<p>QuestionableM, only you will be able to make an informed decision after weighing all the important factors relating to both schools. Because you clearly are torn between the two at this point, I recommend that you try to quantify your “feelings” about the schools. I’m sure there are many ways to do this, but my sons would list the things they felt were important, place a percentage to weight each factor, then rank each factor to arrive at an overall “final number.”</p>
<p>For example, you seem to be looking at sports team, academic reputation, costs and overall fit/comfort/intangibles. You could decide how important each factor is (for example, 30% academic, 30% sports, 25% costs, 15% overall fit/intangibles – just examples, I’m sure your percentages will vary). Then rate each factor from 1-10 (10 being the best, 1 the worst), and finally multiply each rated factor by the percentage and add to get an overall score. You need to be totally honest with yourself when going through this exercise (doesn’t matter what the “experts” say), and you need to take the time to make your percentages and ratings as precise as possible.</p>
<p>If the two schools are still close based on your numerical rating, you’ll have to go with your intuition. But by going through this exercise, you may learn which school is your best fit based on what’s important to you. Good luck!</p>