<p>Okay. So after all the college results have come back, I've narrowed my selection to four choices. </p>
<p>Swarthmore, NYU Abu Dhabi, UGA with Foundation Fellowship, and UNC with possible merit full ride scholarship.</p>
<p>I live near Atlanta, so these four choices represent a broad range choices from close to home to a 9 hour flight away.</p>
<p>I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I am interested in studying International Relations with a special focus on the Middle East. I also am looking into Journalism and Art.</p>
<p>Could someone give me some advice or share some of his wisdom on college? I haven't found any other cross-admits in these pools, so I can't find another similar situation to evaluate myself with. I know that I would be able to receive numerous opportunities at all of these schools too.</p>
<p>Follow the money. In this day and age you kids can scarcely afford to go into debt. Do your best, study abroad with all the money you saved and go to UAE for that if you like, but above all, follow the money.</p>
<p>Well, my parents will be paying for my college education. I’m lucky in that way.</p>
<p>I would be earning money going to UGA and UNC. I got nearly a full ride from NYU Abu Dhabi. and I didn’t get any money from Swarthmore. In that case, I find it still difficult to differentiate between all the money given.</p>
<p>bump! I’d like more insight.</p>
<p>I would go to the one you feel you fit in the most/would enjoy the most. Don’t worry too much about the money.</p>
<p>Fruitypebbles, you must not be an adult with a statement like that. That’s not an insult, just an observation.</p>
<p>emily</p>
<p>The choices you have are so divergent that it really is apples and oranges.</p>
<p>My only advice – even if your parents are willing to pay, you should discuss the finances with them. College tuition is a strain for most, and UNC is an excellent school with a free ride. Your parents may say that it’s your choice, and that they’ll support whatever you want. I can guaranty they’ll be glad you offered to have the discussion.</p>
<p>Don’t just choose NYUAD for the money - go for the incredible opportunity it gives you. You will be studying with kids from many different countries and gain insights is so many cultures and kinds of society. The travel is more than great. My son is ending up his second year there and has been in India twice, Nepal, Istanbul, Shanghai, Armenia, Jordan and Oman. He will do Fall semester in NY and Spring next year in London. For a journalist and incredible chance. I’m sure you have been there for the candidate weekend and I can imagine you might have some reservations about living there (it is not a very friendly looking city, I know) but the experience itself will b magnificent.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who has shared their opinions! My parents have been talking about this non-stop for the past few days, and many of your points have resurfaced in our conversations. </p>
<p>@PackMom, I have read that thread, and it is simply inspiring.</p>
<p>The problem or blessing is that all of these choices would give me many opportunities and unlimited access to professors and facilities. </p>
<p>On a more practical note, does anyone know what specific factors go into receiving post-undergraduate fellowships, such as Rhodes and Watson fellowships, and jobs? Since NYUAD has not had a graduating class yet, I would like to gauge the qualities that it produces in its students.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>Rhodes and Watson are the tippy top of the grad fellowships and fund study in the UK. It is rare for a college/university to produce more than one every few years. The people who win them were HYPSM category applicants when they were your age whether or not they did ultimately end up at HYPSM. Don’t use this as a way to judge a college/university program. If you are trying to assess NYUAD, find out what kind of access those graduates will have to the general NYU alum network, and career placement offices.</p>
<p>To better evaluate the financial side of your offers, run the numbers here: <a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid;
<p>I just realized that I’m on the “CC’s Most Fascinating College Choices 2012.” </p>
<p>But thanks for the advice. I have relayed these questions to current students, and I’ve found lots of reassuring information.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is probably the best — but if I had this choice I would easily pick full ride at UNC (great school+ college experience, paid for)</p>
<p>So yes. I did end up getting Carolina Scholarship! So yes, full ride! But of course, this just makes the choice more difficult.</p>
<p>Tough call, really. What are you looking for? I would knock Swarthmore off, just because you would be full-pay. And if you don’t mind me asking, did NYUAD give you a large merit scholarship? I looked at their tuition and fees and was shocked to see that it’s over 60k… Do they offer a lot of financial aid? UNC would probably be my first choice of your schools (and free!).</p>
<p>It eels like it’s impossible for most here on CC to believe there are families with plenty of money who don’t need or want their kids to consider money when making their decision. Swat is a wonderful college experience, I wouldn’t dismiss it if your family can afford it.</p>
<p>Money is such an important factor for the vast majority of people that it’s hard to say “turn down that full ride” without a bit of an inner cringe.</p>
<p>"… full ride! But of course, this just makes the choice more difficult."</p>
<p>Clearly, money comes into play here.</p>
<p>Ah yes, I did indeed get a full ride at NYU Abu Dhabi. And that’ll be where I’m going!</p>