I need some suggestions on my college selection.

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I was accepted to 7 schools in total: NYU, American, Penn State (Schreyer Honors College), Boston U, Syracuse, TCNJ, and Northeastern.</p>

<p>I was also waitlisted at George Washington and Boston College. </p>

<p>I am considering an Economics/International Studies Dual Major. I am also interested in IR, if available at the school i go to. In terms of interests, I have always been a big sports fan but I am hesitant to make athletics an important part of my decision. It seems to be more of a "bonus" for me. </p>

<p>I seem to have narrowed it down to NYU vs. Schreyer Honors College vs. American. </p>

<p>-At NYU, I was accepted to the Liberal Studies Program. Although it was not my original choice at the university, I was very impressed with the dean and the program's description. Upon completion of LSP, I would then go to CAS in my junior year. Big drawback though- no scholarships. I would have to pay full tuition. I am also slightly concerned about the social life there. No sports, no school spirit. I am concerned that I would become solely focused on academics. Is this true? I do play piano and guitar though.</p>

<p>-At Penn State, I was accepted to Schreyer Honors College which is very competitive. Its very similar to NYU's LSP in that classes will be smaller with more one-on-one attention from professors. I received two scholarships: (Honors- $3500) and (Additional- $3000). My tuition would be $24,000. The thing that impressed me at Schreyer was that I was able to study at a large university in a small environment. I would be at the top of my class and get all sorts of perks in being an honors student. Not to mention, great sports and school spirit. I have two concerns though. I am out of state so would it be hard to fit in at a place filled with PA students? Second, I am not a big "party" type. Is this also a problem? I would be in honors dorms though...</p>

<p>-At American, I was accepted to the School of International Service. The building will be brand new for next year, which is very exciting. I was awarded a Dean's Scholarship ($18,000). My final tuition would be $32,000. The location is exciting as it seems to fit my major well. Internship opportunities seem great. I was a little disappointed when I was not accepted to the honors program. I feel as if American lacks the recognition of the other two...is this true?</p>

<p>This seems to be a dilemma between Location (American) vs. Prestige (NYU) vs. Cost/Social Life/Honors (Penn State). In terms of the other schools, should i continue to pursue BC and GWU? Or any of the other schools? Keeping in mind that the only school that offered me money was TCNJ, but I want to go out of state haha.</p>

<p>Let me conclude by saying that my parents have enough to pay for my entire undergrad education. (no matter what school) My biggest concern is for graduate school which i intend to pursue. Would it be better to save money in undergrad and then pursue a top grad school? Sorry if this was really long...i just need someone's honest opinion. It can be a one-word answer haha</p>

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<p>Almost 35% of Penn State students are from OOS. I don’t think you’ll have trouble fitting in. [F</a>. Student Life](<a href=“University Budget Office | Office of Budget and Finance”>University Budget Office | Office of Budget and Finance)</p>

<p>If you intend to go to grad school it obviously makes sense to save $ to pay for that.</p>

3

<p>American is well known and a diverse amount of students apply there, partly because of its attractive location. NYU probably is the most well known from your list, but only go there if you are sure CAS is your thing.</p>

4

<p>There aren’t very many people who could choose to pay full fare at NYU for four years and just say that they have enough to cover it. It’ll still be close to a quarter million dollars. If finances are of any concern to you, I’d say no way. If they aren’t, then my input wouldn’t be valid because I just can’t identify with that.</p>

5

<p>for undergrad, finances are no concern in terms of being able to pay four years tuition. yet, i would have to take out loans and/or receive scholarships to pay for graduate school. so in the present it wouldn’t be of concern, but looking ahead it could be a problem…</p>

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<p>You know what I think. :)</p>

7

<p>This thread talks about relative rankings of IR programs, it may be helpful.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/other-college-majors/503437-ranking-undergraduate-international-relations-programs-2.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/other-college-majors/503437-ranking-undergraduate-international-relations-programs-2.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>AU is pretty highly ranked in the area of IR - so if that’s what you want, it may be agood choice</p>

<p>Full disclosure: My DS is a freshman at AU in business, so I know something about the school but not much about the IR program</p>