<p>If both are financially viable, go with the better academics. Remember, people change between high school and college, and the person you were friends with in June will probably not be the same person you were friends with come May. </p>
<p>Also you’ll make new friends in college. You’re literally living with tens of thousands of people your age, engaged in a similar pursuit. Just join a club or two, and you’ll meet people with similar interests.</p>