<p>My son has been accepted into the Ga. Tech management school (undergrad) and the Elon business school, as a business fellow, if that makes a difference.</p>
<p>We live in Atlanta and he has the Hope scholarship, so Ga. Tech is clearly more economically attractive. He is intimidated by what he has always regarded as the "grind" of Tech, but knows it has a wonderful reputation internationally. He really liked Elon and they have given a small merit scholarship. We have read some rankings and know they are "up and coming" but are uncertain how well known they are, and how well connected they are for internships and job placement, which we know are critical for business. He is not sure how the campus atmospheres compare.</p>
<p>Many years ago, I left Virginia to go to college out-of-state because to me, UVA and William & Mary were just the “state colleges.” I had no idea that they were among the most coveted college destinations in America. Something similar may be at play in your son’s choice. Living in Atlanta, Georgia Tech probably seems like a pretty mundane option. But Tech is a huge name in the world of higher education, not only in the U.S. but internationally. People on CC discuss Elon frequently but across the country, I think it’s most likely that the person on the street has never heard of it. Elon is up-and-coming, without a doubt, but I’ve never heard of anyone choosing it over Tech, much less paying extra to choose it over Tech.</p>