<p>So my college process is done and my decision is made, but I'm starting to have unsettling second thoughts. I was accepted to all my schools and narrowed it down to a top ivy and a non-ivy (still in the top 20, but at the latter end). I got a full tuition merit scholarship to the non-ivy, and the day I found out about that was arguably one of the happiest days of my year, despite the fact that the ivy acceptance came with a financial aid package that made the price differences minimal. The non-ivy was at the top of my list since I first visited it--the culture, programs, and overall campus feel just made me fall in love with the school. After being accepted, I did a second visit to the non-ivy and only got more excited about it. Shortly thereafter, I went to the accepted students' days at the ivy (my second visit to that school as well) and, though I tried to go with an open mind, found myself thinking constantly about the other school. The weekend culminated in what seemed like an epiphany-like moment of feeling that I needed to be at the non-ivy. About a week after returning home, I sent in my deposit and accepted the scholarship offer.</p>
<p>However, I've lately been looking back on my decision and admittedly spending way to much time on CC. All the posts like "I wouldn't turn down Harvard/Princeton/Yale for anything," "Trust me, you want the ivy degree," or "If I could get into Harvard/Princeton/Yale, I'd never go to school X" have me really freaking out. Did I make a rash (and wrong) decision? Was it a terrible mistake to say no to the big-name recognition/prestige, the ivy-covered halls, and the "ivy experience" (whatever that might be)??</p>
<p>Thanks for any input. I know the decision's done and over, but I've just been really unsettled about this all lately and figured I'd ask for a little feedback.</p>
<p>Well what was the Ivy? What was the non-Ivy? The bottom-rung Ivies (Cornell esp.) aren’t nearly as prestigious as you’d think. They’re no Harvard and couldn’t compete with top non-Ivies such as Stanford or MIT.</p>
<p>You need to go with your “gut.” Your instincts are what sense the future and going with your instincts puts you on the right path to where and what you are meant to be. If your gut says non-ivy, then you should go with non-ivy and trust yourself. It will absolutely be for the better.</p>
<p>placido: thanks so much. that’s basically the philosophy I’ve been going off of, but have lately been questioning.</p>
<p>sentiment: I really don’t want to get specific about which schools, but I will say that the Ivy was one of Harvard, Princeton, Yale and the non-Ivy was between 15 and 20 in the current US News rankings.</p>
<p>full tuition + first choice = best decision!
Do not let the opinions of others dictate a choice as large as this one.You’re the one who will be living on campus, working with professors, etc. so it should be entirely up to you</p>
<p>You made the right decision. You won’t lack for opportunity or quality education at the top 20 schools. You have to go with what feels the right fit. IT is always hard to wonder ‘what if’ about 2 quality schools, but really you couldn’t go wrong either way. Don’t put too much credence into the opinions of high school students, or even ‘man on the street’ knee jerk reactions.</p>
Many of them have yet to attend college. There’s something of a shift in thinking that goes on when you first set foot on your college campus for orientation or classes – all of the other schools you applied to are suddenly water under the bridge. I was somewhat hesitant about my choice of college; I had to turn down my #1 choice because of its terrible financial aid. Four years later, I simply could not imagine myself anywhere else than the school I chose. </p>
<p>Most people develop very strong connections with their colleges and classmates, and quite a few have to be forcibly dragged out come graduation. I think you’ll love the school you chose. Congrats on the scholarship!</p>
<p>If that scholarship is dependent on maintaining a challenging GPA, you may have made a mistake. Otherwise, the money is equal and you picked the place where you feel more comfortable. You are the one going there, so it’s YOUR opinion that matters.</p>
<p>Presumably the non-Ivy is Rice, Vanderbilt, or Notre Dame…personally, I can’t see turning down HYP for ND, but I’m not a football fan. :)</p>
<p>Referring to it as “the non-ivy” can’t be helping. It sounds like the schools are on equal footing academically, so you should go to the one that best suits you.</p>
<p>
Actually, that’s the one it happens most for, since Notre Dame has both a high yield and is tied with Harvard for its students saying it was their first choice. Honestly, I can see students who like any of those schools turning down whatever other school they don’t like as much.</p>
<p>However, Notre Dame does not give full-tuition merit scholarships, so it isn’t that school.</p>
<p>Second guessing is something you should nt do online! Look at it as doing a good deed for someone who was really interested in going to the Ivy you turned down.</p>
<p>look, you didn’t say harvard or yale, so i can safely assume they’re not your school. here on cc i recalled a student who turned down yale for rhodes on a full ride; another harvard for unc morehead. this year, a kid turned down harvard/yale/rice for another school no where on the minds of cc… you’ve done right. finish your undergrad with glory and your future will be very bright.</p>
<p>Unsophisticated High school seniors far overrate the Ivy League and HYP. There are tons of opportunities at every top school, and there really isn’t as much difference as people pretend. If you’re happy with the place you’ve chosen, that’s all that counts.</p>
<p>Why were you so hasty in turning away the ivy acceptance? The accepted students’ day shouldn’t be the deciding factor. You probably realize this which is why you feel guilty for rejecting their offer. And despite what anyone says, there is a considerable difference between HYPSM and the rest of the colleges in the top 20.</p>
<p>don’t regret your decision. personally, i think you made the right choice. This year there were a couple seniors who got into Harvard from my school. And ALL of the them rejected Harvard. Point is, prestige isn’t the only thing that matters.</p>