I honestly have no idea what college I’m going to end up at. Sometimes you have a feeling of the way things will turn out, but I literally have no feeling. Any advice would be appreciated because I need help deciding by May 1st!
My potential major is Environmental Science.
University of Central Florida (safety)
PROS:
Got into the Burnett honors college which has small class sizes and lots of resources. I hear advisors/professors are really attentive to those in the honors college which I like. Also has lots of perks like nice housing and free printing.
Bright futures covers all of tuition, and a grant covers everything else so it’s basically full ride
Nice campus with lots of opportunities to make friends
CONS:
Close to home, I live in Orlando
Not as prestigious as the other colleges I am about to mention… because of this I worry about job opportunities once I graduate, and grad school (depending on which I choose)
Not well known for Environmental Science
University of Florida (match)
PROS:
Good job opportunities once I graduate, UF is considered the “Harvard” of Florida (I rolled my eyes when I first heard this one)
Not quite a full ride, about $3k per year but my dad is paying
Also nice campus, I liked the feel and the sense of community. Plus everyone I know is going there.
Lots of clubs to join that I am interested in
CONS:
Huge classes
It’s so big I feel like I would get lost
I don’t like Gainesville whatsoever
Not a fan of football…
Big greek/party culture which I am also not a fan of
Emory University (reach)
PROS:
Amazing school, I love it
Beautiful campus
Small class sizes
I love all the different types of classes they offer
Professors are also amazing
Very diverse
REALLY good quality of education
I love Atlanta
Overall just wow
CONS
Obviously I really want to go here, the only con is the price of $17k for my first year, and my second year it is likely to increase to $30k. My dad said he would pay, but that is quite a lot just for a year at Emory.
I also heard ethnicities tend to clump together and the social scene is so-so, but I don’t mind that too much.
I am very grateful to have the opportunity to decide which of these schools to pick from, as they are all good options. I just need some guidance on where to go from here. Thank you!
Staying in Orlando you’ll miss a college experience, that’s one time in your life.
I suggest to have a college experience living on campus, in a great University that’s amazing, even though you have great options like UF and Emory with no financial issues.
My son loves UF and being part of Gator Nation.
This is a common conundrum among HS seniors. You get into the school you really want to go to, but the economics somehow don’t match up right. My only suggestion would be to call Emory’s financial aid office and explain your predicament to them about 2019-2020 and beyond. Maybe they will work with you. Emory is very good when it comes to need based aid. However, if there is nothing they can do, then it sounds as if you have a great option at University of Florida. As for football, it’s six saturdays per year. That’s not a big deal.
Great options. UF is definitely fantastic. #42 ranked top ten ranked public. No small achievement getting in there.
Emory is elite too. Top 25 and held in very high regard nationally
UCF is up and coming too.
Tough choices. If not a burden, follow your dream to Emory. It’s a world class school!
If it will be a bit too much I would go to UF for 3k a year. It’s really a place with unlimited opportunities. I believe they were second in the country with med school acceptances last year with some really big number. Dont quote me on that one. But high. You can navigate the school. Maybe apply for honors school after year one. It’s allowed there. And give football a try. You’ll enjoy the festivities and camaraderie with your fellow Gators.
It sounds like you have a really nice Dad. Let him save for his retirement and take the scholarship. You’re not missing anything by not going to an elite university like Emory. All it amounts to is a $100k bachelors degree. By the way, most employers are small to midsize companies. They hire locally and regionally because it’s more cost effective that way. Honors College is actually an accomplishment you can put on a resume.
While UF has plenty of opportunities, it doesn’t sound like a social fit, so I’d look at UCF vs Emory and have a serious talk about finances with your dad. Congrats on the great acceptances and good luck!
The money you save at UCF will go a long way to helping you get started after you graduate. Debt free and with the possibility of a bit of cash in the bank is a huge advantage.
UCF is real up and coming school. But if they live never been to the Orlando campus you would see that it isn’t really in the UF or Emory universe. In my opinion. Life is short and enjoying your time there and the memories and kids you meet are may have impact on your life. Who knows. I think UF at 3k is such a steal.