Decision Time

<p>Tough decision for D. She got admitted to a great list of schools but a merit scholarship was desirable. We won't qualify for FA. She got good offers at Trinity University in San Antonio(Big Sis's alma mater), Scripps, and Rhodes. Rhodes was by far the most generous. These are very different schools which makes it tough for me to have a clear opinion especially since stated possible majors are Biology, Spanish, and Political Science, a distinctly undecided list. I think Trinity is out due to not wanting to go where her sister did. She does not have a clear split in SAT scores or grades that point to Science or Non-Science majors. Any Advice?</p>

<p>My kid also had to decide between Scripps and Rhodes. Both were generous (JES), Rhodes very generous (Big Scholarship). What I remember of her trip to Scrpps was that she the loved the campus, loved the HMC boys pulling sofas out on the yard, liked the rivalry between everyone else and Pomona. Liked the JSC (Joint Science Center). </p>

<p>Scipps actually lost out to Rhodes head to head when the scholarships were about equal. I will phrase this wrong but it went something like "30% of the girls at Scripps are kind of odd.)". Now by odd my kid could mean anything from goth to emo to punk to New York chic to suicide girls BUT .......(and this is a big but) she never really told me more than that. "Love it. Could be very happy. Love the upper class singles." It was all good except that one phrase. </p>

<p>If I was a betting man I think a bit of it was just unfamiliarity. (Although D had traveled extensively, we live on a ranch way outside a small town. Her frame of reference was limited. )</p>

<p>Two great schools. She won't go wrong with either. D loves Rhodes.</p>

<p>BTW, I'd sat Scripps gets the nod for Spanish, Rhodes for Bio and Chem. Poli Sci and International Studies are big at Rhodes, but I don't know where her interest lie and I know nothing about Scripps' Poli Sci.</p>

<p>wow dallas mom, this is strange! i am in the process of deciding between trinity, rhodes, and scripps too! weird...</p>

<p>Thanks for the feedback curmudgeon. Both schools would probably be good for her. Rhodes was more generous financially. It is really getting down to the right fit which is not a very precise, data driven decision.</p>

<p>Annak, good luck with your decision. All 3 of the schools would be good choices. I have had a close relationship with Trinity U in SA. It was great for my older D. They have a good pre-med program. She graduated and is in med school. She loved Trinity. Younger D wants to blaze her own trail so probably won't be inclined to go there. My read on Scripps is that it is more liberal and probably quieter. Rhodes seemed a bit dressier and more oriented toward having a post-graduate plan at an earlier date. Those are my impressions.</p>

<p>My S came down to a decision between Rhodes and Trinity as well. Merit awards where roughly equal between the two schools. (We didn't consider Scipps -- too far from home.)</p>

<p>He visited both schools back-to-back, within the same week, doing overnighters at each. He loved Trinity, felt very welcomed there, and met a whole bunch of students in just the single 24-hour period he was there.</p>

<p>However, despite not meeting as many people at Rhodes, for mysterious reasons he felt more comfortable there. I think he felt like he had more in common with the students at Rhodes than at Trinity.</p>

<p>He studied Spanish in h.s., and if he were going to continue in college I think Trinity would be the stronger bet in those terms. He would have much more exposure to hispanic culture in San Antonio than in Memphis. (I can't speak to Scripps.)</p>

<p>If you are trying to weigh the merits of the different departments at each school, I would advise looking at the faculty pages in each. Look at their publications, outside affiliations/activities, etc. You can read between the lines and discern who the "heavies" are. Also drill down into the research, internship, study abroad, and special programs like the Washington Semesters offered by Trinity. Those are the extras that can help your D accumulate the right experiences and make the right connections, or not.</p>

<p>Good luck to you and your D with your decision -- it sounds like she has some good options.</p>

<p>Better late than never... I am going to Rhodes this week. Even though the classes wont be in, the admissions said they will still be able to show me around. This week my dad ran into several people who went to Rhodes and just raved about it. All have turned out to be renoun M.Ds of sort. I just wish it werent so far away for me.
I have been given a Gt to Cornell for sophomore year and must keep a 3.5 in all sciences and maths... will this be difficult at Rhodes? Is there a lot of partying on weekends? I need to really stay focus.</p>

<p>Sammy2-Curmudgeon could definately help you with your questions. His daughter is a double major-received nationally recognized scholarship last month for research and could help you to know about weekends, etc.</p>

<p>Our twins are in crunch time about Rhodes-I know the kids there do love to party, but the academics are incredible. Again, consider PM to Curmudgeon-he will give you great perspective. Good luck with your decision and you GT to Cornell- that is tremendous!</p>