I am currently a senior who was waitlisted from William and Mary, Wake Forest, and Bucknell. I was accepted into Boston University, which is my next choice. However, I am struggling trying to figure out which school out of these three would be the wisest choice as money is a big factor. There is a $15,000 difference between each of the three schools with Virginia Tech being the cheapest. But, I would like to major in history or political science and am not a math minded person. Basically, I would love any advice on which college would be the best choice for me. I have visited all of them and I am still very lost.
Thanks!
It’s hard for strangers to advise you on a question like this without knowing more of what does and does not appeal to you about each. I would think that Elon has more in common with W&M, WF and Bucknell than VT or BU.
Make a list of the most important factors and then rate BU, Elon and VT against the list. Include cost, size, location, strength of liberal arts program, etc. Do you prefer a more rural university with on campus activity being dominant? Or do you prefer city life and off campus focus? Do you like to dress casually or would you enjoy getting more dressed up and going out in the city? Large lecture halls vs small classes where participation is expected?
Frankly, Elon, VT and BU are quite different. Don’t understate the cost savings with VT and don’t assume VT is just for engineers. City life is expensive - keep that in mind with BU.
Try to picture yourself at each school and see which one feels right. 3 great options.
I have now cut out Boston University because of financial reasons. I know that it is difficult for strangers to judge on this kind of decision. I am visiting again soon… Thanks for the help!
Do you have any opinions about the different “vibes” of each school? Or do you know anything about the reputation of either VT or Elon?
My D was accepted and will be attending Elon in the fall as a dance BFA major. So I’m a little biased.
Oops… My message cut off above. Anyway we are from VA and my D has many friends who chose Tech because they like a larger school, better sports programs to watch, larger classroom size and is more science and engineering based. And more boys in the boy/girl ratio. Elon is a liberal arts school and has a BFA in many arts programs where Tech does not. Elon has smaller classroom size and more personal connection with professors. You are not a number at Elon. We found Elon very friendly and nurturing! 
Elon and VT are so different - yet I understand your dilemma as my son loved both.
Do you prefer small classes where you are expected to participate or large lecture halls where you can be more invisible?
VT would be better if college sports - particularly the football and basketball game experience - are important to you.
Elon has better housing.
I’d say they are fairly equal on food and on quiet/rural location.
VT is probably better known - in part because of larger size and sports reputation. But Elon is growing in stature and reputation.
Elon has a bit of a reputation for attracting wealthy students - VT is probably more down to earth.
VT has great school spirit. Elon gives you more personal attention.
As a parent of 2 college students, here’s my advice: Cost is a huge factor that’s usually underestimated. Families should figure out how much debt they are willing to take on for college. Housing, class size, food, football, weather, etc do NOT matter. What matters is what you have in 4 years and how that is valued by other people/grad schools/hiring reps.
Cost is certainly important, but I disagree that it is the only criteria to go by. She’s eliminated BU for cost reasons - the price spread between Elon and VT is not that extreme. There is plenty of middle ground between avoiding excessive debt and trying to choose between 2 colleges for the best fit.
I think in general I like the size of Elon, but the school spirit of VT. I’m so torn! Money is not a make or break factor and the cost difference is not huge. However, where do you think, in the long run, I would get the most out of my money?
Elon preaches Engaged Learning, and they stand behind that. The students who thrive at Elon are those who like to be involved and active; they are joiners and do-ers. If you are excited about the many opportunities that Elon has to be a part of something both inside and outside of the classroom (and to lead, too) such as volunteering/service learning, study abroad, internships, student research, club sports, intramurals, religious groups, greek life, campus TV or radio, student government, acapella, etc. etc. then Elon is a great choice. Elon really, really encourages you to make the most of your four years (“get the most out of my money”), but you have to be willing to pursue the opportunities (and be excited about them.) I think Elon has school spirit (pride), it is just centered more around whatever activities you are personally involved in than it is around the D1 sports experience. (which is actually there if you want it, just on a smaller scale than the larger schools.) Highly suggest visiting both, and interacting with students as best you can.