Please help me weigh the pros and cons!

College Search & Selection
1

Hey y’all, I’m in a bit of a predicament here. My top school is Appalachian State, which I have been accepted into for fall 2015. I was about to commit there, but I went to scholarship interviews at Gardner-Webb and Anderson (SC) Universities, and received full tuition scholarships at each. I plan on studying business, concentrating on either economics or finance. Also, I will likely apply to an MBA program (possibly UNC) after undergrad.

I don’t want a decision made for me, I’d just like some helpful insight. GWU will cost only a couple thousand a year, while AU will be around 5 or 6K. I got into the honors programs at both. GWU seems boring, but isn’t a bad drive home, whereas AU has a lot going on and I love the area, but it is further away. My question is - which would you suggest to attend, and why? The money isn’t an issue now, so it really just comes down to program strength, grad school/internship prospects, and which school has more to offer in general. If you have experiences with either of these schools, please include them in your comments! Thanks everyone!

2

Congratulations on receiving full rides to both schools. I am not sure if you have decided yet, but I would avoid a school that seems boring to you. Social Environment is as important as the schools academics. My daughter attends UNCW, which is a great school academically but not much to do socially that interest her. She comes home to raleigh almost every weekend and is looking forward to transferring in fall 2016. You are more likely to grow as an individual in a new environment that challenges you to be more independant and meeting new people from a different culture than your upbringing will also stretch you!

3

I don’t know much about those schools, but I’d say if money isn’t a huge deal at this point to go to Appalachian. It seems like your gut instinct is telling you to go there, and being at a school that fits far outweighs a few extra hours to drive from home.