<p>Opinions? I'm uncertain exactly what I want to study, but I'm leaning toward business. (OOS for UVA and UNC)</p>
<p>SMU needs to immediately come off the list. Not in the same ballpark.</p>
<p>Agree with PizzaGirl - all things being equal I say Northwestern. That said I would be curious to see $$$ for each.</p>
<p>SMU is the only one with merit $ ($15K/yr – full pay everywhere else). I’m not crazy about cold weather, so I’m thinking about removing Northwestern and BC (not really crazy about the large core requirements at BC either). This would leave UVA, UNC, and SMU. NU is going to cost more, and I’m not really sure it’s the best place for me; however, some of my friends think I’d be crazy not to go there. SMU would be the cheapest followed by UNC and UVA. My parents have saved a set amount (not exactly sure how much). They’ve said if there’s anything leftover, it’s mine to use for grad school.</p>
<p>How much more is UNC and UVA than SMU?</p>
<p>Do what you like, but millions of people live in Chicago and New England respectively and handle the weather just fine.</p>
<p>Since you don’t know yet how much it is that your parents have saved, you need to find the out. Then you will know whether you want to follow the scholarship offers.</p>
<p>There isn’t a bad one in this bunch. It really is OK to make your final selection based on the weather, distance from the beach/mountains, the sports teams, or any other factor that will help you get through four long years of studying.</p>
<p>^^ I agree. I would be miserable in a region with prolonged harsh winter weather. If the OP feels the same, I see no reason to choose NU or BC when he has other great and less expensive choices in more temperate climates.</p>
<p>$ – My parents have said they have approximately $200,000 put aside and will continue to add to that over the next four years. They said there was more, but their portfolio has taken a hit due to the market and economy. </p>
<p>SMU would be the cheapest (around $30,000 per year). The campus is gorgeous and the city of Dallas offers a lot. I’ve heard Cox students have an easy tine getting great internships and SMU’s career placement center is really good. </p>
<p>UNC is appealing because of the sports scene and weather. I’m not crazy about the size or more liberal climate of Chapel Hill. (I’m thinking being in honors will make it feel smaller.)</p>
<p>UVA has an incredible campus, and the tradition and school spirit are appealing. I’m concerned about having to apply to McIntire should I decide to pursue business. I’ve heard it’s competitive. I’ve already completed most of my core through AP so the Echols distinction doesn’t mean much.</p>
<p>BC also has a great campus but like I said, I don’t really like their core requirements. I like the sports and tradition, but I’m not thrilled with the split campus. Also, I’m not Catholic. </p>
<p>Northwestern has Chicago nearby which is very cool. I’ve heard that everyone is so busy, however, that they rarely go in to the city. I really hate bitter cold, and I’m somewhat worried about the environment. I want to study and push myself, but I also want to have fun. NU seemed like the least balanced when I visited.</p>
<p>I think I’m leaning somewhat toward UVA. It’s a big decision, and I guess I’m wanting someone to reassure me I’m not making a huge mistake.</p>
<p>Isn’t UNC OOS significantly cheaper than UVA OOS? Like 25k vs 35k? I could be wrong though…</p>
<p>If it is, however, then you have an extra 40k saved for grad school.</p>