Am I making the right choice? Macalester v. Rhodes

College Search & Selection
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<p>I am in a panic now becasue I have been all set to go to Macalester but now I am not sure. The main thing is that it is really far away from home (Atlanta) and I am not sure it is worth it. My mom says my doubts are just pre-homesick but my dad has always wanted me to stay closer to home anyway so I think I am just caught up in their issues but maybe I would be happier if I could come home more. I have spent every summer since sixth grade at summer camp which I love so I have been away from home before but not like college where I will be much more alone.</p>

<p>So why did I want to go to Macalester? I want to work in international relations and Macalester seems like such a cool place with people from all over the world. But now I think that mgiht be a little out of my comfort zone in Minnesota. And I do not like that so many people at Rhodes are in sororities and fraternities. Would I be able to find quirky, off-beat people to be friends with? </p>

<p>I visited both places but Macalester only during the summer so maybe it is not as full of friendly people as I think. I guess I am just sad about leaving my friends here and worried that I will not find people to be friends with at college. Or which place would be better for fitting in. </p>

<p>Is there any help for this question?</p>

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<p>Rhodes has it’s fair share of non-frat-goers, and their programs WILL get you where you want to go in life. It wouldn’t be a bad choice at all. A few of my teachers went there (they’re recent alums) and they absolutely loved it.</p>

<p>Honestly, I’d say go to Rhodes. It seems like it’s definitely more within your comfort zone. Being far away for extended periods of time with no back up support can be hard, which your family seems to be conscious of. Just try Rhodes for a year and if you don’t like it, you can transfer.</p>

<p>(And, no, I don’t think you would have any problem making friends.)</p>

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<p>My daughter visited her friend in February at Macalester and was really delighted with how friendly the people were. We are from the NE where people are not so friendly. Quirky, smart people at Mac.
You’ll get used to being so far away, it takes at least one semester.</p>