I’m a current prospective student from LA. I’ve been accepted to Occidental College, Grinnell College, Emory University, and a few more, but those former three are the ones I’m really deciding between. Occidental College, while not as good as Grinnell and Emory, is close to home, and I’ve always been pretty attached to home, so I don’t know how well I’ll do in a place as far as the other two schools. However, most of the financial aid given to me is in the form of loans, and compared to the $20,000 merit scholarship Grinnell gave me, it’s definitely not as good. As for Emory, the financial aid hasn’t come out yet, so I’m not sure how much they’re going to give me-- but probably not much. Should I stay close to home at a decent college, or should I go far from home to save money and gain new experience? Also, if you’re a current student from any of these schools and happen to see this, please tell me what you like about each! Thanks! (First time posting so I’m not sure if I have to put anything else here.)
I’d vote for Grinnell. It’s cheaper given the generous merit scholarship, I think its stronger academically, and I think college is a good time to stretch yourself and try something new.
I’d go to Grinnell - it’s honestly a better-reputed college, but that in addition to the fact that they are throwing lots of money at you is a vote in its favor. You’ll make new friends and great relationships in college; a small college town often means a very vibrant campus life, since students can’t go elsewhere to make their fun. And winter is not so bad - you just need a good coat!
Wait until you get all your FA offers. Sit and talk with your parents about what they can afford.
I merged the two questions because they are very closely linked
I’m an LA born and raised girl, and I’m not sure which one to go to. Both have their pros and cons, so if any current students could enlighten me on the situation at either school, please do! Or any opinion in general on which one you think is better.
Grinnell:
Pros:
They gave me a great merit scholarship-- 20,000 for all four years, and this isn’t even including financial aid!
Super good school.
I’ve heard that the people there are very accepting and friendly.
Cons:
So far! I’m pretty attached to home, so I don’t know how well I can deal with the far-ness.
Weather. I’ve never experienced a full winter in my lifetime LOL
Small town. I don’t think I’ll have a lack of things to do, but compared to the hustle and bustle of LA, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to transition well enough.
Occidental:
Pros:
Close to home, but far enough that I can’t drive back and forth every day.
I went to visit, and the people there seem to be really friendly!
It’s got the hustle and bustle that I’m used to, and I can visit friends often.
Cons:
Tuition. Most of the financial aid they gave me was in loans, so I’d still have to pay pretty much full price.
Compared to Grinnell, it’s definitely not as good in terms of academics.
Thanks a bunch!
Yup! I’m leaning towards Grinnell right now. I’m hoping that the distance won’t be a problem, but if it is, do you guys have any tips on how to deal with it? I’m already pretty familiar with the whole boarding life, since I go to a private boarding school, but it’s only around half an hour away from home.
I also just got into NYU! I don’t think their FA information has come out yet, but there’s another one to consider!