<p>I posted this in another thread, but I thought I would get more input in a new thread and update. Here is the situation:
D is a strong student, smart, but she works very hard for her grades. She is very upbeat and social, but does not drink. She is looking for good weather, strong academics, nice dorms and good food.<br>
1. USC: Received full tuition scholarship and accepted to Honors Program. She loved USC when she visited for the interview. As a parent, I am still a bit unsure about the safety, but everyone has assured me the campus is safe if you are careful. She loved the school spirit, but is unsure of the large size of the school and city feel.
2. U of Miami: Received full ride scholarship! Accepted to honors program and Foote Fellows, which waives general ed requirements. The only thing is I keep hearing their honors program is "changing" and not very strong right now. A full ride is very tempting though, as she will then have money if she decides to go to grad school. Is Miami too much of a party school though?
3. Pomona: No money, but she did love it when she visited this summer. Main concern is due to size, fewer majors are offered and we hear it is hard to double major. Also, is there major grade deflation at Pomona. Just how hard is it?
4. Rice: Again, no money, but she likes the residential college system. Is it hard to make friends with other freshman outside your house though?<br>
5. Wash U: Nice dorms, good food, but close to home and weather is subpar.
6. Vanderbilt: The only school she hasn't visited yet. Big concern is what I read about the tough sorority rush and rankings. She wouldn't care about a "top" house, but I think she wants to avoid the high school popularity thing. From CC threads, it sounds very cliquey for girls. Is this true, or just some unhappy people posting?</p>
<p>She is fortunate to have some great choices, but she didn't fall in love with one school, so it makes for a tough decision. While I would hope prestige doesn't factor into her decision, it is hard to avoid. April will be a very busy month, as she will try to visit all schools to try and decide. Would love some input, as others might have experience with these schools and share info. we don't know. Thanks!</p>