<p>I need advice. I have about 24 hrs to make my decision and I am completely at a standstill.</p>
<p>I am deciding between two schools, Macalester College is St. Paul, MN & Regis University in Denver, CO.</p>
<p>I am a Colorado native, born and raised, and I fall in love with the place I live more and more every day. I am all about active lifestyle and going outdoors. I absolutely love CO. </p>
<p>Macalester is pretty much the perfect school for me academically. They are all about internationalism and interdisciplinary studies, but I have been warned by almost everyone that MN winters are really miserable and you can't go outside. </p>
<p>They are the same financially, except that at Regis my scholarship is to the Honors College, and at Mac I just have a grant. But as far as money out of pocket & loans, they're the same. </p>
<p>Do I go with a great school in the place that I love? Or an even better school in a place I don't know?
(I know, this is a wonderful problem to have, but it's still killing me:) </p>
<p>MN are very cold but people DO go outside They buy special clothes that keep them warm - warmer coats and boots, double mufflers, mittens, insulated socks. Otherwise nothing would get done in the upper part of the US that are cold and snowy…
Macalester is located in one of the best urban areas in the US in my opinion; very walkable, lots of cafes and restaurants and even an old-style movie theater, lots of old mansions, close to the center of the Cities which are vibrant in their own right, but have lots of lakes and parks.
You’re young. Go to the better school and discover a new place! Then, return, having lived and discovered, and chosen to return to a place you love, enriched with memories of another place you love.</p>
<p>I’ve never heard of Regis U, while Macalester is very well regarded, and provides many more opportunities for you. College is a chance to broaden your horizons. You can always return to Colorado after you graduate. </p>
<p>Now that sacchi has said it, I will say it also. I have never heard of Regis but certainly have heard of Macalester. If costs are equal, it sounds like Macalester is a very good choice. You have said “okay. I’m doing it” so have a great time at Macalester. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Just because people haven’t heard if a school doesn’t make it “bad”. That being said, I do know a bit about Regis and my impression is that it’s not on Macalester’s academic level. It’s highly preprofessional, has a far fewer per student resources than Mac, and the student body isn’t as accomplished. There are a few programs that seem to stand out, elementary ed being the one I know best (one of the women on my hall transferred from Regis for cost reasons). I would go to Macalester, buy some great jackets, and then immerse yourself in one of best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. </p>
<p>Remember that you will still be back in CO a lot. Depending on your family’s resources you could potentially go home for October break, Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break–not to mention summer.</p>
<p>You will learn to adapt to midwestern winters. I did, going from Miami to Chicago. At least you already own some winter gear!</p>
<p>whenwhen, I agree that just because a school is not as well known doesn’t make it “bad.” I’m sure Regis is a good school . Hope the OP has fun at Macalester.</p>
<p>You should try out cross country skiing while you are at Mac. It is easier than in Colorado, since you aren’t at altitude. And the Dunn Brother’s coffee house across the street from campus is a great place to stop on cold day. Or hop a bus down Grand Ave to downtown St. Paul and check out the fantastic Science Museum which overlooks the Mississippi River. You will have a great four years at Mac!</p>
<p>@emilyofcourse my S left beautiful sunny So Cal to attend Case Western in Cleveland and he just endured one of the most brutal winters they’ve experienced in recent years - and I can tell you he doesn’t regret it for an instant! He’s traveled enough to know that So Cal is a beautiful place to live, but he wanted to experience someplace new with kids from other parts of the country and the world. IMO this is one of the really important opportunities to seek out in your college experience: to meet others from different backgrounds. It will make you a richer person for the exposure and learning to navigate your way around new and unknown terrain. </p>
<p>I agree with others that not only is Macalester a highly-regarded school, but that you are young and can adapt - take a risk - be adventurous. </p>
<p>It looks from your follow-up post that you just needed a little nudge, and now you’ve got it (several times). Have an amazing time and start looking for some bargains on cold weather clothing! </p>
<p>^ a minor detail, but I wouldn’t buy the winter clothing until you’re in MN. First, it’ll be adapted to the temps. Second, you’ll get to go with other students (mall of America trip!) Finally… these are awfully bulky and luggage is limited, whether your parents decide to go for a cross countrydrive or you fly. :)</p>
<p>Congratulations on both offers.
In all if winters is your only hook, MAC still comes up uncontested here.
Its the 2nd ranked school in MN just behind Carlton. You will get a great education in a very thriving metropolitan and lots of snow activities,… who knows, we might see you in one of the winter Olympics in the near future due to your new found love for winter sports and SNOW…LOL…
…Joke aside, MAC is a great school.</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 point well-taken although I was able to save quite a bit by purchasing items on sale out-of-season and then holding to ship as/when needed. Of course this plan also takes into account I have a son who would not go to a mall even if he had time to shop - so it kind of depends on the student as well. We’ve also made good use of Amazon Prime for incidentals as well as clothing, shoes, etc. when needed in a hurry. </p>
They buy special clothes that keep them warm - warmer coats and boots, double mufflers, mittens, insulated socks. Otherwise nothing would get done in the upper part of the US that are cold and snowy…