<p>I've been accepted to Furman with a possibility for lots of scholarship money (Herman lay, hollingsworth), and I'm trying to decide whether or not I should attend. I'm interested in mathematics and economics (which i know is an actual major at Furman by itself), but I've also been accepted to Clemson, Rice, Washington University in St. Louis, and Duke (also Wake Forest, but it is no longer an option for me). Clemson has offered me a lot of money (affordable) and Rice has offered me slightly outside of affordable in merit, but I might appeal. I think it might be narrowed down to Clemson and Furman, but each have pros and cons. My main appeal against Furman is small size, and less social than Clemson (football, Death Valley, tons of intramurals, many clubs). Convince me for Furman, what do you think?</p>
<p>Congrats on having so many choices. </p>
<p>My son was accepted to Furman, but only with $14K in merit awards. Honestly, a year ago he thought Furman was near the top of his list. But, over the past year he felt that he outgrew it. One reason for this may also influence your decision...it sounds like every class meets every day. I understand Furman may be moving to the semester system, but every class every day seems too much like high school (unless you like that sort of thing). You should compare programs in your area(s) of interest, for each school. For example, when my son's choice came down to Emory (2/3 tuition) and Univ of Rochester (full tuition), he looked in the course catalog to compare curriculum and AP credit acceptance for the departmental majors in which he is interested. I will say that Rice probably offers a more unique dorm-life experience than most, and WashU is a lot like Emory (strong academics, but no big sports). Clemson is pretty big (diploma mill), but you're right that there is a lot of school spirit there. If you like the Greek scene, then I'd say Furman will fill that bill. Regardless of what they may say in the literature, I can't help but notice that the Furman Freshman Journals (last year and this) were filled with yada yada about that stuff...so somebody is kidding themselves if they think it ain't big at that campus. Hmmm...you want bigger than Furman, but with strong academics and a strong school spirit...I vote for Duke. Again, compare the curriculum for your areas of interest.</p>
<p>Sorry...you asked for someone to "convince you" for Furman. Which schools have you visited? Have you established any faculty contacts at any of these schools?</p>
<p>By the way...Rice is small, too. Just thought of that. Oh, and Houston is hot, flat, and filled with concrete (according to my thirty or forty relatives over there).</p>
<p>Best of luck in your decision!</p>
<p>soddy</p>
<p>Hey thanks for the response, I appreciate it. When I said "convince me" I was actually hoping for many different responses from different areas. I've visited all but Washu and Rice, both of which are paying for my flights. And once again, the schools are offering money, but its not nearly enough... Rice is offering me $54k, and Duke is offering very little need based aid, but other than that its squat.</p>