<p>Hello, all!</p>
<p>I never thought choosing would be the hard part, but here I am.</p>
<p>Accepted at:
~Colgate
~Carleton
~Pomona</p>
<p>Waitlisted at:
~Swarthmore</p>
<p>I have former high school peers at all of these institutions, and they all enthusiastically recommend their college/university. My current thinking on each of these is:</p>
<p>Colgate: I got the Alumni Memorial Scholarship, which as far as I can tell is some research funding as well as some other goodies like more access to profs, etc. Whether earned or not, though, Colgate has a reputation as a bit of a preppy party school, and that's not really me. I'll be visiting next week, in any case.</p>
<p>Carleton: It's safe, in that it's closer to home and I'll see lots of familiar faces from high school, both around campus and in neighboring St. Olaf. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I want that familiarity. Possibility for some National Merit financial aid, and it's probably a bit academically stronger than Colgate.</p>
<p>Pomona: Better weather, more intense academics & the ability to cross-register with the CCs. Proximity to LA area offers more internship opportunities than Colgate or Carleton. I'm probably leaning towards this one at the moment, though the temperature change from Minnesota to SoCal and the smog issue put me a bit on edge.</p>
<h2>Swarthmore: Minnesota, Jr. in terms of appreciable seasonal changes without the bone-chilling cold. I've written a 'please let me in' letter that is currently awaiting college counselor approval. Excellent debate team and a politically active student body, both of which are pluses in my book. Tri-college consortium would also be nice.</h2>
<p>So, what do you think? I know I eventually need to 'do what feels right'; I'm not asking anyone to choose for me. I'd just like some feedback on personal experience or analysis.</p>
<p>Many Thanks,</p>
<p>~Yostani</p>