Hey! I have two fantastic offers from pretty different schools. Up until now, I’ve been pretty certain it was going to be SMU, but now I’m starting to consider UCONN again.
The campuses are pretty different in size, public v. private, urban v. college town. So, I was wondering which you thought would be best for my interests in physics/math. I really want to go to grad school. I don’t want to end up living in CT when I’m older, but I don’t think I’ll end up in the south either.
UCONN - I have the PS scholarship which covers tuition for four years and a one-time enrichment stipend of $2,500. I could also probably graduate in 2.5-3 years just because I have so much credit. I’d live at home probably. Here I’m a chem engineering major and math/physics.
SMU - full tuition, room and board, and free study abroad. It is a phenomenal opportunity, and I know the school will be there to advocate and support me. I am so thankful for everything this school has done for me already. Here, I’m a mechanical engineering and physics major.
Getting involved in physics research as an undergrad is really important to me. I’m particularly interested in the astrophysics realm. I really like the size and urban setting of SMU, but I’m worried it’s far and that I might not fit into the student population well. But, the campus is beautiful and I have been talking to a lot of really nice people. I’m instate for UCONN so everyone goes there and it might be a little big for me, but part of me likes the fact that it’s instate.
Which is the best academically probably? I’m pretty conflicted, and I’m stressing out!!!
I am an SMU grad from '98. I was a Hunt Scholar. SMU has a very large Greek presence on the campus. Aside from that, it was the perfect choice for me. The university does advocate for you. After SMU, I went to the U. of St. Andews as a Fulbright Scholar for '98-99, finishing my masters in '00. I then attended Georgetown Law, finishing my J.D. in '02. The Hunt Program (which is similar to the President Scholarship Program) allowed me to make connections and have experiences that I likely would not have had elsewhere. In retrospect, I could have, and should have, made more of it. That is not to say that UConn is not an excellent school. But, you have the ability to do a lot at SMU. If you can live with the Greek presence, the experience and education you receive there will do you well. Congratulations.
@Peruna1998 thank you! Honestly, I’m a little worried just because I think Dallas might be very different than what I’m used to. But it could very well be a good-different. It’s really overwhelming to have such good opportunities, and I don’t want to mess it up!
As a parent, I believe college is about more than just the education. I think the residential aspect (if affordable and desired) has real value, as does experiencing life in a different area of the country. My son is still considering an instate uni, and I will happily support his decision should he choose to go there. If I get to vote as an anonymous internet forum poster, I think you should go to SMU 
ETA: You will do great at either, so there really is no way to mess it up!
Exposing yourself to different beliefs and people is part of any education. If I recall, the Presidential Scholarship at SMU includes up to a full year abroad. I did that in Scotland. It was well worth it.
Just wanted to tell y’all that i’m going to SMU next year
Congrats! And nice use of ‘y’all’! 
@suteiki77 ofc, I had to practice 
Hope you love it there. I’m glad you are going to try something new.