<p>I am currently a hs senior trying to decide what college is best for me. I am graduating within the top 10% of my hs class of 2011 (750 students.) Here are my stats:
Personal: White/male/athletic
act: 32
satII: Math: 720, Physics: 760, Biology: 740
interests: mechanical/civil engineering
Schools of interest:<br>
-Lehigh University
-Bucknell University - Dean's Scholarship $10m
-Tufts University
-Syracuse University (least favorite) - Dean Scholarship $8M
-UVA</p>
<p>Best program?
Best reputation?
Best campus?
Best Student body?
Best Overall package?
Best Value?</p>
<p>Any advice on any of these schools or what I should consider when making my choice would be appreciated. I feel somewhat overwhelmed. - Thanks</p>
<p>In this day and age, the scholarships are a definitive advantage. You can’t go wrong by saving some money, or saving Mom and Dad’s money. It also prevents you from having to apply for scholarships for assistance. </p>
<p>The rest all depends on what you want or what you are like. You could go to the best school in an industry and possibly not like something about it (people, atmosphere, climate, etc.), which could lead to poor performance. Check out all of the available options, weigh their Pros and Cons, then decide. Make a visit if possible, preferrably during the school year so you get an idea of how the campus flows. </p>
<p>The last nugget I have is to make sure you have a good support group. The first year of college will be a whirlwind, full of new experiences and new people. It takes some time to adjust to it all, and having people to lean on will help. Then, of course, you have the actual classes. I love college football, I always hear about some Fresh who was a H.S. All-American, but when he got to college he realized that everything was so much faster, and more intricate. From college to the NFL, they said the same things: Faster, more moving pieces, more detailed. The same thing will go for your courses. Expect to spend twice as much time studying as you spend with your butt planted in a classroom. </p>
<p>Overall, take your time. Find out what you want, and what will work for you. Base you decision on what feels right and comfortable.</p>
<p>In terms of the finances, you may want to compare the net cost after non-loan financial aid. Though if you really did get a $8M or $10M scholarship (as opposed to an $8k or $10k scholarship), that would be quite unusual.</p>
<p>yea, sorry - haha. of course I meant $10,000 and $8,000 in scholarships.</p>
<p>I did visit each of the schools and they all have some pros and cons. UVA might be a little too far from where I live…</p>
<p>I guess I was hoping to get some feed back in regards to what people thought of each of the schools. What are your impressions of the school in general and/or its Engineering programs…</p>
<p>any thoughts/comments would be appreciated.</p>