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I just wanted to call your attention to this statement of yours.
I would like for you to consider that if you tell yourself the “story” that you would have to sacrifice happiness and friends – then you’d CREATE that in your life.</p>
<p>So on one hand, yes, go for fit, but please do not feel as if your decision is actually so significant as to influence your “happiness and friends” – that’s a state of mind, and if you decide to be happy and make friends, you will wherever you go.</p>
<p>my S had a poor high school experience too. He felt as if he had no friends. In reality, he really did have very few. We (parents included) were willing to leave the state school where he had scholarships resulting in tuition of only around $2,000/year and go to a private school (top 50) where we were full pay. The tuition at the private school is $41,500. $158,000 more in tuition over 4 years. His social well being is as important as his academic environment.</p>
<p>I’m glad you are going to revisit schools before decision. Try not to stress too much. I’m reminded about a day when two of my children were at this stage. They were in the kitchen with friends all mulling over these huge decisions. Only one had made a definate decision. I said don’t worry, get great grades no matter where you go Freshman year and if you don’t like it you can transfer. About five faces turned to me and almost simultaneously gasped “you can?” I was amazed they seemed to not know this. They were all in the top 10% of high school class. Of the five 4 years later, the one who had made definate decision transferred to huge state university, they accepted all her freshman credits. Two changed majors. All 5 are happy and graduating in 4 years, 2 going on to grad school.</p>