Crunch time - my son is deciding between these two schools. We welcome any input pro/con.
We live in Arizona so both schools are out of state. S plans to study business and will graduate with AP and IB credits: 3.72 UW/4.6 W, 34 ACT, top 5%. S is looking for a top academic program as well as a strong sports atmosphere and social life, he plans to rush a fraternity. S is likely to go to graduate school.
Penn State: S visited, loved the traditional-looking campus, school pride evident in the students, and sport facilities. Did not get to tour or presentations, ie. dorm, administrators, or discussion of the program/schedule. State College a college town. Admitted to a Smeal College of Business major, higher ranked than Miami, and highly touted alumni network. Mom is concerned about large class sizes, getting lost in the crowd, cold weather and having to apply to Smeal (after freshman year?). S says the cold won’t bother him, change of seasons interesting. Big brother will be living in Pittsburgh so “close by,” which may factor into his decision.
Miami: S has $26k presidential scholarship, renewable for 4 years with maintained 3.0. Visited with business advising group, noted direct admit into business school with immersion starting freshman year, study abroad options, and international flavor of the school. Coral Gables neighborhood nice, proximity to Miami, and weather seems a plus. Smaller class sizes and what seemed like personal attention from faculty and staff a plus. Business School has a 4 1/2 year dual Bachelor and Master degree in accounting program if he ends up loving accounting, and flexibility with adding additional majors and/or minors. Mom is concerned about “party school” reputation, although we didn’t get that feel while on campus; and a lesser-ranked business program (will this inhibit recruiting?).
After scholarship, Penn State is at least $10k/year more than Miami.
All comments welcome – he loved both and is getting ready to flip a coin!! Thank you.
