<p>So, after a long and painful college search and application process (a little bit exaggerated, of course) it is time to choose. I've been accepted at all of my (ten) schools but am really left with only three to choose from. Rather than bore you will all the details of my situation, (first) I'll give you an abbreviated summary. IME I cannot justify a (at the least) $10K difference a year. So, I'm left with U of Maryland, U of Delware, and U of South Carolina. I'm not yet so comfortable with a big school... but it's only four years and I'll learn to like it, right? So, I'm leaning towards Delaware because of its relatively small size and decent honors program. I like the weather of South Carolina, but its reputation is, well, less than stellar. Anyone have any views on Delaware? It isn't talked about that much but I know that some of you have applied and go there. Have you found the campus to be really spread out? Any experience with the engineering program? Flexible? Any info really would be great...</p>
<p>Here's where I applied and such... even though it really doesn't matter. </p>
<p>U of Maryland- accepted, honors, full tuition ~16K
U of Delaware- accepted, honors, scholarships that bring it down to ~15K
U of South Carolina- accepted, scholarships that bring it down to ~10K
U of Miami- accepted, scholarships that bring it down to ~28K
Syracuse- accepted, scholarships that bring it down to ~24K
Northeastern- accepted, scholarships that bring it down to ~30K
Lehigh- accepted, full tuition of ~42K
Lafayette- accepted, full tuition of ~40K
Smith- accepted, STRIDE research invitation(which comes with about 5K in grants, but haven't received any scholarship info... more than likely will be full tuition minus the STRIDE money)
Embry Riddle- accepted, scholarships that bring it down to ~24K</p>
<p>I have been impressed with u of Del Honors Program. as mentioned on a previous post. Unlike some Honors Programs it involves a very large no. of students---about 14% of the population. The Honors dorms are in the best location in the middle of campus on the quad. The campus is beautiful and a quick train ride to Phila., NYC, D.C. I thought the little town, with cafes, ice cream, book stores was unique and steps off of campus. You can't go wrong wityh any of these schools. Attend sccepted student days and let that experience help you decide.</p>
<p>Sorry if I gave you the impression I was a student there. My impressions are based on visits, working with collegues who are graduates of U of Del, and a S who was accepted there but chose a different school. I also hear good things about Maryland but the location is quite different. I am not sure about Del. but most large schools have specific colleges within the university and that smaller grouping helps since they "take care of their own". As far as being spread out I didn't get that impression. Some of the upperclassroom dorms are farther away as are the athletic fields but the majority of dorms, student ctr, libraries, calssrooms seem to be in the center area. Attend accepted students days at your top choices. The experience is quite different thn the tours when you were merely a potential applicant. These days should provide you with a better sense of the group you will be with Freshman year at any of these schools.</p>