Hi everyone. I am a current senior who is battling between these two options! I intend on majoring in the Communications field, particularly either Advertising or Public Relations. I am torn because Ithaca has the prestigious, well-known Park School of Communications with a ton of opportunities for internships and study abroad. As much as I do love Ithaca, my heart is really at Muhlenberg and it seems to be the school I always go back to. It was my first college visit and ever since then, it has remained my first choice and my gut is telling me to go there. Is it worth it giving up Ithaca and Park because of a gut feeling if accepted to Muhlenberg? I will list the pros and cons for each below. Any and all input would be much appreciated!!
Ithaca:
Pros- Was accepted with a $15,000 scholarship for my grades but can apply for many more scholarships in addition, which could most likely make this school an affordable fit for my family. Great, great town, more to do, probably more opportunities in terms of internships and work, etc. I was there for a program over the summer and really liked the campus.
Cons: Really far from home, as someone with anxiety, I am a bit hesitant about being 4 hours away from home. I know I could probably do it and be okay, but college is my family’s biggest investment and I am not sure if I want to put all of that money on the line just to have to transfer. Isolated, freezing weather (not a big deal but still concerned bc seasonal depression)
Muhlenberg:
Pros- Visited 4 times, close to home (a little over an hour) I LOVE the students and faculty and just the overall vibe of the college and it’s been special since I visited for the first time two years ago. Already know the entire communications department, interviewed, sat in on classes, etc. Love how it has an important emphasis on academics but also on collaboration and the well-being of the students. The campus is GORGEOUS and the food is amazing, love the arts there as well. Ahh what’s not to love honestly
Cons: It is very expensive!! (Although I have not received my package or official acceptance yet) Also smaller than my high school and does not have as much prestige as Park. I love everything else about it though, I really do.
My D is struggling with a similar decision: Ithaca v Ursinus. We will likely be able to afford both, but will definitely encourage applying for additional scholarships, and probably working for spending $. Overall, Ithaca seems to have the edge for academics and work opportunities, but she is an athlete and the team atmosphere at Ursinus is what she is looking for.
I’m trying to get her to see this as a 4 year decision and a pathway to the start of adult life and career. That is hard for a 17yo to imagine and yes, it is a very difficult decision. Try to be honest with yourself about the environment that helps you succeed.
Do you need to be comfortable with your surroundings in order to push yourself or do you respond to challenges in a more competitive environment? What brings out the best in you?
What are your goals upon graduation: work or advanced degree? Where do grads from each school end up? And what are the course requirements for each - do you like them?
Even though the focus of college should be academic, you have to live it for 4 years. What kind of a vibe do you get at each school, could you see yourself with those students for 4 years? Do you like the living situations? Will you get bored with it? Is there enough to do in the area?
Both schools offer a great education and prestige is not all it’s cracked up to be. The more important factor is the equation is you and what helps you succeed. Good luck.
It seems like you are more comfortable with the environment of Muhlenberg. Typically, people do better and take advantage of more opportunities where they feel comfortable and they can thrive, and Muhlenberg seems like this place for you. Additionally, if you are extremely with students and staff at Muhlenberg, you might form better relationships and feel less anxious when move in time comes. All in all, it is your choice but I think that any school has a multitude of opportunities if you are willing to take advantage of them.
For me, Muhlenberg, easy. But I’m not to be trusted, LAC fanboy that I am. Also, you love Muhlenberg, and seem really hesitant about Ithaca. Both are good schools, but you are right: that LAC experience is difficult to replicate in a larger environment (even though IC isn’t that large).
Of course, you also need to wait for the actual acceptance and FA package. I mean, listen, if Ithaca comes in at a significantly lower price AND finances are important to your family (if they aren’t go where you wish, regardless of cost!), then that would be a different story.
I ended up choosing Muhlenberg and was accepted ED there, so I will be attending next year. Thank you to everyone who gave me feedback My heart was just 120% at Muhlenberg
There are many great things about Ithaca, but winter sunshine is not one of them. It’s a shame that most students don’t get to enjoy the town during the summer! You were wise to be considering seasonal depression as a factor in your college decisions. Just adding this for the sake of others in the same situation.
I took a 4 credit dendrology class a few years back. When exam answers were written in a “blue book”.
Sugar Maple? I think that’s what it means. And I did not look it up :).
Those flash cards are seared into my memory.
Great screen name FWIW!
Best part of the class was the finals. Professor marched us out into the woods. Between the bud shapes, leaves and bark we had to write down both Latin and English name for the species.
Thank god it was pass/fail for me.
But, I loved walking around with the other students in the beautiful forest owned by my school and thought that this was a pretty cool deal.
My heart was just 120% at Muhlenberg