I need HONEST input!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Ok, so I know this is a Stanford forum, and I know things may be a little biased. (and yes, I did post a similar post in the Cornell forum), this stuff was typed really fast because I have to wake up really early tomorrow, so excuse me for any mistakes in writing.</p>

<p>The biggest factor is... IF i make it into stanford, I don't really see a major that particularly attracts me (Cornell's Industrial/Labor Relations degree is really fit for me as of now)</p>

<p>Some things have been swaying my mind a little...</p>

<p>Yes, I do want to go to stanford, but I also want to go to Cornell. Cornell has an Industrial and Labor relations major that I feel will be really beneficial to me considering the fact that my ultimate goal career wise is an Airline Pilot. (would like to work myself into negotiations/management later on)</p>

<p>BUT</p>

<p>I want to go to stanford because i like what i'm hearing about it's social scene, the WEATHER, and its GENEROUS financial aid (end up paying around 18k per year at stanford VS 30k at cornell)</p>

<p>On top of that, I am going to do flight training which is going to run me about 45k average to get to airline pilot status...</p>

<p>DISCLAIMER: Contrary to what many believe, airline pilot's DO NOT earn six figures at the beginning... ALL regional airline pilot's start at around 20k average... I'll be qualifying for FOOD STAMPS and barely able to feed myself lol, so hence the reason why I want to get a GOOD education as debt free as possible!)</p>

<p>But then again, I want to have an enjoyable college life, (not too math oriented, not a big fan of math, but don't get me wrong i don't suck at it :P), but also reach my goals in as debt-free a fashion as i can!</p>

<p>Sorry for the HUGE PLETHORA of thoughts spilled out on paper, but can everyone give me some advice?!</p>

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<p>Weird, I know, but nothing is set in stone, and aviation is just a goal, but perhaps I’ll be in the tech industry, who knows?</p>

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<p>Weather should not be the only factor. Yes, no snow days in Palo alto but winter/spring can be rainy and windy. In the 50s…this is Northern CA, so dont expect warm sunny days like S. CA. I think intended major should be a factor and not just - I want to apply to Stanford since it seems cool. Ultimately you are making an investment for 4 years. So you should go where everything ties in - your major, your goals, financial ability, close to home or far, out of state/in-state.</p>

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<p>Isn’t there a “student-designed major”?</p>

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<p>Good luck finding that for your kid; it’s an extremely rare phenomenon to find such a perfect school.</p>

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<p>Hi Francaisalamatt, Yes, it is difficult to get that across to the seniors, yes, mine included. But having being in the industry this long, we do know that where you get your degree doesn’t matter a whole LOT. If I really want aviation, I would seek out schools that give an aviation degree (mostly state schools), than spend 60K/year on a Stanford education. Or another college that is more renowned for say aerospace engineering. College is an investment. My advice honestly would be, seek a college that meets your family’s financial need and your intended major. If you are not sure of your intended major, sure, go to the big universities but again, don’t just go there for the weather or to be far from home. Finance does play a big factor, especially in this economy. Out of state expenses add up in terms of travel. I am hearing lot of kids transferring back to state schools.</p>

<p>To the OP: However since you are not totally clear on your goals (and I agree not many seniors are), you should apply definitely. I was just saying that people focus on dream schools more than the right fit.</p>

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<p>Very true, however, I do want to have a backup skill, as I don’t want to flip burgers if something goes wrong in the aviation path…</p>

<p>Not saying that anyone will flip burgers, but aviation is really unstable.</p>

<p>Another reason for my wanting to attend Stanford is: I want to design a major that I have in mind currently, and have access to world class professors in that area of research. (and also have access to the measuring devices, etc)</p>