<p>First I'd like to thank you for offering me so much support throughout the college search and application process. The information I've gained from this site has been invaluable to me both in the process of shaping my high school life as well as crafting college applications. Now I must ask you for one last piece of advice before I become one of the advisees on this forum. Which college should I select?</p>
<p>I have narrowed the list down to just 5 (I know I can only go to one :D).</p>
<p>Harvard vs. Brown vs. Dartmouth vs. Cornell vs. Caltech.</p>
<p>I am right now considering a double major in Physics and Economics. My postgraduate plans are still a little up in the air, but the three possibilities that stand out in my head are heading to quantitative IB, pursuing entrepreneurship, or conducting research in alternative energy.</p>
<p>Socially I'm pretty outgoing and expressive, slightly preppy, but not really the nerdy type. I want a warmer climate, but it certainly is not a major factor in my decision. All financial aid packages are essentially the same. </p>
<p>For physics, any one of these universities can provide an excellent physics education and research opportunities if that is what you are interested in. Since you are planning to have a double major in economics, you should see which university gives you the best options and then decide based on where you think you will most like to be. You have urban and rural campuses as well as large and small universities on your list so there is something for every taste.</p>
<p>These are all essentially equal. Just pick the one you like the best! I would pick Harvard and Brown for the location. But you want warmer weather so pick CalTech.</p>
<p>I’ve cut out Dartmouth and Cornell because I am a little turned off by the frat system and Cornell is a little too far removed from really any city. So now it’s really between Harvard, Brown, and CalTech.</p>
<p>So pick the one you like the best. There’s no “bad” option or even “lesser” option. We aren’t “you.” We can’t choose for you. You choose what you like.</p>
<p>Which is more important, warm weather or economics? The warm weather is only at Caltech, but that is not the place for econ. I don’t know whether Harvard would allow a dual major in econ and physics. You need to check with both departments. However, it should not be a problem to do one as a major and the other as a minor. Having said that, you can land a quant IB job with just the physics major. FWIW, my daughter is about to graduate from H with a primary concentration (H-speak for major) in physics and a secondary (minor) in math and has loved it there. Good luck!</p>