So I have two options. Let’s call them College A and college B. They are both very different schools but I STILL can’t seem to decide.
So College A - is a Christian school and I am a Christian. I have always wanted Christian friends and I’ve met some people that go there and they are great people and I like them.
This school has given me a 17k scholarship and I will only be paying 5k out of pocket (2k each semester).
The thing is I lose this scholarship if I drop below a 3.0 GPA. I already have a 3.2 GPA and will be taking a lot of science courses (like Anatomy and microbiology) and also the nursing program.
Also, there is one class that I will need to complete in the winter break (about 3 weeks only) and will have to pay a $800 one time payment.
I will also need to pass the nursing entrance exam before january in order to get into the program.
This school is also not diverse at all and is much smaller than I like. And the town it’s in is pretty boring
My best friend is going to this school though. She is awesome and I’ve met a potential roommate already who is very cool.
The reviews online are pretty bad online of people saying how bad the food is and how boring the town is.
They also said in the reviews that there are a lot of rules that make them feel like children (Christian schools are usually like that)
This school is not really well known
College B is not Christian and I wouldn’t have a lot of friends since I’d be commuting everyday.
This school is right next to a city that I love.
There is a lot of diversity on this campus
It has a better reputation for my major and better reputation overall and is very well known
This school, however, will take me longer to get into the program since there are more requirements.
It will also be harder since the class sizes are HUGE and I’m used to small classes (from community college)
I will have to commute and take the train everyday which might take its toll on me
I will still be living at home with my parents…I’m 20
I will be less likely to make good friends since I’m always commuting (I’ve really been wanting to make friends)
The classes might be harder since it’s harder to talk to the Proffesor since it so big
I’ve already visited and there is A LOT of walking back and forth and it gets tiring
This school will allow me more time to study for the nursing exam since the program starts later
I will not be close to my friend anymore
The food is better here
There is no risk of losing a scholarship with this school and it is cheaper
I am still deadlocked and don’t know.
Both schools orientation are this Thursday and Friday.
I still can’t choose!
Have you deposited at both? If so, you are being unethical and possibly breaking a law. Double depositing is not allowed. If you are discovered, your admission will likely be rescinded at one or both schools. You need to immediately call the admissions office at one of the schools and let them know you will not be attending. Then say a prayer and hope no one finds out.
As far as your question, college B. There are Christians everywhere, it’s not like they are only at the other school. Go with the school that will give you the best degree for the money.
There are many small schools out there that will be accepting applicants throughout the summer and don’t expect students to have deposited by now, so we don’t need to assume that this student is breaking laws. I think the OP should also consider whether he or she wants to live on campus or be a commuter.
I think that this is a tough decision. Can you tell us the names of the schools?
I would not worry about the town being boring, nor about living at home. You will be studying very hard at either school in order to keep up with classes and to keep your GPA up. You won’t have much time for fun. This effort however is only for two or maybe three years, and is what is going to get you into a great profession. As such studying this hard for two or three years will be very much worth it.
From an economic point of view would the second program work out better in the off chance that it takes you an extra semester or two to graduate?
To me, besides the cost, the fact that you have to first pass the nursing entrance exam would be a potential dealbreaker for me. You can make friends even as a commuter student. You don’t attend classes 8 hrs/day, 5 days/week. aplenty of opportunities to join clubs and organizations. Go to Chicago.
I would go to College A and go into city on the weekends with friends. This is why: 1) become independent away from home 2) have more time to make relationships and enjoy college experience 3) school reputation for Nursing is not as important as obtaining accredited RN degree 4) smaller classroom mean more one-on-one with professors 5) less commuting will provide more time to study for exam. My kids like to roll out of bed and get to class in 10 minutes. Plus, they stay up late to do homework and can walk over or meet a friend to help with homework. Lots of study group help when on campus. Of course, this is just my opinion.
couldn’t you get housing at UIC? I was over there a couple of weeks ago for the first time in god knows how many years, and the area is so much gentrified now. The school itself has made great strides as well. Back 35 years ago, it was considered a commuter safety school, i.e. for the people who couldn’t get into any of the more well known-schools (NW, UC, DePaul, Loyola, IIT). But nowadays it seems to be quite competitive in a lot of areas.
There isn’t a black or white situation, both have small pros and cons but no huge differences to disadvantage you. You should pick where you feel you’ll be happier and more productive.
If you decide on UIC, many Christian clubs/organizations have ministries in various campuses. Examples are CRU, Intervarsity, Young Life, AACF, etc. Personally, I would attend UIC for the better and recognizable brand name which will be better for your career. Look into UIC and see which Christian clubs/organizations have ministries there at UIC. The Christian world is a close knit group and it is easy to make friends.
I’m going to UIC orientation on the 19th and Olivets orientation on the 20th and staying the weekend there. This should definitely tell me which one I want to go to.
I went to UIC orientation and my advisor told me that because of how their chemistry system works and because I didn’t score high on the chem placement exam, I won’t be finishing my prerequisites until 2021 and won’t be finishing nursing school until 2023.
I already messed up one semester and ended up spending basically 3 years at community college. It was okay for me since I’m 20 and it is the typical age for college juniors.
But now that she told me this, I’ve realized that I won’t be finishing till I’m 24. It’s FOUR more years of school. And this option was a little better since I SUCK at standardized testing and their nursing school doesn’t require it.
I just can’t believe it. I cried when she told me that cause I really wanted to be done earlier. 7 years of schooling just to become a nurse…I mean gosh, I just don’t like the way that sounds.
Today I’m going to Olivet’s
(college a) orientation which is a two day stay. They want you to see if you like the atmosphere. But the question is, what if I hate it and am stuck with my other option. Plus their school requires the test to be taken.
Ugh I just feel like I’ve messed up somehow and am now stuck
I can understand your disappointment that schooling will take longer than you thought. You haven’t messed up, it’s just the path you are on at the moment, and you can continue moving forward. If nursing is not the path forward, is there another major/career that appeals to you that might take less time to complete?
Regarding nursing, it is critical that nurses have a strong command of chemistry. If you stick with nursing you also will have to change your mindset re: standardized tests, as the large majority of nursing candidates must pass the NCLEX test before working as a nurse. Good luck with the Olivet visit.