<p>So, it's been 10 days since I decided to attend UT BHP/Plan II over Duke and I still cannot move on with my decision. </p>
<p>I'm going to be upfront. I'm a prestige whore. Give me a brand name, I'll take it. But I came to choose UT because of the Austin culture that pervades the campus, the laidback feel, the lack of posture that I was the opposite of my Duke overnight host. But then... I felt I was too hasty to judge Duke, that maybe I wouldn't be a big man on campus, but I would still find my niche, and find totally new friendships. More than that is just what goes along with going to a "top" school, the students who tried in school, the students who like to learn, the students who took a chance to go to Duke.</p>
<p>And yet... UT offered a good baby step, two programs I love, closeness to home once I realize I really will miss that place, and once again Austin...</p>
<p>However... I feel like I'll be in a Texas-future life mindset once I come to UT, just by the nature of being here for so long...</p>
<p>ANYWAYS, you get the wish-washy-ness. Financially, for at least freshman year, they were equal, though I think in the long run, Duke would have been 10 or so thousand more total...</p>
<p>So, comments? Advice? Anger at my ignorance? Pushes for Duke or UT? Just a mere virtual slap in the face?</p>
<p>What are the special programs at UT that interest you? They may help you a lot more in your career than taking a generic major at Duke would. Other than that, I do not think that a 10K difference in price over the four years is worth worrying about. A 40K difference, yes, 10K, no.</p>
<p>I think what you feeling is normal. Even when I chose Rice over Duke, I still didn’t feel 100 percent satisfied with my decision. And you will probably have second thoughts up until 2nd semester (at least I did). Duke is just such an appealing, prestigious place that is very hard to turn down. And if your gut tells you should be going to Duke, call Duke and see if they will be willing to take you now. Trust your gut; that’s the most accurate indicator on where you will be happy. I hope you have an awesome time at UT… I heard amazing things about Austin and the school spirit at UT (and I’m an Ohio State fan).</p>
<p>At exactly this time last year, my son begged me not to make him go to the college he had worked so hard to get into for two years. He said he wanted to go to an easier college because it was more anonymous and less stressful. Having seen how much he had loved the first college, and besides, knowing that he had turned down the second one right after he got the acceptance and had never liked it at all, I finally told him he was going to his original choice like it or not. After a tough summer where he was full of nerves all the time, he went to that first choice and he LOVES it. </p>
<p>I think it’s incredibly normal to have second thoughts about whatever college you choose. And the hard thing is that it’s impossible to get any relief from your anxiety until you start. No matter where you go, you can’t control who you’re going to meet, what your teachers will be like, or a million other variables. You have to spend months in nervewracking anticipation. The only good thing I have to say is that most students make reasonable choices (Sounds as if you did) and they mostly end up pretty happy with them. UT is a great school in a beautiful place, so your chances of enjoying it are great. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks guys! I’m thinking of taking the plunge and talking to my admissions officer at Duke to see how it all pans out. If they don’t let me in, then I can’t say it wasn’t worth the shot and I know UT will be fine… but I don’t want this opportunity be wasted. I know I won’t be a “better” person from either school that is totally up to me, but I just feel it’s time for a big shake-up in my life and Duke sure is a nice place to do it! </p>
<p>Maybe I’ll hate it, maybe I’ll love it. But I’ve always lived my life being as methodical as possible that I want to throw that all away.</p>