<p>Much of this is continued from <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1599996-is-this-college-list-done.html#latest">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1599996-is-this-college-list-done.html#latest</a>, but I thought that I would create a new thread for the actual decision.</p>
<p>I now have 11 acceptances, to Alabama, Baylor, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tulane, Drexel, South Carolina, Miami, Rhodes, Franklin & Marshall, and Richmond. I still have to hear from Vanderbilt, Penn, and Bucknell, but I should hear from all of them by Friday. I was waitlisted at Davidson, but I will not bother with going through the whole waitlist process.</p>
<p>After a lot of thinking, I have narrowed my list to seven schools, and I will go through what I am thinking about them and mention why I cut a couple of others.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt- I loved the school when I toured it, and it fits perfectly with many of the things that I want (good academics, sports culture, nice campus, but near a city, in the South, fairly Conservative for colleges). I, though, still have to hear whether I got in, and, while we have plenty of money to pay for it (my dad makes 7-figures a year), I need to convince my dad that it is worth the investment of $55,000 (I get a $5,000 NMF scholarship) a year to go there.</p>
<p>Penn (Wharton)- To be honest, I am not expecting to get into Wharton, but I will go over my thoughts in case I somehow get in. Wharton has great academics and would give me so many opportunities upon graduation. Also, my dad has no problem with paying for Wharton because of its reputation and location. While he wants me to stay near Philadelphia, I want to get away (all things equal) and go to the South, where I fit in a little better and where it stays warm year round. Also, I feel that I would lose something by not having big sports (very important to me), but would the Wharton name be enough to override that?</p>
<p>Richmond- I loved the campus, college community, and programs in international business. I like the city of Richmond, but it seems a little difficult to get there from the college. The sports are decent, but not like the major conference schools. But, I definitely did feel at home at Richmond. Also, like Vanderbilt, I may have to convince my dad that Richmond is worth it, as I have no merit aid apart from the very small NMF scholarship.</p>
<p>Tulane- I have been accepted into the Honors College and have a $25,000 a year scholarship (plus a little bit for being a NMF). It seems to have the balance between city and campus that I like. Its big questions center around the fact that I have not been there on a tour and on whether the party culture of New Orleans is too much for me. My dad is on board with paying for it. I have also applied to the Altman Program, but I will not hear back about that for a few weeks.</p>
<p>Miami- Despite demonstrating little interest over the application period, I was accepted with a $24,000 scholarship and an invitation to interview for a full scholarship. I really do not have a sense of the school, but I will tour when I am there for the interview. I think that it will be in a gray zone until I go for that interview in two weeks.</p>
<p>Alabama- As a NMF, I would receive all of the benefits that they offer to us. When I toured it, I felt that the campus was really nice, and, while big, had most things (even the football stadium!) right on the central quad. The honors college has a great reputation, and they have a ton of money. I really liked Tuscaloosa as well. Strangely, it reminded me of the area of Raleigh where my family is from. Of course, as I die-hard Conservative, I would be right at home in the Deep South. I still wonder if there is an academic trade-off to going to Alabama, though.</p>
<p>Kentucky- Many things are similar for Kentucky to Alabama, but there are a few other things for me to consider with it. The campus is really nice, but a bit spread out (not really one central area). Of course, like Alabama, I love the school spirit, and Lexington is great. I am also in the Global Scholars Program, which is great for my interest in International Business. However, the school as a whole has a much lower reputation than even Alabama, and I do not like Kentucky basketball, so that would be something that I would have to overcome.</p>
<p>Some schools that I cut from my list:</p>
<p>Drexel- I can be picky at this point, and I want a real campus and college community (not to mention a football team).
South Carolina- Due to applying late, I cannot get into the honors college right away, and, therefore, am not a direct admit into the International Business program.
Bucknell- A little too isolated and cold
Oklahoma, Baylor- I will not be able to visit them for practical reasons.
F&M, Rhodes- too small, D3 sports</p>