Hey everyone, I’ve been having a really tough time making a college decision and I’m hoping that some outside opinions could help. The main schools I’m considering and their pros/cons are listed below. I am a fairly average student from the Chicago suburbs with a 34 act and 4.2 gpa. I’m not completely sure what I want to study, but am leaning towards political science or history and possibly a double major in business. I also hope to either go to law school or get my mba. I’ve been accepted as arts and sciences at every school, and would prefer to work in the Midwest, Southeast or New England after college.
Main Choices:
Emory University- Emory College:
Pros:
Love the campus
Small classes
Research opportunities
Far from home/new experiences/Atlanta
Great for political science and business
Very pre-professional
Prestigious
Cons:
Cost- Full price/ 20 k in debt per year
No football
Lack of school spirit
Emory University- Oxford College:
Pros:
Cost- Half tuition scholarship so no debt
Smallest classes
Leadership opportunities
LAC like/no grad students
Lots of support available
Beautiful Campus
More School spirit than Emory College/Close knit bonds
Go to Emory College after 2 years
Cons:
Rural/Not much around campus
Really small/social life
Less sports then Emory College
Less Prestigious than Emory College
UW-Madison:
Pros:
Cost- Cost is ok with some scholarships 5k of debt per year
Love Madison
Sports
Highly ranked in history
Alumni Network
Lots of friends going there/Have a roommate
Great social scene
Cons:
Cost-would prefer no debt
Class sizes
Closer to home then I would like
University of Alabama:
Pros:
Cost: Full ride/no debt
Honors College
Sports/Football
Social Scene
Really nice campus
Parents would pay for half of grad school with the money saved
Cons:
Less prestigious/Not high ranked in my majors
Very Southern
Tuscaloosa isn’t great
Large classes
Has a negative stigma where I live
Other schools still being considered:
TCU(3/4 tuition) UIUC (Instate tuition) University of Minnesota (Cheap/No debt)
I’m kind of lost right now on what to choose, so I would really appreciate any advice.