Hi again!
I’ve made a couple of posts in the last few weeks mostly comparing Amherst and Dartmouth. I’ve come to a pretty solid conclusion regarding the two schools now that I’ve actually visited both of the campuses. But in all honesty, I’m still not sure what to pick, and I’m feeling pretty burned out. I’m like six seconds away from just giving up and hiding under my covers until May 1st comes and goes. So if anyone wants to help out an extremely stressed out senior, I’d appreciate it!
Amherst is definitely the school I feel best at. I really enjoyed my time walking around the own, I love the people, the courses seem great, the diversiy is fantastic, the lack of greek life is super enticing, and overall I think I’d be happiest at Amherst. The only reason I haven’t committed is because Dartmouth, my other choice, is more prestigious, and their CS program is better.
When I visited Dartmouth I loved the campus- it was totally breathtaking. But I didn’t feel nearly as comfortable walking around the town like I had Amherst. I walked through the town by myself to get a t-shirt, and I, for a lack of better description, felt kind of tiny and out of place. It was like I was the most underdressed person in a six mile radius. I wasn’t super comfortable there. The two people I chatted with were kind, but I didn’t click with them like I did with the people at Amherst. But Dartmouth’s CS program is really, really good. And the D-plan plus the alum network would get me employed anywhere in the world. I figure maybe I could commit to Dartmouth and trasnfer if I hate it, but I don’t really want to do that.
Amherst is a brilliant school in its own right, but its not a very techy school. I’m taking out 33k(or so) loans for school(total! not per year) and so I want to make sure I’m not going to graduate without a job/with a job that is high paying. I know at Dartmouth that won’t be an issue, but I can’t say the same for Amherst. I’ve also heard the CS program is mediocre, and I am really interested in Computer Science, so that puts me off. The 5 College Consortium is really nice, but I’ve heard its super hard to get into Umass Amherst Comp sci classes. I’m just super nervous about taking that risk, I guess.
So this is where I’m stuck at. I’ve made a bunch of posts, talked to a ton of alumni, spoke to students, and laid awake for like four nights straight agonizing over this choice. My Dad, a Dartmouth alum, says I’ll be making a mistake if I pass up on Dartmouth- I don’t want him to be righ about that, and in four years be wishing I went with Dartmouth. I don’t want to limit myself by passing on Dartmouth, espcially when I don’t know for sure I won’t like it there. I just know I will like it at Amherst. I’m excited when I think about Amherst, but not so much when it comes to Dartmouth. I’ve talked to sooo many people with tons of different opinions, but I really am not sure. I know CS isn’t something that really depends on the prestige of the school, but I’m worried that if I pass on an ivy league school I won’t be able to get as far I guess? I’m just more scared than anything lol. Any advice would be appreciated!