I applied to double major in mathematics and computer science and am also considering a French minor. Right now, I would be planning to apply to graduate school for math, but would also consider working after getting my undergrad and using the comp sci degree more (obviously all of this could change once I go to college).
Of the colleges that I’ve been accepted into, Carleton and Duke are my top two choices. I like both of the schools a lot, but if cost wasn’t a consideration I would probably choose Duke. I like that Carleton is smaller than Duke and would have less competition for research opportunities and working with professors. I’m also a fan of the trimester system that Carleton has. On the other hand, I feel like the Duke’s reputation could be helpful and I also like Duke’s location, campus, and some of their certificate programs more than Carleton’s. The main thing that I dislike about Duke is the financial aid package. I won’t get too specific, but Duke would be more than twice the cost of Carleton and I think I would have to take out around $20,000 in loans per year that I went to Duke. I’ll be paying for undergrad and grad completely out of my own pocket, but unfortunately that is not included in FAFSA, CSS, etc. /:
Any advice on where I should go or any scholarships that I could still apply for at this point (after April 1st) would be greatly appreciated!
How are you going to pay for either one?
You, as a freshman, can only take a 5.5K loan. Your parents have to co-sign anything else.
You cannot have an 80K loan and since you have an excellent choice with Carleton,
I don’t see how your parents could justify taking such a loan for you.
They’re polar opposite: Duke is very Greek and preprofessional, Carleton has no Greek Life, is quirky and intellectual.
Have you been admitted anywhere that you can afford with just a 5.5K loan? If your parents won’t help at all, do they expect you to go to college? Or is there some beef (ie., they want you to attend their alma mater and won’t pay for anything else… or, they want to cast you out for religious reasons, etc…)?
Any scholarships you would get now would come out of your need-based financial aid.
Duke seems out of it - you’re never going to pay off those loans as an academic. Even if you go into industry they would be burdensome.
Can you afford Carleton without parent-plus loans/
Based on the information shared, Carleton College is the wiser & safer choice.
Were you awarded an academic scholarship by Carleton College ?
If not, then why is there such a dramatic difference in the need-based financial aid awards ?
If you prefer Duke, then contact Duke’s office of financial aid & admissions & share the info. that you have shared in this thread.
If you save 20K/year by going to Carleton, and are not wealthy, then the answer is pretty obvious. Many would argue that the quality of teaching would be better at a LAC like Carleton, anyway.
For your intended majors it would be difficult to top Carleton.