Davidson vs. Wellesley

So I’ve been accepted into both schools (which is great!), but now I need to make a decision and I’m really torn. They’re about the same financially, with the exception of having a merit scholarship at Davidson instead of only need-based aid. I’m planning on majoring in either biology or environmental studies. Pretty sure my parents would prefer for me to go to Davidson since it’s a lot closer to home; however, Wellesley has been my first choice for a while. I also kind of want to take into account grad school and where I’d have better connections in starting a career.

Any advice on making a choice? They both have different pros and cons, so I figured maybe some outside opinions would be helpful.

does the merit scholarship stay with you all 4 years?

Yeah it’s a presidential scholarship for four years.

do you like the idea of attending a single sex over co-ed? are you at all interested in cross
registration at MIT?

Well I think it’d be cool, but I don’t really prefer one over the other too much…

Well it is a tough decision then. I would think an all women’s campus would have a very different atmosphere. Have you visited?
The town is very nice and it’s close to Boston. Academically it’s obviously very strong…but so is Davidson. If you are especially keen because it’s all women’s, or you plan to take courses at MIT, then it’s a clear choice. Otherwise you may want to stay closer to home. Packing is a pain. Costs associated with travel and the Massachusetts winters can be a drag.

What GPA do you need to maintain for the presidential scholarship?

If cost isn’t an issue at this point in your final decision, then I think it makes sense to go with your first choice. It may be farther from home, but it’s nice to experience a different part of the country. You can always move back after college, you know?