<p>anyone else?</p>
<p>All I will say is that UGA is a far cry from Cornell or Caltech academically. The difference in level of instruction, in standards, in approach is there, and very noticeable. I know kids who–are smart, but not Caltech-level smart, who are very bored there. It is, in my opinion, knowing what I know now, a gap so large that I couldn’t justify choosing UGA over an (affordable) institution like Caltech or Cornell, even with the mitigating effect of the honors program. (And the average student in UGA Honors is still not your peer academically. That’s just a fact.) You will have to search long and hard, and go far out of your way, to find the kinds of academic challenges that you would be surrounded by at an elite university.</p>
<p>There are other factors besides academics, of course, and on balance you may decide that having to swim upstream to seek intellectual stimulation is worth it. But, mm, having been in your position before, I think the right choice in this case is the difficult one. I’m sure you’d do well at UGA, and that it would take you everywhere you want to go–but a school like Caltech (or Cornell–both are very special) is a world apart from that. It will change you in ways you can’t even imagine. It will shake up your worldview, push you past your limits–and prove to you that you can do so much more than you ever thought possible. It’s an experience that, IMO, shouldn’t be passed up easily.</p>
<p>What is the cost of each per year? All things being equal - I would opt for Cal Tech is you are CERTAIN about your major - if not and might explore go to Cornell - UGA is no match UNLESS money is WAYYYY cheaper.</p>
<p>Thanx for ur helpful response… I’m narrowing down my choice down to Caltech and UGA</p>
<p>So basically I’ll have to pay 15k more for Caltech in total over the course of 4 years. Is a Caltech education worth it over UGA, where I have already gotten in a lab that has great publication potential, and the academic is much easier. However, I’m quite uninspired by the atmosphere at UGA, tho of course, I can make it work with much effort.
I want to be challenged by the best minds and materials, which Caltech offers, yet unsure about my own abilities, and the prospect of aiming for publication isn’t as great as UGA, depending on the lab/advisor I’ll end up in, however, I’ll virtually have guaranteed summer project via SURF. Is it really worth it?</p>
<p>15 K over 4 years is TOTALLY worth it!!! Go to Cal Tech it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!</p>
<p>I agree japanoko i am so sick of this garbage. This country wonders why its falling behind - being spoiled is a huge reason.</p>
<p>okay i just read the title of the thread and i say go to caltech. GO to CALTECH. do it. it will be worth the money. when you apply to a job, no scratch that. when you you just MENTION that you go/went to caltech they WILL hire you. you will never be questioned. they will know that you are the best of the best. and if you’re worried about money, i’m pretty sure that your starting salary will pay off your loans. gooooo caltech. THE institution of technology :D</p>
<p>Sure, Caltech has the reputation, but it matters little, because undergrad isn’t my eventual destination. Usually, Caltech’s reputation translates to better research opportunity. However, I have found many labs in my state school that I can get started on research right away. So idk if Caltech’s reputation will serve me well in the long run for grad school/ MD/PhD program admission. The courseload is challenging. I love it, but I don’t know if the fact that I work my butt off but still make bad GPA will ruin my chance for grad school…
Will Caltech give me a chance to outshine others given that I make a 3.5 GPA vs 4.0 at UGA with everything else equal?</p>
<p>“Sure, Caltech has the reputation, but it matters little,”</p>
<p>This may be the most naive/ignorant post on this entire website. You know what, go to UGA</p>
<p>[After</a> Caltech - Caltech Caltech Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/after]After”>http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/after)</p>
<p>60% of Caltech students in sciences pursue advanced degrees.</p>
<p>
Reputation alone is a very poor reason to choose one college over another.</p>
<p>Whatever pal. Go to UGA you would be PERFECT there! Most SEC schools are 2nd tier academic institutions I hope you like football.</p>
<p>You’ll be buying a lot more than a name with that 15k, and I think you know that.</p>
<p>Look. I can’t tell you what’s right for you. But if you give up on the school you really want because you are afraid of failing, I think you will regret it.</p>
<p>bump… anyone?</p>
<p>Where would that $15k come from? Can you go to CalTech and graduate with absolutely no debt? Or would this $15k just be the beginning of a boatload of debt that you will spend years digging out of once you finish med school?</p>
<p>You have excellent opportunities at UGA. Only you and your family can determine whether it makes financial sense to go to CalTech.</p>