Out of the eight or so colleges I am applying to, Georgia Tech and Mercer stand out to me the most. I’m pretty confident that I’ll be accepted to both. I’m just not sure which one would be the right choice. My interest is Mechanical Engineering.
I like Mercer’s student quality of life. Bigger dorms, smaller class sizes, more socialization. I’ve always been somewhat of an introvert and I feel that I’d be encouraged to get out more. The negatives are that it’s really expensive and too close to home. I’ve grown up about an hour from Mercer my whole life, and I really want a change. I’m scared that if I attend there, my odds of experiencing anything different are slim to none.
I like the prestige of Georgia Tech. The Atlanta campus would already be a new experience for me. I know that the classes are hard and students have it pretty tough. I don’t mind that, knowing that I’ll be coming out with a fantastic education and a good chance at a very high paying job. Negatively, I think GT would have the opposite effect on me than Mercer. Without encouragement to leave the dorm, I might seclude myself. Just sleep and study.
What should I be shooting for? A more fun college experience, or a more promising degree? Are those the right questions?
GT is in downtown Atlanta. It’s pretty hard to be a recluse there. Most of the social life at GT is centered around the fraternities. I suggest you consider joining one if you are interested (and male).
You are painting an unnecessarily grim picture of GT. The university size and dorms do not determine your ability to socialize and be happy…you do. There is no reason you cannot be happy at GT. Academically and professionally, the two are not peers. You have a choice between a truly exceptional university and a solid but not great college. Given the choice, assuming cost is not a concern, GT is a more rational choice.
@BobWallace - not sure what you mean by that. Most of the parties are there. GT has a 60/40 male/female ratio for the incoming class, and is even more skewed for graduate students. Interpret that as you like.
I think it’s pretty clear what I mean. 77% of male students engage in different social activities. In no way is social life at GT dominated by fraternities.
GT rocks! My D2 (sophomore) is having a blast. She just participated in a Bollywood Dance competition in Tampa, wherein her team comprised of GTech and Emory girls!
There are tons of clubs/social groups that one can look for common areas of interest. Yes, the workload is heavy and any sleep is prized by most during the “hell” weeks. Other than finding so many self-motivated folks like herself who take an interest in one or more college campus activity, what has stood out for me - a) the ease with which she transferred from ChemE to MechE and that too in her 3rd semester, maybe having a very high GPA helped and b) superior internship/coop opportunities - D2 landed 3 offers (and another final interview) for 2016 Summer Internship within one week of applying (around Fall Career Fair time).
OP, you may have noticed that GTech gives more importance to an applicant’s ECs (very important) than to the SAT/ACT scores (important). That speaks volumes of the type of student community GTech is aiming to build!
OP, I have lots of friend who went to GT (I grew up outside Atlanta and went to college in Atlanta) and when they wanted to have a good time, they did. Not only do GT students actually have parties, but you can go out at the other Atlanta area colleges and in Atlanta in general. There’s a lot to do.
There are lots of internships available in the Atlanta area going to GT students. You will see the different when you apply for a job. A GT degree will move you to the interview stage - or maybe you will already have a job offer after your internship. With a lesser school you might not get a call back. GT has an incredible reputation all over the south, nation and the world.
Of course it can be a serious question. Students need to balance the prestige of their school with the experience they feel like they will have there.
I do agree, though, that Georgia Tech’s reputation in engineering can go a long way - especially in the Southeast, but all over the U.S. as well. It does make a difference. I also think that GT has a somewhat inflated reputation for having only nerd kids who don’t party and spend their weekends building robots rather than partying. That’s not true! I’m sure some GT kids do spend their weekends building apps and robots but they do have a good time, too. There’s a small but robust Greek scene at GT, too.
Also, I missed something in your original post - but you’re right, Mercer is very expensive compared to GT as a Georgia resident. Especially if you are eligible for the HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships…there’s really no reason to pay more for Mercer when you can get the bargain of GT as a GA resident.
Definitely Georgia Tech. I think you will enjoy it there, and as you noted, it’s significantly more prestigious. The only reason not to go would be if Mercer is much cheaper.
but they do have a good time, too. There’s a small but robust Greek scene at GT, too.