i everyone, I’m a high school senior who is currently FREAKING OUT about college. I’m looking at Wisconsin at Madison, CU Boulder, Clemson, Auburn or Michigan at Ann Arbor. I’m going to major in either biochemistry or biology, depending on the college, and hope to apply to medical school in the future.
Some things about me: I’m lazy but I also like the outdoors. I’m from Dallas, Texas, and small towns make me feel claustrophobic. I want a college that balances academics, a good surrounding town, and a good party scene. I’m smart (i’m a national merit finalist). but I don’t want to feel overwhelmed with academics. I’ve had a hard couple of years and I want a small break, but I don’t want to jeopardize my future. I want a college that will challenge me without making me feel like I’m going to drown. Money isn’t a problem.
Some pros and cons about each college
Michigan: Obviously the most academically rigorous of all the schools. It’d be great for my future, has great programs and is in a fantastic city.
Wisconsin: This school has good academics but definitely won’t kill me. Honestly I don’t know much about this school.
**I haven’t gotten in to Michigan or Wisconsin yet and I don’t know all that much about either.
CU Boulder: Definitely not the best for me academically. This college is still on my list because I got into the Honors College, but mostly because it fits my personality well. It wouldn’t do all that much for me academically but it would make me happy. I’m in love with Colorado and I love to ski and I love how genuinely nice people in Colorado are.
Auburn: One of my best friends is going there and we’d be rooming together. But sometimes we get into fights which scares me. I got into the Honors College and have a HUGE scholarship here. The town is a little small but I’ve visited and I could live with it. Not really the best academically. A lot of people have been telling me that this school is beneath me.
Clemson: Essentially Auburn but better academics and in a WAY smaller town. Honestly the size of the town freaks me out. The campus is beautiful and another good friend of mine is going to do here. I didn’t get into the Honors College but I have an appeal in the works. It seems like a safe option for me, but the campus feels run down and the town is so so small.
Help. Please. It’s almost April and I’m freaking out.
auburn is amazing , “Not really the best academically. A lot of people have been telling me that this school is beneath me.” what is that based on…other than somebody told you that?
the only draw back would be living with a friend from home that you say you fight with.
I agree with happy1. I would probably pick Michigan or Wisconsin over any of these schools.
Of the schools you’ve gotten into, you’re right that Clemson is the best academically. I think Auburn would be a good option as well though, especially since it seems like you like the campus/atmosphere a lot more than Clemson, and that you got into the honors program and a huge scholarship.
@Erin’s Dad I was thinking the same thing. I’m from Dallas and my niece graduated from TAG and she knows the academic excellence at Auburn. Coatofbees’ arrogance would not go over well with the other National Merit Finalist at Auburn - they are an unpretentious, courteous, and friendly student population. I wish her luck with her peers at Michigan or Wisconsin.
I’m sorry if it’s come off as being pretentious. I’m just going off of what teachers at my school have told me, and yes, I will admit, I come from a school full of pretentious students and teachers (woo go Plano West). I understand that all schools have their perks but I’m trying to find the one that would be the best fit for me all around.
If the others don’t work out, then Auburn seems like your best bet. I wouldn’t dorm with your friend, though. Give yourself a chance to meet new people and grow. If you argue now when you’re not living together, dorming will likely make it worse.
Auburn is a great university. But if you go there, don’t live with your friend for at least the first year. That will give both of you better opportunities to meet people, and your combined circle of acquaintances will be much larger.
To me, you sound like a drama queen. I would stay away from Auburn and that immature relationship. That is not conducive to learning how to communicate with people and other people will want to stay away from the pair of you. I think Colorado sounds good for you. More good weather than up north for doing things. And it doesn’t matter which college you pick for med school prospects. That’s more up to you. I guess you like big state schools though.You will be wise to fast track your way out of lower div classes and there isn’t any reason why the other students at the top of the class won’t give you a run for your money. State schools have a wider range of students but the ones who stick with premed classes will be competitive as at any school–ANY.
