<p>I applied to a bunch of schools not knowing what my chances were. I ended up getting accepted to a bunch of them. I have narrowed down my schools to Colby and Macalester. I know I will by happy at both of these schools, but I still can't make a decision. At this point I don't know what I want to major in. I have a wide range of interests from Neuroscience, to Environmental Studies. I definitely want to study abroad though. That's about all I know at this point in time. Any advice?</p>
<p>Macalester- I loved my stay at Macalester. If I decided to attend I would probably join the cross country team. I am not sure if I am a city girl though(I'm form Maui).</p>
<p>Colby- I really liked Colby when I visited also, and really like the Jan-plan. Colby is in the middle of nowhere which is a con, however being from a small town, I think I might have an easier time adjusting than at Mac. </p>
<p>there both great schools but colby has better study abroad programs and is better at enviornmental science. also if you plan to run cross country, colby is in the much better athletic conference</p>
<p>Macalester is a bit more hip, Colby a bit more prep. Both great. Which is you? Only you know.</p>
<p>Another thing you can do is choose one department and read the courses offered at each. That should decide it. Choose the one whose course descriptions appeal more. Doesn’t matter if you change interests later.</p>
<p>One of my kids has a mentor whose advice is something like this: ideally you want to move out of your comfort zone, into a zone of challenge, but not so far out that you are entering a zone of peril. Swim with the colorful fishes, but stay away from the sharks.</p>
<p>Hard to say from what little you’ve posted, but my sense is that you are leaning toward Mac, and that Mac is in your “challenge” zone. It seems to be enough of an intimate, supportive environment that the urban location would not put you too much into “peril”. Neither the city nor the school moves as much out-of-comfort as a big university in the middle of a gritty industrial city would do. Take it slowly, get acclimated to the school first, then gradually venture out with new friends into the newness of city life.</p>