A big decision: Emory vs. Tulane

<p>I am in the middle of making a rather huge decision, and would appreciate some help. I applied early decision to Emory, and I've got about a 75% chance of getting in. Since it's early decision, I have to go if I get in. There, i will recieve no merit money. I was just accepted to Tulane, with $18,000 a year merit scholarship. My family can afford the extra $18k at Emory, but obviously it would be nice to pay $18k less. Is going to Emory worth the extra $18,000 a year? I'd like to know what everyone else thinks, because I'm really struggling with this decision. What would you do?</p>

<p>Also, I plan to study business or economics at either school.
Thanks so much.</p>

<p>It may be decided for you when you hear about Emory's ED - you are going to have to sit this out til the results are in - that decision may be made for you - and you either will have a choice or you won't :(</p>

<p>only you and your family can make that call. But, if you choose Tulane quickly, you can ask that your Emory app be withdrawn. Alternatively, you could ask Emory to put your app in the RD pool, instead, but, that might have negative repercussions.</p>

<p>Bluebayou,</p>

<p>That is very sound advice to the OP; however, the timeframe in which an ED applicant may prudently request to be moved from the ED pool to the RD pool has come and gone -- deadline in writing was Nov. 15. I tend to agree with you that such a request is one that can have unfavorable implications, given that Emory cares about "demonstrated interest". Any gesture of demonstrated "disinterest" could be construed in the most obvious way, perhaps resulting in deferral or rejection. </p>

<p>To the OP, </p>

<p>There is no doubt a temptation and a distraction that arises when money is put on the table. Keep in mind, though, that there’s some truth in that old adage, “money is the root of all evil” – although, I would probably modify that to say that it’s the root of “some” evil. ;) The distraction in this case is the tempting merit offer from Tulane. Like many other offers of merit scholarships, it’s an inducement to enroll at Tulane. Reinforcing Bluebayou’s suggestion, if you choose to do this, contact Emory’s Admissions Office and let them know of your decision immediately, such that the ED admissions “slot” is not wasted. They won’t like your application retraction at this late stage, but in 3 weeks time, consider that you may be offered acceptance that carries a binding ethical agreement to enroll at Emory and to withdraw all other applications. Declining acceptance subsequent to the Dec. 15 ED decision would be unfair to other applicants and represents a breach of the type of Honor Code that each Emory student assumes. BTW, this is presented to you not to induce guilt but rather to have you understand that each of us is accountable to conducting our life with integrity. Especially in the sphere of business, ethics is an imperative for all concerned. </p>

<p>When you applied ED to Emory, I would assume it was with a clear idea that Emory was your No. 1 choice of all schools you considered. No doubt you had reasons for this to apply ED, and I’m betting that a big part of it was to invest in an education that would serve as the foundation to your future. In my mind, Emory is a terrific school. Although my daughter is not intending a path in Business, the Goizueta Business School is excellent. Last month, I visited the B-School when I was on campus, and it’s impressive in all aspects, e.g., its new research/academic center as well as both undergraduate/graduate level programs. The undergraduate business program at Goizueta (a 2-year program) was recently ranked #5 nationally by BusinessWeek. (See this link: <a href="http://bwnt.businessweek.com/bschools/undergraduate/06rankings/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://bwnt.businessweek.com/bschools/undergraduate/06rankings/&lt;/a&gt;) It’s an exciting and engaging program for upper classmen. The graduate business school is ranked #18 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. (By comparison, Freeman is ranked 49th.) Emory follows a traditional liberal arts approach, and majoring in Economics for 2 years and applying to Goizueta for your junior year will build a strong breadth in your academic underpinnings. The undergraduate Economics offerings are also excellent at Emory, and even if you choose not to apply to Goizueta as a junior, an Economic major will position you to realize any number of options after graduation. I think if you do a straight-up comparison of the Economics programs at Emory vs. Tulane, you’ll find that Emory has unmatched resources in its favor. Truly, being someone who has been in the business world for over 30 years, I find myself salivating at the opportunities that exist at Emory/Goizueta and the surrounding Atlanta business community.</p>

<p>I appreciate your struggle with this decision, and since you asked, I would await Emory’s decision, and if accepted follow through. If you are deferred or rejected ED, you have the advantage of a good option at Tulane. Good luck to you!</p>

<p>Pick Emory!</p>

<p>Tulane is on the decline. Just my honest opinion</p>

<p>Thanks. Anyone else? I've also visited both campuses and love them pretty equally.</p>

<p>bumppppppppppp</p>