Opinions on this Decision

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey guys, after all was said and done, I ended up applying to UCSB, UCLA, USC, Claremont McKenna (one I would've never even considered had it not been for CC), Northwestern, and UPenn (Wharton).</p>

<p>I was accepted everywhere except Wharton, where I was waitlisted. I'll do my best to gain admission into UPenn - provided they even use their waitlist this year - but I'm not putting a huge amount of stock into that plan. Which leaves me to the following:</p>

<p>-UCLA
-USC
-Claremont McKenna
-Northwestern</p>

<p>I'd like to study Economics/Business, but I'm also interested in pursuing Computer Science (either as a minor or as another major). Academically, every one of these schools appeals to me. UCLA has an amazing reputation (although I heard their Economics department is lacking). USC has a great Business Administration/Computer Science program that I'm really interested in. CMC's reputation isn't necessarily UCLA's, but I know that some of its 3-2 and 4-1 programs are excellent opportunities. And finally, there's Northwestern, whose reputation in Economics speaks for itself. </p>

<p>If anyone has any opinion about any of the educational opportunities or programs at any of these schools, I'd love to hear your input. </p>

<p>My main concern, however, is where I'll enjoy my four years. I've visited friends at UCLA tons of times, so I know that the social life there is more than appealing. I've never visited, but I'm sure USC's is great, too. The ones I'm worried about are CMC and Northwestern, not necessarily because I've heard bad things, but because I haven't heard anything.</p>

<p>If anyone could speak to the social climate at either school, it would be much appreciated. I'm just hoping to make the best decision possible.</p>

2

<p>Are you in-state for UCLA? If so, it sounds like the best deal by far. High prestige + good academics + fun social life + low cost.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I'm in-state for UCLA, and right now, it's looking like the school I'm headed to.</p>

<p>I was mainly curious about Northwestern's social atmosphere. I'll be honest. I definitley didn't work to my full potential in high school. Whereas my test scores were 2350's and 800's, my grades hovered around the 3.6's and 3.7's. I'll take full responsibility for that. Would someone who's more accustomed to partying than working be able to survive at Northwestern?</p>

4

<p>If you read the Claremont McKenna forum, you'll be surprised to see that Claremont is somewhat of a party school. They have a very open Drinking on Campus policy. They don't prohibit it, they just expect students to make the right decisions.</p>

<p>Claremont has a very tight knit community with over 95 percent of it's students living on campus. additionally they are one of the best LAC if not the best LAC for economics.</p>