<p>My friend is trying to decide which of these two schools to go to. For me the choice is fairly obvious, but she is still having a great deal of trouble trying to choose. There are a number of factors that are making this decision fairly arduous, and as you all know, time is running out.</p>
<p>Williams:
Will cost very little; no financial hardship, no debt.
She is worried about the distance from her home and feels it is too inaccessible and that she will have trouble coming home in case of a family emergency.
She is worried about the isolation and fears missing out on things like concerts, city life, etc.
They do not have a journalism program, although she likes their English program.
Worried about the smallness of the minority population
Worried about all the stuff people on here worry about...domination of atheltics, drinking culture, etc.</p>
<p>UMCP:
Gave her a loan and a renewable grant worth about $3000; she will have to take out loans to pay for the next 3 years though...about $20000 in debt by graduation.
Has a "good" journalism program, access to internships in DC
Near home (she would actually live at home)
More of a comfort zone (most of our graduation class attends)</p>
<p>My friend is very bright, hard-working, and she'd probably do very well at either school. She is relatively quiet and soft-spoken, but becomes much more vociferous when she is involved in a class or activity that she enjoys. She's been in public schools all her life, so she probably doesn't really understand the difference that small class sizes and dedicated teachers make...</p>
<p>She really just wants an unbiased opinion, because she's only been hearing the opinions of her cousin (who is pro-UMCP) and me (pro-LAC) for the past few weeks. She's never visited and only has a few days to make this decision.</p>
<p>$200,000 in debt or $20,000 in debt? $20,000 is not that bad. If she likes rural areas, she will most likely enjoy her stay at Williams. I read that it’s #1 for being the “happiest” school, meaning students there are happy and not depressed. It is, however, very small and if she prefers a greater diversity, then Williams may not be the choice. Has she visited the campus? Does she feel that she’s “at home” at either? And, although UMCP may provide more internships than Williams [I do know some people who went here, so I am saying the following out of “experience”], it really matters on what you make out of your years on campus. For example, two sisters both attended Williams. One is now just doing mediocre jobs here and there, something most people would not prefer. The other was very pro-active and did everything she could–ranging from studying abroad at Oxford University to trying to find internships at local law firms–and is very happy right now. I, personally, would choose Williams. The fact that it’s tied #1 with Amherst (LAC rankings) makes everything even sweeter. If she can handle the small community, I say, “Why not take a shot at it?” </p>
<p>And… sometimes… you’ll have to get out of the “comfort zone,” especially later in college. She might as well adapt to it now.</p>
<p>Williams of course.</p>
<p>Yes, of course Williams. She doesn’t realize how lucky she is to have a spot at Williams. She should take the opportunity, and as yummymango said, get out of her “comfort zone.” Also, as Williams is a small school, that might suit her better.</p>
<p>Students turn down Harvard, Yale et al for Williams</p>
<p>Princessbell, I would imagine that your friend’s dilemma is quite a common one. To stay in comfort zone, or to venture further forth?</p>
<p>With regards to her decision regarding William’s culture and the small minority population there, I think it would help very much if she could contact a minority student at Williams who could speak to her. I imagine the admissions office could help in this regard.</p>