How do I Choose?

College Search & Selection
1

I’m not really trying to ask you guys to choose for me, but right now, I’m in a bit of a limbo.

So I’ve gotten some of my decisions and I’m honestly torn between UCSD (undeclared major) and Drexel (biological sciences major, with honors and a scholarship). I’m a California resident, from San Diego, which makes this choice even more difficult and whenever I try to reason it out, I still can’t choose.

I’m aware that, rankings wise, UCSD’s higher up on the list, but considering my specific situation, I’m not entirely sure? If someone could help me out, that’d be great, thank you!

2

Cost and ability to pay? Ignore the useless “rankings.”

3

What can your parents afford per year from income and savings?
Calculate (tuition, fees, room, board) - (scholarships, grants) =

4

@snarlatron @MYOS1634

Well, for UCSD, it’d roughly come to about 35K; Drexel–while more expensive–would also be about 38K after the scholarships and grants are deducted. My parents say they can afford either one of them, which makes it more confusing.

5

Did you get Regents at UCSD?
If not, I’d take honors program + scholarship at Drexel.

6

UCSD is a much stronger school and you’re in-state. I’d probably take that tbh.

7

Read the fine print of the Drexel scholarship offer to be sure it is manageable to keep it – e.g., what GPA is required for renewal? What are the average GPAs in your chosen major?

I think what you really need to ask is are you eager for an adventure living in a new climate and in Philadelphia, a city twice the size of San Diego? Do you want to be on the east coast, where you can hop on a train to NYC or DC for a day trip? Are you eager to live with snow? Do you want to establish your independence far from your family? College is the easiest time to move across the country, so if you think you might want to live on the east coast after college and pursue a career there, this is something to consider. Also, the co-op program at Drexel is very unique, and something some students are very eager to participate in for all the work experience. For someone else, the changing academic schedule could be disruptive.

If you really love the beach, warm weather and family gatherings and local friends (who plan to stick around after high school), and you anticipate making your career in California, then go to UCSD.

8

@mommyrocks @LBad96 @MYOS1634

Based on what you guys have said, I might end up choosing Drexel after all, because it seems much more advantageous for me. Thank you so much for your help!