<p>Hey guys, I'm having a bit of a dilemma here.</p>
<p>See, I've been accepted into George Washington University (DC) and UC Irvine (CA). And I'm still waiting for an admission reply from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY) because my school messed up when sending over my transcript.
Anyway, I'm not sure which school to choose. I've applied for civil engineering for all 3 schools (I think I would like to be in engineering even though my math skills are horrendous). I'm also considering doing a concentration on environmental studies.
The thing is, I haven't gone home to the US in 6 years. I'm completely out of touch with the mainland and I've never seen any of the campuses (nor will I likely be able to before I submit my answer). I have no idea what I would like and am very indecisive.</p>
<p>I'm also considering transferring to Georgetown after 1 or 2 years from one of the 3. I've always wanted to go but wasn't able to apply this year. I love all 4 of the schools I've mentioned so this is a really tough decision. I figured that transferring will allow me the best of at least two world since I can experience two great places.</p>
<p>All I know so far is that I'd really like to be somewhere where it is legal for me to go street busking (a hobby), do art from time to time, and join an equestrian team. A gymnastics team is also a plus and I'd love to be in a recreational class albeit I'm no longer good enough to make it onto a team. Oh and I also want to take up Muoy Thai Boxing (martial arts). None of the activities have to be offered on campus, I mean, I'm sure I can find alternatives locally.</p>
<p>I know that's a lot of extra curriculars but I've managed to balance everything out pretty well so far. Although I'll probably also need a job... </p>
<p>I need somewhere where I can balance everything (or I can drop some interests, if necessary) and still keep up good grades (I really want to do well especially if I'm planning on transferring to GT). My parents also want me to go somewhere prestigious (anyone know rankings in comparing civil engineering programs?), but I find that all 4 can fit that pretty well.</p>
<p>Other info:</p>
<p>I have a $20K/yr scholarship to GWU (they're charing $55K though), haven't turned in my SRI to UCI so I don't know how much I'll have to pay for them.
I do have close family friends and family in California, but I've never lived on the East Coast before. And my boyfriend and his family (who are close to me) lives 20 minutes away from DC and my mom has to travel there for work from time to time. I also have a cousin in upstate NY near RPI.</p>
<p>SATs: 2050 (M: 660 CR: 680 W: 710)
GPA: 3.72
Will be needing financial aid (I'll be applying for it late though; I just found out today that Collegeboard sent back all of our papers).</p>
<p>Questions:
How much free time does a college student have?
I know the grading is tough (especially in RPI) work is not a problem because I don't mind/like studying; I would like to know about how heavy the work load is though.
Is it necessary for me to get a driver's license? (The legal age where I'm currently living is 18 and I'm 17).
Social-wise, I've been stuck in a place where all the students get their every desires fulfilled with money from their parents. I'd like to meet people who are successful on their own and can think for themselves. I don't plan on joining a sorority so Greek life shouldn't be too much of an issue (but I don't want the student life to be controlled by them either). I also like a lot of diversity. I'm half-Asian, btw with a bit of European Spanish, British, and Pacific Islander.
Do any of the schools I've mentioned have any classes to do with marine biology, by the way? Or heavy environmental emphasis? I've asked around (including some of the counselors but no one's given me a straight answer).
Which school should I go to? (Any pros/cons about the schools I've mentioned? What are your guys' thoughts?).</p>
<p>Thanks so much to anyone that can give me any insight to this madness. Sorry that this is so long.</p>