I know this is a pretty subjective topic, so I want to let everybody know that I’m just looking for your thoughts. I’m asking for some perspective.
Right off the bat, I’m not gonna post my credentials here, but I have fair reason to believe I’m going to get into a selective (10-15% acceptance rate) private liberal arts college that I’m really interested in. I almost ED’d, am really serious about some programs they offer, and spent a lot of time on the application + essays. It’s in a city I love, I love the student body and reputation, and I’d be competing for one of the most prestigious teams in the country. However, the school doesn’t offer any merit scholarships, and there’s no way I’d be eligible for enough financial aid to make this decision easier. In short: yes, we can afford it, but it would be stressful for my parents and I would have significant debt.
I fell in love with that college, but I also really, really love a huge, Big 10 school… They’re polar opposites but I could really see myself at both. I feel like I’m turned off by the “reputation” since it’s not insanely academic, which is stupid because it’s an AMAZING research institution with insane funding. I got a full ride to study engineering and was recruited at a D1 level (top 5 most competitive teams in the country), and getting the news was probably the best day of my life. Honestly, I’m waiting to give the coach a response because I feel like I’ve been conditioned to think that I “belong” at an Ivy / super selective school, which is something that I’m trying to get over.
I know it’s silly to say and it’s elitist. I could see myself being really happy at both, but part of me feels like I’m wasting my potential if I don’t go to a T10 school. Even if I don’t get into School 1, I feel like I’d still be endlessly chasing an Ivy instead of being serious about this fantastic opportunity in front of me. They’re both T30 and I feel like my opportunities at both would be amazing. I also want to have a social life and be an athlete… Agh. Can someone talk some sense into me? I think I’m in love with the idea of School 1 more than the person I’d be there. I feel like I’d grow much more at School 2 but my private-school-conditioned mind can’t get over this idea of “reputation” and feeling like a failure if I’m not at the most selective place I could be.
You already know the answer. You have a fantastic opportunity in front of you, a good college, funded and D1 sports? Use the money you “save” (well, forgoing significant debt is also saving) for grad school at an Ivy if you haven’t got it out your system by then.
Also, the OSU coach is likely not going to keep your spot on the team forever…have they given you a drop dead date? It’s hard to imagine they would wait until you hear from Barnard
I told her I’d have an answer by Mid-March, but that means that I have to reply to Barnard (if I get in) basically as soon as I get my decision. Which means all my coming-to-term has to happen now.
Do you have an athletic tip at Barnard/Columbia for your sport ? That could impact your likelihood of acceptance. My understanding is most athletes came in during ED - but maybe some sports have spots for RD and still offer coach support ?
You are maybe in for a surprise… The workload for engineering at Ohio State is probably tougher than what you will encounter at Barnard particularly so if you are shooting for a high GPA. Playing D1 simultaneously will make this even more challenging. Not that many people have the potential to do either much less both at the same time…
Well, if you use USNWR, none of your possible choices are T10 anyway. So that shouldn’t be a consideration. I would also worry about the success rates at “plus” programs.
I wrote in my post that I’m still caught up emotionally in the other Ivies I applied to (all but Princeton)… I applied to my fair share of T10 schools haha. But thank you! I see how that was confusing
You get a degree from Columbia. As a student at Barnard, you take classes at Columbia, so it’s really providing the same benefits (academics, social, athletics), just without the “Columbia” name.
As I said, I have fair reason but I’m not sure. If you look at my only other post on this account, I actually was asking to be chanced for Barnard! I am being presumptuous just for the sake of this post, as my problem is obviously contingent upon the fact that I get into both schools. If you’d like to give me insight on my admissions chances for Barnard, I’d appreciate if you could drop that in my other thread so I can keep everything together.
Additionally, I am not gambling… I am weighing my options. This is the same as any other person applying to and committing to colleges. I’m not sure what you would’ve liked me to do differently haha.
Yes sir! I applied for the 4+1 program. If you’re curious about my application the info is all on my account’s other thread. Thank you so much for your help
I didn’t say on here (nor do I think, of course!) that either road would be easy. I think I’d be happy and incredibly challenged at Ohio State. My problem really lies in the “name brand” aspect, if that makes sense.
I’m sure many people don’t have the potential to do both. I’m happy to say, though, that I’m excited to be a student athlete and committed to both athletic and academic achievement. I hope this helps!
