<p>This is my first time posting, but I am in desperate need of help. I have recently been accepted as a Renaissance Scholar at the University of Rochester. As a result, I have a full ride to the college as well as being a member of a pretty selective group. I am in love with Rochester's curriculum, because I would love the opportunity to triple major in business, econ, and international relations. However, I am afraid of the lack of a surrounding city. </p>
<p>I have also been accepted to Claremont Mckenna. Due to scholarships, f I went there, I would have to pay around 6k a year. Claremont McKenna has a great econ program, but they lack an undergrad business school. Claremont is located close to L.A. so access to the city would be great. Claremont's core curriculum is relatively inviting, but the weather is incredible. </p>
<p>What is the reputation of Rochester like on the East Coast (I'm from Seattle). Would I have a good chance of getting a good job in NYC after going to Rochester. Is the extra 6k worth it for CMC? I could always transfer into CMC, but never into the Renaissance program too is something I've considered. Do the schools have similar reputations on their respective coasts? Feel free to help me with any pros or cons. </p>
<p>I am originally from the East Coast but now reside in Los Angeles.</p>
<p>We love CMC and the Claremont Colleges which is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. As I am sure you know, the undergraduate colleges include CMC, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, Pomona College and Scripps College. The campuses are beautiful and you will meet some of the smartest (and laid back) folks ever. Claremlont is actually 35 miles from Los Angeles, you’ll need a car for sure. I have friends and family that have attended the schools (CMC, Pomona and Pitzer) and my kid applied to Harvey Mudd but chose to go elsewhere.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about Univ of Rochester other than that it is a very good school, so I did some research in order to answer your question. </p>
<p>All that being said, I say choose Rochester and never look back. This is coming form a guy that is biased towards CMC. After reading your post, it appears that subconsciously you have already made up your mind. This is why I say that:
vs.
Also, and more importantly, you said this:
vs.
It seems the only real benefits that you mention are that the weather at CMC is better than Rochester and CMC is located closer to a big city. I would NOT base my decision on weather. Yes, I get that you are from Seattle and would love 300 days a year of smoggy sunshine in LA. But Rochester will be a bit sunnier than Seattle, if not significantly colder in the winter and humid in the summer. Yes, CMC is 35 miles from LA and NYC is 330 miles from Rochester. However, Rochester is considered a top ranked college town and Claremont is not.</p>
<p>Rochester is also known internationally for its programs and it really is one of the top research universities in the US. The student/faculty ratio is similar to CMC at 10:1. You will get an outstanding education there. Also, if your career takes you to NYC and Wall Street, Rochester will have more weight in interviews. CMC is a very local West Coast institution and East Coast recognition is not that common. Those who know will be impressed by CMC. But those that don’t, will scratch their heads and you will have to explain to them how good and how selective the school is. Even Pomona College, which has entry standards like the top Ivies, is not that well known outside of certain circles. I also like these international rankings by the Financial Times for Rochester:
Go to Rochester and never look back. Take the $24,000 you’ll save over 4 years and go chill on the beach in Thailand, Greece or even Goa.</p>
<p>Congrats on getting a full ride. Few, can boast of that.</p>