HELP! Williams vs Northwestern vs UNC Honors

College Search & Selection
1

<p>(Sorry if this ends up cross-posted to other forums, but I have been mulling over this for the past week and still have no idea how I'm gonna choose!)</p>

<p>A little about myself:
I'm a Floridian girl interested in the humanities, specifically English/CreativeWriting/PoliSci, in the hopes of becoming a writer. I don't know where that will lead (lawyer? journalist?), but I'm hoping that's what college is for. All 3 schools seem to have enormous school spirit and pride of their athletics even though sports isn't a big factor in my decision. I was already accepted at Tufts, UF honors, Sarah Lawrence, Occidental, Dickinson, but have narrowed it down to the three listed.</p>

<p>Here's the pros and cons I've made so far of each: </p>

<p>UNC-CH Honors
Pros- Strong English and Communications department, cheapest college of the 3, beautiful campus and weather, strong school spirit
Cons- No family in the state, huge class, would I feel like just a number? I know in the honors college you can take smaller classes though... Being an OOS might make it harder to fit in with NC kids who have all gone to high school together</p>

<p>Northwestern
Pros- Evanston is a cute town, but more importantly, CHICAGO. Hands down, best location. Strong English department, close to family
Cons- Greek emphasis...I can deal with the arctic tundra that is a Chicago winter, but unlike a smaller liberal arts college, it seems that it would be very hard for me to explore my interests like journalism outside my general arts and sciences school since all journalism opportunities seem dominated by Medill students. Also, I've heard rumors that a lot of the classes are huge and impersonal and that grad students take priority in research opportunities. </p>

<p>Williams- Though it is vastly smaller than the other two, Williams holds a special place in my heart. I love the idea of tutorials, strong English department, the built-in-friends that an entry offers, quirky traditions and the overall vibe of the place.
Cons- "you can make a big school small, but you can't make a small school big" ...I love rural nature as much as the next girl, but I've never been surrounded by it for 4 yrs. Would I go stir crazy? Is Boston easily accessible? I'm afraid of Williams being too much of an isolated bubble that will not prepare me for real life after college. Also, my dad seems to think that Williams not having a president yet is not a good sign. </p>

<p>What do you guys think?</p>

2

<p>honestly, it seems like you would enjoy Williams more. You’ve never tried something rural, so this would be a cool chance.</p>

<p>However, if you are still unsure, Northwestern is the nest best option. Williams, however, is more tailored towards your interests. Northwestern is more pre-professional than liberal artsy.</p>

3

<p>Congratulations - you have an acceptance at perhaps the best college in America! I’d choose Williams.</p>

4

<p>Williams- congrats!!</p>

5

<p>Williams seems to offer the best of both worlds: the personal attention, safety, friendliness, etc of a smaller college and the lively on-campus traditions and events that give it the energy of being in a more urban location…</p>

<p>I actually know someone who majored in English there a couple years ago (we’re talking distant relative whom I met at a wedding at chatted w/ about college…) and she raved about her profs and classmates dedication to the learning environment and campus community…she also said she made it into Boston 1-2 times a month with friends, but never felt the need to leave campus out of boredom (and this from a girl who grew up in Chicago…)</p>

<p>You’re gut seems to be telling you to go to Williams…good luck!</p>

6

<p>Is money a factor here? If not Williams, Northwestern and UNC in that order. ALL are great options though.</p>

7

<p>Qwerkita, my son graduated from Williams in 07. If you responded positively to the environment when you visited then you should trust your instincts. Although not completely foolproof, most kids who choose Williams are happy with their decision. </p>

<p>The academics – notably the English and political science departments – are stellar. The professors are accessible and there for you, while you’re at Williams and afterward when you need recommendations and advice. They get to know you personally. </p>

<p>The kids are smart, friendly, active and multi-faceted. They take advantage of all that a liberal arts eduation offers, in an insular and supportive environment. All of my son’s friends have achieved what they’ve sought – jobs, public service assignments, graduate school acceptances – both during their time at Williams and after graduation. The career counseling service and the alumni/ae network is strong.</p>

<p>My son would get to Boston or New York once or twice a term. Neither is particularly accessible or inaccessible. Most kids prefer to stay on campus because there’s a lot to do socially. However, if you want to be in a city, you don’t want to be at Williams.</p>

<p>Your dad has a point about not knowing who the next president will be. Williams is a very attractive post for anyone in academe so I’m sure it will be a strong leader, but s/he is an unknown at this point.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t consider Williams a destination for creative writing, but it offers some very good instructors in that area and many guest lecturers. Jim Shepard and Karen Shepard have permanent positions. Andrea Barrett is a visiting lecturer.</p>