Advice on College Selection

<p>I'm a current senior with less than a month to decide where I'm going to school in the fall and am having some difficulty. </p>

<p>Background-
I applied to 7 schools, was accepted to 6 (Appalachian State, UNC Charlotte, Elon University, UNC Chapel Hill, George Washington University, an Vanderbilt University) and waitlisted at Wake Forest University. I have narrowed down my list to two schools: Elon and UNC Chapel Hill. Financially these two are the best options (about the same in cost to attend) and I believe that I could be successful at both.</p>

<p>Dilemma-
I'm stuck between these two schools for various reasons</p>

<p>Elon gave me considerable scholarships and I was accepted into one of their Fellows Programs. I know that at Elon I will have several opportunities for internships, research and studying abroad. I also know that the small size will provide me with more attention from professors. However, I fear that socially I will not be comfortable at Elon and I also wonder about the schools reputation (will I be able to get into a good graduate program or have similar job opportunities as someone at a higher ranked school). </p>

<p>At UNC I feel as though I will feel more comfortable socially as I believe the student body is more diverse and accepting. I love the campus and I think that at Carolina I would have a "real" college experience. Carolina is academically challenging in addition to offering a multitude of activities and experiences for students outside of the classroom. However I fear that the size of the school will prevent me from standing out. </p>

<p>Conclusion-
I am undecided in terms of major however I am interested in Education, Psychology, and Communications/Journalism as potential majors. I want to join the student paper, work in theatre, and get involved with service groups at the school I attend. I may also rush a sorority if I find one that "fits" and I definetly WANT to participate in a study abroad program. I am fairly shy but i am extremely driven and determined to succeed both academically and professionally. I am looking for an environment in which I can thrive an break out of my shell. I want to form good relationships and come out of college a more confident, aware, educated and well-prepared individual.</p>

<p>If anyone knows anything about these schools or has experience with one I would really appreciate some advice.</p>

<p>Don’t know anything about education or psychology at either of those schools, but I do know that UNC’s communications/journalism program is one of the best in the nation, really fantastic, so if you’re looking to go into that field, UNC’s name will get you farther than Elon’s and will also prepare you well for the communications/journalism world. That’s about as far as I can comment on either one.</p>