Close prof relationships exist at OSU from what my alumni friends tell me, but not really until junior/senior year when you’re in seminars and similar small classes in your major.
@prezbucky gave great advice with above. I would add only add to consider what singular thing is most important to you. Academic environment? Money? Student Body? Location? What holds the trump card of your desires? Whatever that is, which college offers it?
You are very, very blessed to be able to make this choice @hosefb. So, even through the stress of deciding, try and take a breath and remember that. Good luck to you and let us know what you decide!
to the OP, on OSU Honors – the fact that kids who coasted in high school were admitted to Honors at OSU doesn’t mean that the program isn’t worthwhile. It looks like OSU Honors provides the opportunity for Honors dorm – being surrounded by your peers --, priority registration and Honors advising, plus Honors classes/sections led by the professor, etc. My own kid was a bit of f** off in high school, but is graduating with comprehensive honors in two majors at a large flagship, has worked his tail off, made strong faculty connections, and has had competitive internships reflecting his interests in government and international affairs – so I’m a big fan of the idea that people change, and grow up - those f**ups in high school can grow up and do some pretty great stuff. It does look like, to stay in Honors at OSU, there is a fairly high gpa requirement, so kids who maybe thought they could keep coasting in the Honors program may not still be in it after a year or two.
In making your decision, perhaps visualize your day at each school, going to class, meals, activities – what feels more like home, what gets you excited? Where do you think you will find “your people,” have opportunities to explore your interests, be able to afford to do what you want to get the most out of college?
No wrong decision here, both are great ones. Congrats!
Two great choices.
Two things:
- check to see if Bowdoin offers stipends to students who take on unpaid summer internships (I know of a student at another top college who will be in London working for a famous charity and his costs will be mostly covered by the stipend. It’s become more common at top LACs, in order to encourage public service and certain types of summer positions.)
- check to make sure you compare apples and apples. It’s likely Bowdoin lists full COA, which typically includes all costs, ie., tuition, fees, room&board, but also books, clothes/boots and personal purchases, transportation to and from the college a few times a year.
Add those to the tOSU costs too to have a true comparison, since 0 is for tuition, fees, room, and board (a true full ride) but you still have the above (books, clothes/personal purchases, transportation) to add to compare with full COA at Bowdoin.
Wow, tough choice. What do your parents think?
TO ALL: I committed to The Ohio State University!!! #GoBucks It was a tough decision, but with law school in my plans-- it made the most sense. Bowdoin will always be that “What if?”
Thank you ALL for your insight and advice; it truly helped me.
Congrats! I’m sure you’ll do excellent things at tOSU.
Congratulations! The “what if” will not matter as much if you keep your gaze on your future. It looks pretty bright with the honors program (special attention and mentoring, priority registration, a peer group, etc). AND the sweet deal which will give you an instant advantage when it comes to grad school, because unlike so many undergrads you will have little to no debt. Either choice was a great option but with law school as a goal, it is a smart decision. You wanted to be on a campus with a big feel, and your family supports your decision. I would say this is a thread with a happy ending.
Most of all I appreciate your coming back to let us know. It shows that you are considerate and it speaks well of you, OP I wish you all the best. You will succeed.
“Bowdoin will always be that ‘What if?’”
As would have been the case for tOSU as well. Congratulations on your decision and good luck!
Thank you for letting us know. Have a great 4 years! 
Do come back to update us? I’m sure lots of students in your predicament will appreciate reading how you feel after a few weeks, after a semester… at tOSU.