Lesser Known Vs State Uni.

College Search & Selection
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<p>:| I applied to Clark, Northeastern, Syracuse, and University of Maryland- College Park. </p>

<p>I've been getting a lot of ragging from family and friends for not applying to Ivy Leagues or other well-known schools. They're so fed up with me now that they're just like- "go to UMD. the others are not worth it." </p>

<p>I think from all the schools I can benefit from some aspects, but I'm heavy-hearted from what my family's been saying. </p>

<p>Is it worth if to save money at a public state uni. then to go to the other places? I'm a real ambitious go-getter with a secret introvert side. :|</p>

2

<p>The only school I really know on the list is Northeastern. My cousin went there and part of his work study was a job placement where 20 years later he still works and is highly succesful, top management. It is a good program that opens a lot of doors if you plan to stay in the area.</p>

3

<p>There's a great book from the 1980's entitled something like How to get an Ivy Education at a Public University (not the exact title from memory; it should be in your library). It talks about how you can get an excellent education at most public universities, esp. by taking advantage of Honors programs. It goes as far as describing how to take notes, where to sit in lecture halls, select courses, etc.</p>

<p>There are some individual programs at a school like Syracuse that are world class (you don't mention your intended major) and then many programs that probably would be no better than UMd. The primary differences in private schools and state schools is class size (how many classes over 100, how many classes under 20), student-faculty ratio, personal attention (you might get it if you work for it at a state school though), and access to specialized and leading edge programs (more likely in private schools).</p>

<p>Another difference is that state schools usually have some vast majority of students from the same state they are in (typically 85%) due to tuition breaks. The college experience is limited and many students already have a group of friends from their HS days. You are more likely to be exposed to a wider array of people from different places at a private college.</p>

<p>Also, talk to some kids who have gone on to UMd from your HS and see what they think of it. I keep hearing horror stories from my state university that the students are unmotivated, the school is terribly run, and decent students are getting out/ getting away.</p>

<p>On costs: many private schools have merit scholarships; if you qualify for need-based grants they might even cost less than a state school. Northeastern is known for its long-standing Co-op program - which means you will actually earn a salary during that time.</p>

<p>On Ivy schools: there are so many more applicants than slots, you can be fully qualified and not get in. And these schools have zero merit money. Now if money is not an issue and you have a super transcript package, then you probably should aim high. You might be bored and unchallenged at UMd or Northeastern.</p>

<p>If you haven't seen this yet, I recommend you check out the students' comments for each of your schools here:</p>

<p><a href="http://studentsreview.com/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://studentsreview.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Maybe that can help you decide. Also, these schools have their own CC area. You might want to discuss w/ other applicants there, such as:</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/forumdisplay.php?f=397%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/forumdisplay.php?f=397&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

4

<p>Thanks arizonamom and T990, that was informative. </p>

<p>I'm wondering why you'd put that I'd be "unchallenged at...Northeastern" ? And would that 1980s book be outdated by now ?</p>

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<p>Here's the actual title:</p>

<p>"How to Get an Ivy League Education at a State University" by Martin Nemko, 1988</p>

<p>The first 100 pages are still relevant, covering things like how to wtite an essay, etc. Easy to understand, no BS, lots of <em>great</em> advice IMO. The later sections covering entrance scores, etc is out of date.</p>

<p>Northeastern used to be considered weaker academically of the Boston area universities. I think its gaining in popularity recently due to its city location. Look up its ratings in places like the Princeton Review books and the Fiske guide. eg, I have a Princeton Review book here, academic: Clark - 79, Northeastern - 76, Syracuse 87, Cornell - 94, Harvard - 97. I was saying that someone with serious qualifications for an Ivy might not be satisfied with a Northeastern experience. But the Co-op program makes this more affordable than most other private colleges.</p>