<p>D prefers BGSU and green campus. Anyone have knowledge of BGSU and student outcomes? It is a very nice campus and the people were friendly. However the retention and graduation rates are not impressive. Should that weigh into decision making even though the student prefers it? Would you steer your child toward Pitt?</p>
<p>These are two very different schools. One example: An ACT score of 25 would be at the 25th percentile at Pitt, but above the 75th percentile at BGSU. BGSU is a non-selective (third tier?) state u. Pitt is much higher ranked-- something to be considered if that matters to you. Dropout rates are going to be high among the less capable students at a school like BGSU. On the other hand, if your D is a top student, she won’t have much to worry about and may stand out. What about cost? Is BGSU offering your D a big scholarship, or will you have to pay out of state fees (assuming from your name that your home state is PA. . .) I have nothing against BGSU, (I have friends who went there, a relative is a current student and having a great time there. . .) and maybe your D is considering others schools, too. This just seems like an “odd pair” to be deciding between. Are there any other schools on her list? Or is your D a senior making her final decision?</p>
<p>Thanks! You’re the only one to respond, atomom. She did receive scholarships from BGSU so it would be a little more than ten thousand dollars less expensive per year. She is a senior and crossed everything else off the list. I prefer Pitt and she likes it, but prefers BGSU. I want her to own the decision, but I don’t know if she realizes the differences in the student body. I encouraged her to apply to Pitt and a random employee at the Verizon store encouraged her to apply to BGSU. In hindsight, should have had her apply to Penn State which has a similar green campus to BGSU. She has been undecided and confused all along and contemplated a gap year, so I hesitate to say anything negative about BGSU if it will get her going. However, since she seems to be a late bloomer with this whole process the partying at BGSU and influences worry me. Are you from Ohio and could you tell me more about BGSU?</p>
<p>I agree with atomom that those two are an odd pair! They seem so different in many respects. I am from the NWO area and therefore know a large number of students at BG. I will say most who go there enjoy the experience. I have a cousin who is currently in the honors program there and she has had terrific internship and volunteer opportunities. They seem to have a highly regarded education major and sports management program. The state is also building a very large, state of the art forensic investigation lab on campus. Campus has a wide assortment of extracurriculars. It’s absolutely known as a party school because it is. It’s easy to get into and BG is a very small town. BG was one of my daughter’s potential schools but she ended up choosing to go out of state.</p>
<p>I am originally from Ohio. I don’t live there now–but most of my relatives live there. Are you saying that the cost of BGSU will be more than 10K less per year than the cost of Pitt–OR less than the original cost of BGSU? What is the total cost difference between the two schools?</p>
<p>Thank you again for responding! The total cost difference between the two schools would be about $11,000. BGSU would cost less than Pitt. The money would not be a problem though. I guess I am trying to make sure that she will be okay at BGSU since that’s where she wants to go. I wondered if there were any compelling reasons for her not to go there. Although I would prefer Pitt, I do agree with many posters throughout CC that fit and comfort are important. As you said, as a good student she may stand out there. Btw she is going for the accounting major in the College of Business Administration.</p>
<p>Thank you too PinkBentley. Gives me some comfort with the idea:)</p>
<p>The only thing I would caution is that BGSU could be considered a “suitcase school” and she may find campus life is pretty empty on the weekends. I live about 30 miles from a directional school and am always surprised with how dead the town and campus seems on the weekends. But if she would rush for instance or find a club sport she loves, she would find more people who stay on the weekends. </p>
<p>That being said, I have a friend who sent her kids to BGSU. They were smart kids and really shined there. They were able to get more scholarships because they did so well and were able to get into medical and a better state law school. They are very successful today and were able to get through undergrad with little debt. </p>
<p>Thank you deb922. I would be surprised if it is a suitcase school since it is quite far from some of the bigger cities, but thank you for that caution. I truly appreciate the feedback. Honestly the kids seemed nice, but the low admittance score and retention rate gave me pause. These posts are very helpful in balancing the view. Thank you again.</p>
<p>The fact that BGSU costs so much less, AND she likes the feel of it, might be the deciding factor. If she dislikes the more urban atmosphere of Pitt, that might make her unhappy. She can get a good enough education at BGSU–and save a lot of $–and probably come out with a high gpa, too. Many students feel forced to go to schools they don’t really like because the price is cheaper. She has the significantly cheaper price at the school she prefers–That’s a positive! It’s OK, let her go. ( BTW, my relative who attends there doesn’t live that far away, but rarely goes home, and seems to be involved with fun activities/groups–busy enough on weekends, without heavy-duty partying.) </p>
<p>Have her go to BGSU for an overnight visit in the dorms. It is a big party school in the middle of corn fields. Known for a few other features I will not mention. But if she feels it is a good fit, certainly worth considering, I have known graduates who loved it (we live in Ohio).</p>
<p>Go see Pittsburg too for an overnight. Absolutely spectacular college town in the midst of an educational and cultural renaissance. Carnegie Mellon, Pitt, several other strong Unis and an exciting food scene too.</p>
<p>2prepMom, you have me too curious about the other features! Please do share!! Unfortunately, it is too late to do overnights. May 1st is the deadline. It seems easy to pick the less expensive good enough school, but most reactions are like yours - Pitt is spectacular and BG is good enough. Makes it harder not easier to see her do it without trying to sway her.</p>
<p>Um…if she wants to do an overnight visit anywhere before making a decision, I suggest she really hurry up! I can’t imagine she could schedule and go to overnights at both Pitt, and BGSU before Thursday.</p>
<p>Your daughter must have applied to these two schools for a reason. Pitt, in my opinion, is the stronger if the two schools. BUT your daughter is the one going to college. Are you instate for Ohio? Or PA? </p>
<p>She likes BGSU better, and the cost is favorable. Save that extra $10,000 a year, and consider offering it for grad school when the time comes.</p>
<p>Just found this thread…curious what your daughter decided. I have a son who will be starting BGSU in the fall. He’s coming from a small, private school in Michigan and is also a bit sheltered when it comes to partying. I know he’s in for some culture shock, but he really liked the school when we visited, and I think he will have the opportunity to shine if he stays true to what he’s learned in high school. </p>