<p>I know the two are very different in terms of size, location, etc., but I'm still having trouble deciding between the two. The costs are pretty close (I get slightly more from Emory because of a merit scholarship), so that's not a deciding factor.</p>
<p>At Emory, I'll be an Emory Scholar, so that's a huge draw, and also, it's much warmer (cold weather makes me want to cry...I know, it's pathetic), closer to home, and bigger, so it should offer more resources. What draws me to Carleton, though, is how quirky and intellectual its student body is and the close-knit community. </p>
<p>If it helps, I'm interested in double majoring in history and biology (or in anthropology, but I don't really know much about this subject), and I'm considering attending graduate school for a PhD in either history or anthropology.</p>
<p>For your circumstances, I would suggest Emory. Carleton is in Minnesota, and if you cannot stand cold weather, it’ll be a long four years. Emory is big enough that you will find the quirky and intellectual people there. You can create a close-knit community with close friends. That being said, both are extremely great schools and you’ll be successful wherever you go.</p>
<p>Ask yourself if you’ll be happy at Emory. If the answer is no, to borrow forgottenmuch987’s argument, it will be a VERY long four years. </p>
<p>Expect that winter trimester will be cold in Northfield, but Carleton intentionally structures a long 6 week winter break for just this reason. Fall and spring terms make up for winter’s chill. They are great times to enjoy a beautiful campus and the miles of trails that penetrate the surrounding arboretum.</p>
<p>I suspect you realize that Emory is not a significant crossover school with Carleton. The student body drawn tends to be very different. Carls that have applied in the south are much more likely to have considered Rice, for example, than Emory, Vanderbilt or Duke. Nationally, Brown, Chicago, Yale, and Swarthmore are typical cross applications. </p>
<p>Both schools have a lot to offer. Just make sure you’re interested in what they’re offering.</p>