<p>I was just accepted to UConn the other day from the waitlist. I've put in a deposit to UMass and I intended on going there, but now I'm not sure. I can't decide! They're so similar to me, but UMass screams "one giant party" so me and UConn has that sports atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, I love both schools, it's just that I have no idea which one to pick!</p>
<p>UConn-physiology and neurobiology (on regional--i'm concerned i won't like the major, except the classes I saw on the website look really interesting)</p>
<p>UMass-microbiology (i love studying biotechnology)</p>
<p>If I could just have microbiology at UConn I'd be so happy. I don't know which one to pick!!!!!! And I want to go to medical school, too, that's a huge factor as well. Both have medical schools, both do tremendous research, both are huge state U's..I can't decide!</p>
<p>Hi! I recognize your from other posts we’ve commented on together re: UConn. You and my son are in similar situations. He was accepted to the neurology program at UConn on regional tuition (not honors) - and accepted to UMass Honors with a pretty good financial aid package (and is thinking of majoring in microbiology there ). He chose UMass for the following reasons:<br>
He can choose any major he likes without a change in tuition.
He likes the Amherst area better than “cow country”
He liked the premed presentation at UMass much better than UConn’s (and I believe their mcat averages are higher at UMass?)
It is about $10,000 less per year for him at UMass (meaning $40,000 less in loans over 4 years, with medical school after)
He likes the size (the bigger the better! He wanted Penn State but got almost nothing in financial aid so that was out …)
Great reputation for research … although his girlfriend has had a good experience w/ it at UConn but she is in the honors program.</p>
<p>My son wasn’t even considering UMass at first, but when he saw their package, he went to the open house for accepted students and was really impressed! He then went to the open house at UConn to see if they would “blow him away” but they didn’t …</p>
<p>He did like UConn. Feels it has a slightly better reputation, his girlfriend is there, great food, great sports. He just likes UMass better - including the cost as an instate. As far as the “party school” reputation - I believe both have them. You just have to make the right decisions while there. He is going to join an Honors RAP so hopefully that will put him in a good area for studying. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision. I know your situation may be different from his but thought his experience and thoughts might help!</p>
<p>Oh, and one other point that a friend of mine made …
With all the problems with the economy, and cuts in education, UMass is part of the 5 college consortium. If you are looking for a class, chances are you can find one. UConn is by itself. If they don’t have it, you have no other option.
I thought it was an interesting point.</p>
<p>I did go to the Accepted EA Students Day @ UMass, and their presentation was absolutely amazing. I believe the only problem I had was a few people from my class are going to UMass, and I don’t really want to run into many of them. However, since it’s 20,000 kids, I doubt I will!</p>
<p>What is so uncanny is all the reasons you pointed out minus the MCAT scores were the ones my mom said. I really need a good MCAT score, I mean I’ll probably be living in the library to get a 3.5 for USUHS… </p>
<p>If I change at UCONN, its an extra 10K. </p>
<p>Storrs was literally just farmland, and I hear North Holyoke or Holyoke is a pretty nice town. The size is dauting at UMass, but I’m sure I can find my niche. </p>
<p>UMass gave me a lot of aid, where I haven’t heard anything from UConn. I mean, I really really want to study microbiology, and I hear all the 5 college kids come to UMass for science research. I just threw UMass on my Common App and lo and behold, I ended up loving the campus. </p>
<p>I heard that the better rep really isn’t everything, and since I’m going to med school after THAT’S what counts. And there is no RAP at UConn (LC) for me, I want to go to UMass FOR the health sciences RAP. </p>
<p>But the most important thing now I’ve decided: I’m offically going to UMass, so maybe I’ll see your son there in a microbiology class!</p>
<p>Congratulations on making your decision! I know it is difficult looking at it from all the different angles. I’m sure you will do well at UMass and will meet lots of new people … including my son :)</p>
). He chose UMass for the following reasons:<br>