How to choose?

Parents Forum
1

<p>I've basically narrowed my options to two schools. Both are considered "top universities" and are very prestigious. Both are in urban locations that people seem to like.</p>

<p>School #1:
- Is a little higher ranked than school #2 for what I want to major in (but I realize my major could change)
- May have better internship opportunities than school #2
- A plane ride away
- Better socially overall, but I am pretty much a nerdy type, so I'm not sure how much I would take advantage of a lot the school has to offer
- Much more Greek than my other choice, and I kind of view that as a negative because I don't really view myself as frat potential. I realize I could be wrong about that.
- Most people would find this school attractive because it is strong academically and fun</p>

<p>School #2 is:
- Has a major option that I find very interesting, that school #1 does not have (if should I switch from my intended major)
- Is smaller than school #1 and gives a feeling of a very tight knit community, especially within my potential major
- A relatively short drive from home
- Has a reputation for being not fun, but I know kids from my high school who are there and disagree. That said, it is nowhere near the atmosphere of school #1
- Most people would find this school attractive because it is strong academically. The fun factor is much lower on the list.</p>

<p>I really liked both schools and felt I could fit in at both. No matter where I go, I am prepared for a very challenging academic life. My major will lead to the need for considerable time spent on school work. I understand that my college experience is all about what I choose to make of it.</p>

<p>I have been leaning more toward school #2 but am worried that it won't be as much fun as #1. But with school #1, as I said, I'm not sure I'm the type to take advantage of the fun that school has to offer (For example, everyone talks about the great football games, but I am not interested in sports. There's a lot of on-campus programming, but I don't see myself attending most of those things.) I'm not at all anti-social. I'm kind of quiet, but have lots of friends and enjoy having fun. It's just that my idea of fun is not a huge, loud party. I don't drink. I'm better socially in smaller groups. I find it easier to relate to people who are more like me, which I think would be more abundant at school #2, but you never know. However, in my high school, most kids are not at all like me and I am very well-liked.</p>

<p>My visits to both campuses made me feel like I could fit in and be happy at either school. Financially, they are both equal. Basically, whenever I start to think that I would choose one school, I start doubting myself and thinking about the other school. I've done a weighted pro-con list and school #2 is only marginally above #1. It is not a clear winner.</p>

<p>How does one ultimately choose with confidence? I hope that once I pick, I'm just happy and not second-guessing all the time. My parents are totally cool. They are offering things to think about, but they are leaving the decision to me.</p>

2

<p>My sense is that you should go with School #2.</p>

<p>As for “having fun” – School #1 has a general “fun” reputation, but you are an individual person who will make your own fun. And it sounds like you are no more likely to have fun at School #1 and, given your personality and interests, may indeed have less.</p>

<p>There are many paths to success, so don’t worry too much about deciding against one of the schools. They are both good choices, and in many ways you cannot make an upfront decision which will optimize your experience, as that will depend chance (who you meet, which professors happen to teach your classes, etc).</p>

3

<p>Of course the good news is that you’ll really be fine with either one. Sleep on it. Go with your gut. Know that you’ll be happy.</p>

4

<p>My sense is that you should go with School #1.</p>

<p>But as fendrock said, “There are many paths to success, so don’t worry too much about deciding against one of the schools.”</p>

5

<p>I’d go with your feelings for #2. School #1 may not be as much fun for you if you’re not into Greek life and the campus revolves around its activities. The small academic rankings difference would not make one school better, the choices for a major would. At worst you can flip a coin at the last possible moment to decide. Whatever you decide, don’t rethink the issue. Remind yourself when tempted to do so that for every flaw at the school you chose you would find an equal flaw at the other one. Go, enjoy, and don’t have regrets for what might have been.</p>

<p>PS- fun is what you make of it. You will have your kind of fun anywhere, do not go by someone else’s definition. Go with the school that seems to offer you what you may want in academic offerings, that is something you can’t influence.</p>

6

<p>I believe that I know your two schools. I visited school #1 with my D, loved it, loved the town - it was her first choice until she got into her reach. I tried to like #2 enough to urge her to consider it since it’s near our family, but it never managed to win me over.</p>

<p>That said, I’d probably recommend #2 for you. My D is a flaming extrovert who loved the hustle-and-bustle of the campus life at #1. You’ve been to #2, which I haven’t. You’ve seen it and felt it. And since it tends to be more of an enclave in its city, I’d think that the low-key campus community would indeed be tighter than at #1, which tends to have something of a split personality, campus-wise.</p>

<p>FWIW, while your major may be ranked higher at #1, the name recognition of #2, here and abroad is greater. I’d miss the big football weekends. You won’t. I think #2’s your true love and you’re hoping to have some of us on CC validate that for you. Consider yourself validated. :)</p>

7

<p>“I think #2’s your true love and you’re hoping to have some of us on CC validate that for you. Consider yourself validated.”</p>

<p>Thank you gadad…I think you did indeed give me what I wanted to hear.</p>