<p>I was recently rejected by my #1 school choice (UNC Chapel Hill) and am now trying to decide between Clemson or University of Georgia, both still good schools, which I was accepted to early admisison. As someone who grew up in Canada its really hard for me to make a decision when I don't know much at all about American school systems. I took a year off this year (living in North Carolina) while my family moved, so I am out of state for both universities. Cost is obviously an issue but both seem fairly similar.
I was hoping to go into communications or journalism and Georgia definitely has a more extensive and reputable program in this field, but I felt really unsure visiting the campus as it is so large. I felt much more at home and happy on Clemson's campus, both because of its beauty and how friendly and down to earth all the people seemed. Nightlife is also a consideration for me, Clemson really has no downtown life from what i have seen and Georgia is very well known for being a party school.
I'm just looking for some input on both schools, I fell in love with Clemson but Georgia does have more program options and a city life nearby.... it's a tough decision</p>
<p>I’m concerned that someone who calls themselves “hippiecanadian” may be a poor fit for Clemson (very conservative college, with Canada not necessarily seen very positively.)
Academically speaking: Did you get into the Honors program at either?
Did you get into any other school?
Colleges that still accept applications include Eckerd, Flagler, Hendrix…</p>
<p>I would disagree with the notion that Clemson is “very conservative” and would not welcome a Canadian. South Carolina is more conservative than many other places in the country, but college towns/university campuses tend to be more liberal. Besides, there are hippie liberal people all across the South and probably a decent contingent at Clemson as well.</p>
<p>If you felt happier and more at home on Clemson’s campus, I think you should go there. College is more than just a job-prep program; it’ll be your home for four years. You’ll learn just as much (if not more) outside the classroom as in it, and you’ll form lots of close relationships. Clemson’s a bit smaller than UGA. Yes, Athens is closer to a city, but Atlanta is about 45 minutes away and you may not find yourself going there very often. You may want to talk to some Clemson students about what the party lifestyle is like; generally speaking, though, students at big publics party.</p>
<p>I agree with juillet. I know many Clemson graduates, including a healthy dose of liberals, and all of them love the university. One thing Clemson has going for it is friendly students, whatever part of the political spectrum they are on. I can’t imagine that being Canadian would make any difference. </p>
<p>In your areas of interest academically, Clemson is not competitive with UGA. The Grady School at UGA is one of the top schools of communication and journalism in the country. Georgia has been getting more and more serious academically every year as the Hope Scholarship has made admissions more competitive in-state. It’s less of a party school than it used to be (though there are still parties). Athens is a much larger college town with lots to do - great restaurants, a renowned music scene (that might be the city life you referenced). Clemson’s town is small and somewhat isolated. UGA’s student body will be more diverse as a large share comes from metro Atlanta (itself a diverse metropolitan area). I’d go with UGA but your personal fit overrides all.</p>
<p>Really don’t think my screen name means too much about who i am… Yes i grew up in Canada but I found the people at both schools to be really welcoming and awesome.
Thanks for the advice quakerstake, i think one of the major reasons I didn’t feel as good at UGA was because both the campus and student population are so huge. I don’t want to be lost in the crowd. It also seemed like the majority of people who go to UGA were from in-state, does that make it a lot less diverse than clemson? (where i believe the percentage of in-state students is lower) Also, does the large campus make it hard to get around easily on foot or bike? Is a car necessary if you live off campus?
My other concern with Grady College is the fact that you have to apply as a sophomore. I would hate to put in two years of hard work at a school and then be unable to pursue my major, i know there are more competitive majors in the school and that the school is obviously difficult to get into.</p>
<p>If you meet the requirements (2.8 GPA, prerequisites taken) to apply to Grady, the chances are very good that you’ll be accepted. This article indicates that 330 of 350 applicants typically get in.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.redandblack.com/news/freshmen-college-applications-within-the-university-tackle-more-than-gpas/article_39f54de3-2f38-5579-b7c9-52861d3f59b9.html”>http://www.redandblack.com/news/freshmen-college-applications-within-the-university-tackle-more-than-gpas/article_39f54de3-2f38-5579-b7c9-52861d3f59b9.html</a></p>
<p>Okay OP, sorry if the screen name is ironic or something.
BTW, conservatives can be extremely friendly, not sure why some people would see an opposition there.
Clemson students are very friendly, “Southern hospitality”, etc, but it’s a very conservative school (along the lines of TAMU, Auburn, perhaps W&L) so someone who considers themselves “hippie” would likely feel out of place or uncomfortable. Since OP doesn’t really feel so, there’s no problem.
Clemson is an excellent school and you sound like you like it better.
It’s true UGA is better specifically for your intended major though and if you do “put in two years of hard work” I don’t see why you wouldn’t get in so you shouldn’t be concerned about not getting in. You’re right, the school IS huge. (Do you see a Living Learning Community that appeals to you? Or did you get into Honors? Both these things can help in making the school feel smaller.)
In terms of diversity, UGA is 75% white, 1% international; Clemson is 85% white, 1.2% international. Not sure if it changes anything. </p>
<p>Ended up going with UGA, thanks for all the help 
I think it will be a good fit</p>
<p>Congratulations!
Did you ask for a Living Learning Community (or Honors College Dorm)? These will help make the school “feel smaller”. </p>