<p>(Am also posting this in the Duke, Princeton and Parents threads)</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to be admitted into the Princeton EA Class of 2018, offered a place at Trinity College, Cambridge and be awarded the Robertson Scholarship to UNC/Duke (I'm an intl student) and now I have no idea what to do (though definitely not Cambridge bcs I don't have any FA). I am so so grateful and lucky and excited, but also exhausted from weighing up the pros and cons of both.</p>
<p>Accepted into UNC, still waiting on Duke RD.</p>
<p>I was offered nearly a full ride at Princeton (they only want $5k a year from my parents) whilst the Robertson is a full ride minus health insurance, flights and a general living stipend unless I'm at UNC (which would probably end up costing around $5k)... Princeton want me to work too though and have a summer job, so it would probably stretch my parents more than if I were to take the Robertson.</p>
<p>Benefits of the Robertson: Duke/UNC have a more chill and less intense atmosphere, in the South so nicer weather (although still snowy/cold in winter) - very quintisential college experience, garuanteed summer experiences - grow into a better person and leader, free laptop and other perks (financially a bit better), probably a much easier life, still a great education bcs of access to profs etc! Sanford school is good. Good alumni network so perhaps better chance of getting a good job, close bond between scholars (I want a nice community), basketball environment more fun....</p>
<p>Disadvantages: I've never been to NC/Durham though so I could hate it (I hated UPenn and Columbia, for example)... still doesn't have the same history as the Morehead/feel almost 'second tier', at the end of the day you are still a UNC or Duke student, coming back to the UK hardly anyone knows the scholarship let alone the UNC or Duke - there are certain benefits that come from prestigious unis, education at UNC is good - but not the same as my other options, not that much freedom in summer experiences (I could probably find similar opportunities for community work and internships @ Pton), not sure I like greek life at all, some of the Duke controversies like the student porn star make Duke seem a bit conservative and stifling</p>
<p>Benefits of Princeton: It's arguably the best university in the US, Woody Woo is great for future career prospects - i also love the course, beautiful friendly campus (less risk because i've been there), close to family (who live in NY), benefits of being near NYC/Philly/DC, name resonates across the atlantic, strong alumni connection, will probs get a great degree, good study abroad options/internships too, really incredible professors, I want to do Politics/IR (and POSSIBLY do a MPP or something, go to grad school or enter the foreign service...) and is v good for that, Pton has the highest per capita endowment in US - this has to show for something, humbling experience to be 'small fish in big pond' - perhaps there is more freedom/more opportunities to access...</p>
<p>Disadvantages Princeton:
grade deflation is off putting - i want to try all different types of subjects and not feel the stress of having to fight against everyone else for a 4.0. i've been advised to only be 'safe'- this isnt what college is about, campus seems a bit too small + cold haha, not a big fan of eating clubs - i think they're a bit outdated and elitist, difficult to stand out - harder to access summer opportunities, socially difficult too</p>
<p>I need to decide soon. I know I am so lucky but I'm scared about where I will regret more. Would really appreciate any input, thanks! </p>