These are my top options right now…waiting to see ivies admissions in April.
I was a finalist for the Presidential Scholars Program, so if I get the scholarship, I get:
a trip to Italy, Nicaragua, an 8 week trip for language immersion, and full tuition
pretty sweet, but I also got accepted into Georgetown, which was my top choice.
I want to go into foreign service.
What do you think I should do if I get the PSP scholarship?
Politely decline it. Georgetown SFS is like a singer making it to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera. The Lyric in Chicago or the Houston Grand can make their most attractive offer but there is no substitute for being with the best of the best.
I second that vienna man. Georgetown SFS is a one of a kind opportunity for which there is NO substitute. BC is a wonderful school too, but SFS is the best! If you want to do foreign service, then go with SFS.
Would you be accruing a lot of debt to go to Georgetown?
If you receive full tuition, do not pass it up without careful consideration. I am a parent of a very happy Georgetown student, but full tutiion at Boston college is a great opportunity and can be followed by grad school at Georgetown. If paying is a hardship for your parents, or if you are going to graduate with debt, I would take the scholarship and make the most of a great education at Boston College free of charge.
Similar situation here as OP. Got accepted to both and just went up for PSP interviews at BC. But what about MSB at Georgetown vs. Carroll School at Boston College with PSP?
a free deal is a free deal. This one is a no-brainer.
Enjoy four years, apply for a Fullbright or Peace Corps, and then pickup an MA at Georgetown or H or SAIS or somewhere else.
btw: many 18-year olds have starry eyes wrt to international work, but Americans soon find out that such jobs are extremely limited until you have spent time overseas.
Strictly my opinion here. The PSP at BC is an incredible program and will open many doors. It is not just a free deal; it is so much more than a “scholarship” in that it offers invaluable opportunities and many, many perks. The choice is not even close. Congratulations on making it to Finalist; however, you may not end up receiving the scholarship at which point your decision will be less complicated. Whatever, what wonderful choices you have! Good luck.
Perhaps, but (unless the OP is wealthy), is it really worth ~$275k more?
I would go to BC. It’s an excellent school with an outstanding reputation and you’ve been offered a free ride PLUS! All those international opportunities would be great experience for someone interested in foreign service. These scholarships are only offered to a few students so you must be a very impressive candidate. I’m sure you can leverage the substantial resources and opportunities at BC to achieve your future goals.
@Mathandmusic914 – unlike the OP who is considering SFS (which may be without peer), the BC business school is considered by some (including Business Week Magazine) to be a stronger program than Georgetown McDonough School of Business. I would take the BC PSP in a heartbeat.