There is a month until national decision day, and I am nowhere close to making a decision. I applied to a bunch of schools’ biomedical engineering program, but I narrowed it down to Purdue, Case Western, and Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State.
Purdue and Case Western (total cost for 4 years minus scholarships) would be approx. 50k higher than Barrett. I’ve done research, completed a residential summer program, know the campus well, and established connections at ASU, but I’ve wanted to go out-of-state for forever. Med school is a possibility, but I’m more research oriented, and I’m leaning towards grad school. I’d also like to pursue a double major with global health (or something of that field) and a possible minor in Chinese.
I’ve spoke to my college counselor, people who have attended all 3 schools, and admissions reps for each one. The more I think and talk about it, the more confused I get. I’ve also attended virtual tours of each (not possible for me to fly out to visit each campus this month), and I see strengths and weaknesses for each one, but it’s hard to compare these particular schools.
I need help deciding between all of these, and which could be the cost-effective, worthwhile choice in the long run because of my intent to pursue higher education. Would appreciate any opinions or suggestions!
hello crankman34, while I am not at all interested in biomedical engineering, I do know that medical school and grad school are both hella expensive, esp when combined with the debt from an undergrad education at a more expensive school. ASU Barrett seems like a completely reasonable option financially and is truthfully probably a good way to go if you are sure it will help you get into med school/grad school.
That said, however, it sounds like you are still trying to see which one really fits you. I would advise you to take your time and try to view these colleges with a clear head, evaluating not only their costs and academics but also whether you think the school would be a nice fit for your needs location-wise, size-wise, etc. If you cannot look at it with a clear head, make detailed pros and cons lists of each school with all of the information you have already gathered from your tours and conversations, then go from there. Hope this helped
You’re right, and ASU Barrett wouldn’t be settling if I really don’t think it is. No debt sounds amazing, but yeah, it’s hard deciding. I gotta decide all factors, and a pros and cons list was next on the agenda. Thanks for the help!
The most you can take out in federal student loans for a 4 year degree is $27k. If these schools cost any more than that, then you have to have your parents co-sign massive loans to pay for them. Not only is that a very bad idea, but I’m willing to bet your parents won’t do that. If my daughter made that request, I would probably just go into the den, shut the door and laugh hysterically. I think you would be more than fine at ASU.
