<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I applied regular decision to a lot of colleges, and now I am both pleased and slightly stressed out to be picking among five of them: Rice, UChicago, Amherst, Williams, and Northwestern. </p>
<p>As you can see, they are all very similar: most are LACs or have a strong program in the humanities. </p>
<p>What are some things I should look for when making my decision? I hope this thread can help others in the same situation as I am. </p>
<p>Here is what I have so far, both objective and subjective standards. Please add to the list whatever you deem important. Tell me if you disagree with something I've put on the list. Whatever input you have is welcome. Thanks!
--justanotherCCer</p>
<p>Academics
-Access to professors
-AP Credit
-Majors
-Prof/student ratio within my major
-Grade deflation/inflation</p>
<p>Location
-Pros and cons of Rural, Urban, and In Between
-Resources offered by city (museums, libraries, entertainment, food, etc)
-Relationship between city and college</p>
<p>Students/Student Life
-Social life v. academic life
-Student organizations and level of activity
-Amount of "competition" with grad students
-Motivation of undergrad population (cutthroat or helpful?)
-Residential living system</p>
<p>Financial Aid
-Need
-Merit
-Work/study programs</p>
<p>Other
-Sports v. Academics
-Recognition in the "real world"
-Career services (effectiveness, scope, etc)</p>