Dilemma - Smith or Mount Holyoke

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I am accepted at both colleges with almost identical financial aid packages. The only difference is that Smith gives me a $3,000 international student loan, while my loan at MH is $1,500 because I am offered a leadership award of $10,000 and this partially offsets the loan. The truth is, I really like both colleges, and this further complicates the choice I have to make. Since I am an international student, I cannot visit neither MH, nor Smith campus. Therefore, I would be thankful if you give me some responses as to which college to choose. I expect to be academically challenged during my college years, but I don't want a cutthroat atmosphere and constant stress in my life. As for the major, I am positive that I am majoring in International Relations and doing a minor in Economics. I know that MH is famous for the IR and Economics departments, but at Smith I cannot do a major in IR, which is offered only as a minor. </p>

<p>I know that the decision I have to make is going to shape my future, so I would be glad if any current students, parents, or anyone interested in the matter, reply :)</p>

<p>Best wishes,</p>

<p>Vessy</p>

2

<p>That is a nice dilemma to have! You should be very happy. I don't agree with you that the decision will shape your future much. They are both women's colleges located in the same area of the country, sharing the 5 college consortium that allows cross-taking of classes. I also have to disagree that a prospective college freshman's major matters much when selecting a college. Go with the money or whichever takes your fancy most if the money does not matter. You can't go wrong.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, Bettina:) I'm sure that whatever choice I make, I would not regret it later, but I still have to choose just one college :)
In the rankings, Smith is 14th in the Liberal Arts Colleges, while Mount Holyoke takes 24th place. Do you consider those rankings reliable? And again, I believe a college should not be chosen for the sole reason of prestige...</p>