<p>I am down to my final three schools, Penn State UP, Florida State, and University of Maryland CP. I intend to major in Finance. The costs of the schools are basically irrelevant because I am out of state and they are all within a few thousand of each other. But they each have a few downsides, so please help me!!</p>
<p>Penn State UP: I got accepted into Smeal but for the Summer. I also live in RI so 7 hours by car is really the only way to get there.</p>
<p>Florida State: Accepted into business school for fall semester. Not as highly ranked. Only way to get there is by plane.</p>
<p>UMaryland CP: NOT accepted to Smith Business school. Can get there by short flight or 6hr drive.</p>
<p>I think that Penn State is your best bet, even if you have to go for the summer term. I believe it has the best combination of deciding factors out of all of the three schools.If you are truly interested in pursuing a career in business, then PSU is the best choice--you are into Smeal, a very good business program that outranks Florida State's program, and you weren't even accepted into UMaryland's business school. Not only does PSU have a better program than Florida State, it also seems much more convenient to access. After all, taking a plane can get pricey and even if you ship items, it makes the moving-in and out that much harder and stressful.
If you aren't so sure on your career plans, then I think you should probably give UMaryland another look. However, if you are sure that you are interested in pursuing a business career, I think PSU is your best bet.</p>
<p>FYI: US Airways and United both have about 6 weekday nonstop flights between Philadelphia and the University Park airport. You could leave from Providence and connect in Philly.</p>
<p>meh this is your decision, you need to find out what best fits you.... look more into all colleges, and your undergrad honestly doesnt mean that much. good luck.</p>
<p>I'd check with U MD on the procedure to get into their school of business before making a decision. If it isn't too painful, the location and on-campus transportation of U MD can't be beat if you might take advantage of an internship or volunteering in D.C. During our tour there, they stressed that you can get to D.C. during the school year by just hopping the rail system on-campus for a short ride. If it sounds as if you might not get your major of choice at U MD, I'd jump at the great business school at PSU even if it meant summer school. Summer school would be a great chance to earn some good grades with a little less pressure, while getting familiar with the campus.</p>
<p>U MD has a very different feel than PSU, so you should visit schools. I liked the PSU campus much better, but my kid liked the sense of history on the MD campus. I don't know much about FL, but its students don't seem to be as happy there based on the college review websites. </p>
<p>Putting Florida to one side, would you really rather be a short, stubby turtle than a magnificant lion? And the ice cream is 100% better at PSU than the stuff they sell in the U MD visitor's center! U Md may have a bowling alley in its student union, but how often would you go bowling? The guys & girls are much better looking at PSU than (anywhere!). And PSU has Joe Paterno! It would be interesting to know what kind of advice you'd get on the boards of the other schools?</p>
<p>mfavic - check out my post on the "What's so great about Penn State" thread (I think that was the title). We vistied Maryland and thought it was fine. But if you're keen on business that presents a hurdle. FLorida by plane is a whole other logistical issue that only you can answer.</p>
<p>My son will be at Smeal this fall. ALthough he wasnot admitted based onteh summer session, I've had Penn State alums RECOMMENDING that he go for the summer to (a) get acclimated, (b) it's very mellow and beautiful in the summern and (c) they say it's alot of fun in the summer. In other words, the summer session is not a hardship (unless you absolutley want to spend your summer at home). </p>
<p>At your age going the summer might seem like a drag. In the grand scheme of things, it'll fly by and seem like no big deal, and you'll be a few credits ahead of your peers. </p>
<p>I have two friends who are in Eberly for Summer Session. They sent in their deposits, and only needed to enroll in 2 classes. So, for four days a week they finish at noon and have three days off. Not a bad deal at all. Plus they make friends and get to learn their way around campus way before I do!</p>