It's April 30th...I NEED YOUR HELP!!!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I recently posted a thread like this a few weeks back, but I find myself in the same situation with new information and I would like to try to get more opinions. The decision due date (May 1st) is TOMORROW and I feel really lost and unsure about this whole thing. I apologize if this gets a little lengthy.</p>

<p>I have been accepted to two really good universities.
1) University of Washington (Ranked #42 on USNWR)
Location: Seattle, Washington
2) Emory University (Ranked #17 on USNWR)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia</p>

<p>Now, I have received enough financial aid to cover the estimated cost of attendance for each school. For University of Washington, I received all grants(no loans or work study) and for Emory I received all grants and work study (no loans). This means that I can attend either school practically for free and would only have to worry about personal expenses and maybe a few fees that might not be covered (not sure).</p>

<p>University of Washington:
Pros- Closer to home(only about 4 hours away), Closer to my friends (first real friends that I have ever had), lots of options for majors/classes.
Cons- Bad weather (I don't like the rain), huge classes (sometimes 200+), not all classes are taught by professors.
Unsure- Size: 20,000+ undergrads, runs on a quarter system</p>

<p>Emory University:
Pretty much the opposite of U-Dub's stuff (except the class/major selection, they are both good in that area).</p>

<p>I really don't know how the size of the school will affect me. I can't decide which I would prefer. </p>

<p>As far as a major goes, both schools have great options and programs. I currently don't know what I want to do in life or what I want to major in. I am looking to explore those options in college, so I'm looking for somewhere with a wide variety of opportunities.</p>

<p>I am faced with a unique situation. You see, U-Dub is closer to my mother/friends. However, Emory is closer to my father and the rest of my family as they live in Alabama. But I have never really been on my own before and the thought of it really scares me. </p>

<p>The huge question I am facing: Is the education/prestige I would get at Emory worth the huge leap it would require to move across the country away from EVERYTHING I know?</p>

<p>I haven't been able to visit either of the school's but I am driving up to U-dub tomorrow. Emory is too far away and we cannot afford the airfare.</p>

<p>I can't think of anything else right now, but I know there are a billion other things to consider. I would greatly appreciate any opinions, input, and advice that you would be willing to share. Also, if you can think of some aspects that would help in the decision that are not as common, that would be great too. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for all of your wonderful advice!!</p>

2

<p>I don't think these schools are that far apart academically. US News is extremely biased against publics in their rankings. Check out my thread on what people think top 25 schools are. UW fares quite well. I think it is more about what type of environment you would thrive in. You can make a huge university "smaller" if you find a niche of friends and if you go to office hours regularly you can really get to know professors. That said, if you are not the type to aggressively pursue such things and want it "built in" as a colleague of mine often says, then Emory would be a great place.</p>

<p>Don't let being on your own scare you. You will still be 4 hrs away from your mother so you will be on your own and you are very fortunate that your father would be close by. </p>

<p>Personally, I would take the full full ride (no Work Study) as I do not see these schools being that far apart academically, but I also like Seattle better and I would want the big university experience of sporting events, school spirit, vast alumni networks etc. BUT you can't make a bad choice here.</p>

3

<p>"But I have never really been on my own before and the thought of it really scares me."</p>

<p>It scares everyone, but you may be very surprised at what a great job you do looking after yourself. Emory freshmen will be coming from all over the country. You're not going to be thrown into the cold -- there will be over a thousand other freshmen who need new friends just as badly as you do. Your housing and food will be taken care of, and you'll have RAs to help you adjust. Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from taking advantage of a really cool opportunity.</p>

4

<p>At first I was pulling for UW because of the proximity to home - but then you mentioned your dad and his family being in AL.</p>

<p>Go to Emory. It's a beautiful campus. Atlanta is full of friendly people. You'll love the weather.</p>

5

<p>I would say go to Emory. I am in a similar situation, and I chose Vanderbilt [which is in Nashville] as opposed to other places that were much closer to me [I'm from NJ]. </p>

<p>Like someone else said, a majority of the people at Emory will also be far from home and in a similar situation as you. It is also a great experience to go out on your own, since that is what you are going to have to experience in the "real world" anyway.</p>

6

<p>Please consider the travel expense. If it is a hardship to travel to Emory for a visit, imagine 4 years of travel expenses. I know that my daughter chose a school 10 hours away and it has been hard for her at times. She has wanted to be home for birthdays, lesser holidays, etc. and cannot drive as it takes too long for a weekend visit but cannot fly due to the cost. Airfares seem to be consistently rising so it could be a significant expense to consider.
Good luck with your decision - it is tough to decide, but know that there is no "right" choice.</p>

7

<p>Krista, this is really your decision to make. You've been given lots of things to consider, but ultimately YOU have to decide. Good luck!</p>

8

<p>I would go with Emory. Better weather, smaller classes, smaller school (huge schools kind of intimidate me), and virtually free of cost. I know you're worried about being on your own, but everyone's got to be on their own at some point. I was afraid, too, until I realized it's not as bad as it sounds. It's actually pretty cool and so much fun about 75% of the time. </p>

<p>And if these friends are in fact your real friends, then 4 years of attending a different school or being away from them shouldn't do your relationship any harm. This may sound kind of mean, but don't base your future on where your friends are going. So many things can happen in just the next 4 years (such as transferring to a different school or moving out of the country or whatever). I think it's important for people to learn how to adapt to new environments.</p>