Late decision: New College of Florida verus Drew University

<p>I know it is late for all this, but as of right now, I am enrolled in both colleges and am having the worst time deciding what to do. I like Drew a lot, but it ends up being $13,000 more expensive than New College which, with my instate residency, is only $3,000. Drew is a good school with accessible professors, and I have already been admitted into their Honors Program, Civic Scholars program (a community service teem that includes a scholarship) and am a recipient of their Presidential Art Scholarship. All of these honors come with scholarship and a commitments that I am more than happy to fulfill. I am from New York, but my parents recently moved to Florida, so I have instate tuition at New College. I am confident that both schools have great academic programs, but I am more worried about the social vibe of New College. Although every school has a drug scene, it seems New College's is more open than others, and I am not planning in participating. I even heard New College students called pretentious. I don't necessarily know what to think. The students I have talked to say that every student is "weird in their own way." I'm all for people being who they are, but I wonder if I will have a hard time finding my niche. I wonder if there is room for someone like me who doesn't take herself too seriously, is down to earth, a little shy, and has a good sense of humor. While I am self-driven, I'm not sure what I want to study and I have a hard time making decisions (apparently, as I'm asking your advice) and I wonder if I will be lost at New College where students design much of their own curriculum. I tend to stress over decisions, like this one. These are my concerns. There are things I love about NCF, like all the opportunities for study abroad. Just to review my main concerns: New College offers me the chance to graduate debt-free (that would be fantastic!) but I'm worried about the social scene. Drew has programs that I am very excited to get involved in, but it will be more costly. I know that $16,000 doesn't seem like a lot for college, but when you're going to pay the whole thing in loans and it's next to an offer of $3,000, it sure looks steep. Sorry for the long post, but I would sure appreciate any insight!</p>

<p>Academically, New College is tops in FL, next to UF. We visited last year NC, since my daughter will be attending college this fall and made her decision for UF. The problems with NC was the lack of a BS and the constant harping by academia that their students will be going to graduate school. Off course, if you graduate with any BA, and you want a position outside of McD’s, than graduate school is a necessity.
Unfortunately, due to financial considerations, we are limited to a school that will supply a 5 year program with a MS for our D. Engineering is her choice and NC has no program other than the higher level math courses for her to satisfy her interest. Enjoyed the campus, exclusive, but with only 800 students, no real opportunities (sports, clubs, entertainment).</p>

<p>Best of Luck</p>