<p>I've been accepted to all of these, and I just want to know where I would be happy. That's the thing I care most about, not prestige or anything. I originally thought I would like a smaller school because I really like knowing my teachers and the people in my classes, and I feel like at a large school I might feel lost... but then I was accepted to Cornell (a big name), and Northeastern with a full scholarship ($43,000 a year)... both are 15,000 undergrads.</p>
<p>More things about me: I like math / possibly engineering.. but I don't know a major for sure and have no idea what I want after college. Also plan on being involved in music in college, not majoring but heavily involved. I am definitely social, but not a crazy party girl at all. Also, honestly, I don't like working hard... which is pretty much inevitable at this point..</p>
<p>I also got into University of Rochester, UConn, and Santa Clara... but not really considering those as much as the rest.</p>
<p>The closer it gets to the day I have to decide, the more I am unsure.. and it is really stressing me out, and I just wish I knew where I would be happy! UGH. HELP?</p>
<p>If you are looking for a small school, go to a small school. Don’t make compromises. You will be spending the next four years (possibly more) at this place and you don’t want to have to transfer!
For me, I know that I would prefer a larger school because I like the idea of meeting new people every day and I think it would provide a more exciting atmosphere. A small school, however, provides a much better student community and more involved class discussion (due to the small size). You would also probably be able to take advantage of a lot more opportunities because there will be less competition.</p>
<p>As for the schools you’re seriously considering : Carnegie Mellon is a GOD of an math/science/engineering school. So if you’re placing a lot of weight on academics, this is definitely a big contender.
Cornell-- I’m not sure if you would like it here considering the fact that it’s an extremely huge school and campus. And don’t put too much weight on the fact that it’s “a big name” school. It all depends on how you do in college, not where you go. Also, you will inevitably do better at a school where you’re happy.
Northeastern-- Were you also accepted into their Honors Program? If so, I would probably put this one up there with Carnegie Mellon because it is another well-known engineering school and the honors program is just amazing. (It’s one of my top choices as well!) Plus, you’re getting the full ride, which will DEFINITELY help you out in the long run.</p>
<p>If you haven’t visited any of these schools, go visit! It will help you evaluate the “overall fit,” which seems like the factor you value most in making your decision.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Cornell and Northeastern are super different atmospheres. How did you like NEU’s urban campus? How do you feel about living in Boston for 4/5 years? What kind of student body do you want? How do you feel about NEU being heavy on the co-op/work experience? Northeastern has a pretty decent reputation around Boston, it’s up and coming in the rankings, etc etc etc, but if you aren’t in to the city/co-op thing it might not be the best choice.</p>
<p>I had a friend in high school turn down Dartmouth for a full-ride at northeastern honors, and she really loved it. Personally I probably wouldn’t turn down the chance to attend college for free unless you really preferred another school and money wasn’t an issue.</p>