Hi there! I seek guidance on my college decision. I’m hoping to study creative writing and international relations. I won’t go into debt with any of my options.
Brandeis University: Probably the best academic fit for me. I also love the wide range of clubs. It’s very close to home though, and the housing situation is sub-optimal (everyone I talked to hated their housing, and freshmen often seem to end up in forced triples). I also don’t know how well I fit in socially. No money. Good access to Boston’s gay scene, which is something that’s important to me.
Clark University: The advantage here is the money — I was offered a full ride, plus the fifth year masters program could mean I get a free masters degree. That made my decision until I visited and found out that absolutely everyone smoked weed (I’m sober and substance-free). Also, I come from a low income neighborhood myself and attend a high school where the majority of the student body is under the poverty line, but Main South really caught me off guard. There were used needles lying all over the sidewalk and I saw someone get arrested right on campus! Apparently it’s also very easy to buy heroin and some of the students are users. Additionally, an admissions officer told me I was offered the full ride so I could “elevate the level of conversation”. I don’t want to be the most academically inclined person in the classroom, though. I would prefer to learn from my peers than teach them.
Bard College: Probably the best social fit for me. I felt at home here and the vibes were better than anywhere else. I adore the vibes and the class I visited (the first year seminar) was really captivating! It doesn’t have the same academic prestige or range of options though, and it is the most expensive option on my list (no money). Also, I don’t drive, and I wonder whether that might limit me in such a rural setting?
Thank you so so so much for reading through all that! What do you all think?