Help! UM vs Syracuse vs Northeastern vs Penn State

<p>I'm feeling very stressed and overwhelmed over this college selection process. I am so grateful for being accepted to so many great universities but now I am torn as to which one I should attend. </p>

<p>I was accepted to the University of Miami, Syracuse university, Northeastern university, and Penn state. </p>

<p>First off, I plan to be pre-med and to major in Biology. I need a university with a very strong science department, good pre-med advisors, plenty of research opportunities, nearby hospitals to volunteer/shadow at. So in general, does one of these stand out as being better for pre-med?</p>

<p>Socially, I need my university to have a party scene. Besides being crammed in the library on the weekdays, I do want to enjoy my weekends!</p>

<p>Weather- I do love snow, but I don't really like when temps get below 20 degrees..</p>

<p>Now I'll speak a little bit about the universities and my feel for them:</p>

<p>UM- I was initially leaning towards UM. I love the vibrant student body and great academics. I would fit in here. But I've lived in Florida my entire life and was looking forward to a change of settings. Also, my sister goes here and brother will go there next year, so I lose a sense of independence (maybe?).</p>

<p>Syracuse- beautiful campus but very very cold! When I visited it was 6 degrees in mid march! Also, the student body seemed very quite and secluded and to themselves, no laughing or smiling (I think it was because it was so cold that day though!) so I have this impression that the student body is always like that.</p>

<p>Penn state- I think I've crossed it out in my mind because of a poor perception my sister drew of it. I don't like that it's in a college town away from all of society (dramatization).</p>

<p>Northeastern- I was accepted to the in program, so I would spend my first semester abroad. The Australia program first perfectly for me, as I can get bio and chem prerequisites out of the way (would I want to do prereqs at a foreign university?) I love it's location! Boston seems like a great fit for me as a city. I'm a bit ambivalent because I know nothing about its science major reputation. </p>

<p>I would really appreciate any insight you guys can provide me with! This decision is taking a toll on me and stressing me out, because my life will turn out to be so different depending on which university I attend. My main concern over everything is academics. Please she'd some insight! Thank you!!</p>

<p>Hey Mango!
So I was accepted at all of those same universities that you mentiond, except for UM (didn’t apply there). I personally am going to attend Syracuse. The place is actually quite great, from what I’ve read for pre-med ( I’m going to major for Pre-Med too!), they have a great system. Plus there are a number of nearby hospitals and one of em, Crouse maybe?, has a volunteer program for college kids. Also they have a number of advisers and committees to help us along.</p>

<p>Though I was also accepted at other schools like BU, UConn etc… Syracuse seems like the right choice. Just remember to wear a jacket, or 3!</p>