BU vs. Carnegie Mellon vs. Emory- Dilemma

Hi. I just joined CC. It seems like there is a lot of good advice, and I feel as though I am currently facing a major dilemma. I have already made my deposit at BU. But now, I am wondering if I should forgo it should I get into Carnegie Mellon or Emory from the waiting list. I find out if I got into Carnegie next week. I like Carnegie because it’s good for STEM, and I want to major in Neuroscience/ Pre-Med. Carnegie also gave me 8k more in grants than BU, and has more prestige. However, from what I’ve heard it has a cold feeling, the kids are overly stressed, and there is no college vibe/ social life. Also, the whole Emory thing is still in the picture and Emory is great for pre-med. But, I am wary because I am not sure how much financial aid I will get from them. Is it worth it to wait for Emory if I decline Carnegie? Or should I should automatically hop on Carnegie because it is the best of them all? Plus, I have never visited Carnegie Mellon or Emory. I feel like I love BU and Boston, but Carnegie and Emory are higher ranking schools. Thanks for any opinions or advice.

I would not think about it unless you actually do get into another school off the waitlist, see if it is affordable etc… For now, be happy that you have a school you have been accepted to and are excited to attend.

Agree - don’t count your chickens, see if you get off the waiting list for either and then visit and decide.

Getting off the waiting list is often less than 1%, sometimes far less than 1% chance.