an easier time finding your niche, even if it takes a longer time?
Also just some insight on transfers, transfer acceptances are usually significantly lower than freshman admission, especially for top LAC since they have a high retention rate. Some of the top schools have less than a 5% transfer acceptance rate. If your plan is to go to the large university for one year and transfer, I probably wouldn’t recommend it as a reasoning to make your decision right now.
It sucks that you have to make this decision, but best of luck!
Have you visited each school? If so, what vibes did you get?
I am assuming the LA school is USC, and your LAC is Williams, Middlebury, Amherst, or Wellesley. Definitely very different schools from USC, but some similarities may be notable. For example, I have heard Williams is rather “jocky” (may be totally inaccurate), so that may line up closer with some of they fratty culture that is present (but not completely omnipresent) at a school like USC.
@yikesyikesyikes Yup, USC and Wellesley, rather opposite schools. I really liked the Wellesley vibe, but I didn’t fall in love with the school like some prospies do. It felt small to me, especially because it’s all-women and definitely self-selects for a certain type of personality.
I didn’t spend much time at USC, but I talked to a student who had nothing but good things to say about the USC experience. When I visited, people seemed friendly, happy, and very social. More friendly, happy, and social than I myself am, to be honest.
I am personally a big fan of USC and it has an excellent alumni network and opportunities. But go with what feels right for you! It sounds like there are more pros and cons to think about than in your initial post
Ah, the campuses and cultures are indeed very different (as would be expected with an all-women LAC vs large private research university).
Wellesley has other schools nearby if you are looking for coed activities, but it is not the same as going to a coed college. i think the coed vs all female is the biggest difference (others may disagree), although not the only notable difference by any means. What are your thoughts on all-women vs coed?
@shawnspencer Haha, neither feels like the clear “right” choice for me, hence my agonizing I agree the alumni network, resources, and level of support are fab. I feel like I’m not really a (stereo)typical USC type of person, though. What in particular makes you a big fan?
@yikesyikesyikes Many Wellesley students I talked to said that the all-women factor was initially a deterrent, but now feels like it doesn’t matter or even is an advantage. It’s not a big deal to me, though I do prefer coed. And Boston, which is fairly accessible, is an awesome place for college students.
I’d say that I favor Wellesley to USC 70 to 30, but the money factor reverses the numbers.
@Dontskipthemoose Thank you for your advice! Yes, grad school, hopefully at Harvard Kennedy or UChicago Harris, is my dream. Great point about finding my niche - it’s one pro to the large university’s Honors program (about 200 freshmen, many of whom are probably in the same dilemma as I am right now).
@grtd2010 Yes, I have the NMF Presidential at USC. My intended major is Econ (Dornsife), which isn’t quite as strong as Dornsife’s IR, Price’s public policy, or Marshall’s business.
“Is it worth the $$$ to go to the prestigious, beautiful LAC?”
In my opinion, compared to USC, no, it is not worth $100,000. There is no university or college in the world that is $100,000 better than USC for undergrad (unless your parents have at least $20,000,000 in the bank – and even then if I were your parent I wouldn’t admit to it).
“…and I’d even have some savings left for grad school.”
USC is one of the most expensive schools. Even with NMF scholarship cost of attendance will be above $45k per year. How much is the cost difference between your schools?
“Full pay - I wouldn’t go into debt, but it’d be a stress on my family and me.”
That says it all to me. The LAC sounds wonderful, but you have to factor the “stress” of finances in.
You can always call the LAC admissions office and explain things, but assuming you didn’t qualify for financial aid in the first place I doubt there’s much that they will do. Otherwise, I agree with the comments above.
If you wanted to alleviate the stress to your family, you could take the federal loans. (You said your family can afford the LAC without debt if they stretch, right?)
I’ve been wavering back and forth for the last month between these options:
An amazing liberal arts college (top 5). I’d be a great fit here, I love the location (New England), and it’s really strong and well-regarded in my intended field. Internships, recruiting opportunities, and grad school placement are fantastic. The college is a bit small and not as diverse as I’d like, though. Full pay - I wouldn’t go into debt, but it’d be a stress on my family and me.
A very good private research university on the rise (top 15-25). Some great programs, but unfortunately, my major is one of its weaker ones. It’s quite large and diverse, so although I don’t feel like I “click” with the school, there should be a niche for me. Fratty/football reputation, which I fully intend to avoid. Honestly, I’m not a fan of the location (L.A.), but who knows? SoCal might grow on me. I was accepted to the Honors program (academic rigor and mentoring are pluses) and given a large scholarship, so it’ll be half the tuition of the other school. I could go out to eat, get a nice dorm, study abroad without feeling guilty, and I’d even have some savings left for grad school.
Is it worth the $$$ to go to the prestigious, beautiful LAC? I know that college is what you make of it, and grad school is more important, but I can’t help but feel a little sad about walking away from the LAC. But I’d feel sad about walking away from a 100k scholarship at an excellent university, too.
It was also suggested to me that I take the scholarship at the second university, and if I dislike it, transfer to the LAC or somewhere similar. And I’d actually save money that way. Lol.
Take the LAC. You’ll love it and get an absolutely first-rate education. $100K sounds like a ton of money, but it’s not (in 20 years we’ll be paying that much for a car). And we’ve made a similar determination that the LACs are worth the extra cost. We have two top five public universities in our state, but we’re sending our DS to a top 5 LAC instead. Yes, it will force some penny pinching at home, but that’s all right. Prioritize your education, then work your butt off. You’ll be fine.
USC honors is an amazing program. My nephew is there on a full tuition Scholarsip and even though he had higher ranking options he wisely chose to turn those down. 100k more doesn’t make sense especially when you have a choice like USC.
I agree the alumni network, resources, and level of support are fab. I feel like I’m not really a (stereo)typical USC type of person, though. What in particular makes you a big fan?