<p>This will be my first post and I just would like to voice how thankful I am to find a forum such as this- unfortunately the the opinions of my friends and family are confusing and conflicting.</p>
<p>Anyways, I am a HS senior in Colorado looking to get a major in engineering. A degree in PE would be preferable, however ME is a close second. ultimately, I would like to go into the petroleum industry after college (although tech is possible) and most likely get an MBA from a top-tier college as soon as possible-such that I could either go into banking(with an engineering industry background ) or go into management(petroleum, tech or manufacturing)</p>
<p>Now the hard part. My decision. I will be choosing between CU, and Mines. I have ruled out Wake and Vandy although I will probably get into both- was counting on a great scholarship. I also have a good chance at Penn- the wharton school.</p>
<p>CU-background
-I will receive 40-41 credits from classes taken at a local University and my AP credit. All of this applies to my major and would result in an easier 3 year degree(with a minor in econ) than the recommended 4 year degree.
-I got 6k in merit scholarships for 4 years- could it become 2k for 3 years?
-I feel that the social setting is much better for me as a student. More of my friends are going there, I am an extrovert, I like to party (in moderation), and I enjoy dating (or trying to) and hanging out with my girl friends.
-I would go for a BA in ME here- would this be so much worse than a PE degree if I went into the petroleum industry</p>
<p>Mines- background
-I will receive 25ish hours of credit that would apply towards my major. Which would result in either a lighter schedule(mainly Fr, So years) or I could take 19 and 20 credits my Fr year (versus 17,16, 18, 18 for s1-4) and go for 3 years.
-They offered me 18k in merit over 4 years
-the social setting scares me (4 to 1 guys to girls, etc)
-I could go PE which would probably be little better fit</p>
<p>Additional notes- my two greatest interests have always been the investment/capital markets and the petroleum industry. I would like to go petroleum industry after my undergrad and pursue a grad later. Also- I am not going petroleum for the money, OK (it is the third consideration behind the nature of the work and the ability to travel). A smaller third interest would be product/vendor management</p>
<p>Questions
Basically, I do not want to regret the decision that I made as to college. Will I regret hindering my career by gong to CU, or will I regret more the decision to go to Mines where I won't be able to live away my innocence. Money is great, but it is just money- my career desires are more for competitive advancement and the creation of my opportunity. </p>
<p>Also, I have a 60%ish chance of getting into Wharton. 2100SAT, SAT II 800 Math, 720 Physics. 5% in a top CO public school. Should I even consider going? It would be 30k-35k a year tuition+expenses- versus 10k for mines and 13k for CU. We have 50k saved, but why go into debt or burden my parents too greatly if the benefit is minimal.</p>