After doing some tours, I have determined that my top two colleges are Umass Amherst and UNH. I obviously haven’t been accepted to either one yet, but if I were to get into both (which given my stats is fairly likely), I would have a lot of trouble choosing between the two.
I know Umass Amherst is better academically, and it’s in-state, so it would cost significantly less to attend there. It’s the obvious choice if I get accepted. The only problem is at Umass, I felt like an outsider. Everything was so big and kind of intimidating. Though I reside in Massachusetts, I live nowhere near Amherst. The area is unfamiliar and confusing.
When I visited UHN, I felt like I belonged there. I used to live in Portsmouth NH (only a few minutes from Durham) before we moved to MA, so the area is familiar. My dad has many friends who went there. Their faculty and students also seemed much friendlier to me. The atmosphere there just seemed more welcoming.
I plan on majoring in communication disorders, which both colleges have, but I also love musical theatre. Even though it has no real relevance to what I want to do career-wise, I would love to minor in musical theatre. UNH would allow me to do that and still graduate on time. Umass Amherst had no theatre minor. I really want to go to UNH, I’m just worried that I’ll regret my decision if I chose to attend there because the academics and price will be better at Umass.
I know I have a long time before I need to make this decision. I might not have to make the decision at all if I don’t get accepted to UMass (which is a possibility). Plus, a lot will depend on how much financial aid I get. But I would still appreciate everyone’s opinions. Thankyou!
Also, does anyone have any specific information on the Communication Disorders department at those two schools? Because my tour guide at UNH said that it was one of their most selective majors. The guide at Umass said he didn’t know anything about that department.
I don’t know your family’s financial situation. However, the cost of university is very important, and you definitely do not want to take on any significant debt in order to go to UNH rather than UMass Amherst. Academically UMass will be slightly stronger and has a stronger reputation.
We toured both schools a few years back. They are both in quite attractive locations if a bit rural. I agree that Portsmouth NH is beautiful, but I think that you will like Amherst and Northampton once you get to know them. You will get to know UMass Amherst and the surrounding area better over time if you go there, and will meet people at either school. I don’t know about musical theater at UMass, but they do have a very good music program.
I think that you should apply to both and see what sort of offers you get back.
UMass is a strong(er) school, Amherst has a lot more going for it than does Durham, and as your state flagship, UMass will likely be the far more affordable school.
@DadTwoGirls Yes, I’m definitely applying to both. And I’m planning on driving to Amherst/Northhampton at some point so I can explore the area some more.
Do you aspire to become a speech pathologist? If yes then you will need money for graduate school so it might not be wise to spent too much for undergrad. I would say apply to both and then compare the offers and visit again during accepted days. Those presentations are more focused and your questions will be better answered.
Agree – as the saying goes you are putting the cart before the horse. First apply, see where you get in, see which accept you into the speech pathology program, and then see what is affordable. And @am9799 is correct in that you will need a Masters degree to become a certified speech pathologist so be sure you consider that as well.