Inevitable Decision Thread

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hey Everyone, I figure that I might as well start asking for opinions about where I should go this fall. I was fortunate enough to get accepted 4 really great schools and I am currently unable to choose between them. They are: (with major)</p>

<p>UC Berkeley (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)
I got selected as a Regent's Scholar and the major I was accepted for is what Berkeley is famous for, but on the down side it is a public university in CA (can you imagine the future budget cuts?) and there are sooooo many people. I'm afraid Ill get lost in the crowd. Also, IMO it is slightly less prestigious I think, as compared to my other schools. </p>

<p>Rice University (Bioengineering)
A fine school but it's in Texas (cant figure out if that is a pro or a con) and Im not sure how good of a school it is. I mainly applied because they gave me a free application, but Im still considering it.</p>

<p>Johns Hopkins (Biomolecular Engineering. Rejected from BME program)
Another insane school for the major I was accepted into. My chief concern is that I've heard reports that the school is impossibly difficult and that there is major grade deflation, which is problematic because I am considering med school after graduation. Also, idk much about the surrounding area. </p>

<p>Cornell University (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)
Right now, this looks like the forerunner in my picks because of it being a great school and it's Ivy status. However, I am slightly concerned that Ithaca is in the middle of nowhere and that I'll get bored of the town after a year or so. </p>

<p>Important notes: Money is no problem since all of these schools cost around the same for me, give or take a couple of thousand per year. For those that suggest that I visit the school, I would love to but current circumstances (financial,etc) wont let me. Also, for my major, I cant decide between Bioengineering or EECS, but I am thinking of going to med school later to become a general physician if I can make the cut. I guess Im still searching for what I want to do in life. One thing I do know though is that I want to be heavily involved in research whereever I go, although I guess all 4 of my schools fit that bill. </p>

<p>Any suggestions, comments, ideas, etc would be greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>I forgot to mention I got waitlisted at Northwestern as well. While Im not confident Ill get off the list, I am still considering it.</p>

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<p>If location to where you live has any bearing on where you want to attend you should strongly consider that because all 4 schools span across the entire country! I personally am not well versed in all these schools but if you are solely focused on your career in college I would expect Johns Hopkins to deliver the most qualified engineers out of the group but Cornell seems like the most well rounded college experience. You are not sacrificing academic quality by choosing one school instead of another because all four are academically superb, however Cornell seems like the most enjoyable and there are no worries of becoming a number as if you were at UC. Take my advice for whats it worth.</p>

<p>I’m a HS senior looking at schools a tier below yours so don’t credit what I say too much if you have doubts.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the response. As for location, it is playing a bit of a role considering I want to have a life during college and I like exploring new places. But as to where, Im not too picky. I just want to get out of the city Im living in right now! :)</p>

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<p>I think the top two schools in terms of prestige are UC Berkeley and Cornell. (Although I live in CA, where Berkeley is more prestigious than elsewhere. But that means that it would be easier to get a job in CA with a Berkeley degree than any of the others.) Since you mentioned that city life is important, I would also suggest Berkeley, because the Bay Area is one of the most diverse areas in the United States and you could explore San Francisco as well. There really aren’t as many people there as you think! I guess I would say that if you don’t choose Berkeley, Rice might be a good choice especially if you change your mind and pursue pre-med instead (not as much competition/grade deflation as the others).</p>

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<p>Houston seems like a nice city, but I doubt I will change majors to pre-med since I heard a pre-med degree is basically useless if you do not go into med school. I dont want to the run the risk of doing pre-med and then getting rejected from all med schools. Furthermore, I want to keep my options open, even though I might be risking a lower GPA. </p>

<p>Anyone know how Baltimore is for JHU?</p>

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<p>These are vastly different social/cultural environments. I would not worry about prestige as they are essentially comparable. As for getting bored in Ithaca (or anywhere for that matter) frankly many college students are so wrapped up with friends and on campus activities (not to mention studies :wink: you won’t get bored. You will meet plenty of friends there. Now personally, I would probably go to Cornell (unless Northwestern pulls you off the waitlist) because it is a tremendous institution with great resources. Although, Cal is really a close second. At the end of the day, it is really about where you will feel comfortable. Liberal Bay Area, Outdoorsy, small town, granola Ithaca.</p>

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<p>I would also suggest Cornell.
If you’re genuinely worried about feeling like a number, then Berkeley doesn’t seem to be a fit for you. Baltimore isnt the most exciting/safest city and yes, grade deflation is common at JHU. It’s very academic but doesn’t offer the well-rounded college experience Cornell does. I don’t know much about your major, but Rice seems somewhat below in quality to your other three choices.
While Ithaca is in the middle of nowhere, Cornell itself is huge and there will be plenty for you to do as long as you’re not too obsessed with an urban lifestyle.</p>

<p>i’m also only a HS senior and i’m only waitlisted at JHU (i promise i’m not bitter!) but…take that into consideration =P</p>

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<p>Bumpity bump? :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I love these opinions. Thanks everyone!</p>