Second-guessing my decision

College Search & Selection
1

<p>My college decision ultimately came down to Pitt Main and Penn State Main a couple months ago. I was going back and forth between the two, seeing the positives and negatives of both, which is to be expected. I ultimately decided on Pitt and sent in my admission deposit; I wanted to do it early so as to prevent prolonged mental stress about it. The pro's of Pitt for me is that I like it better academically; I'm fairly certain I want to include Philosophy in my studies and Pitt is extremely well ranked for that. They also make it very easy to combine Philosophy into other majors, with convenient double majors as well as interesting, unique joint majors that include the subject. The school felt more serious and academically weighty than Penn State, and I also like that Pitt is more competitive to get into, just as a somewhat irrational matter of personal pride. I loved the Cathedral of Learning as well, I could see myself enjoying studying and doing homework in there. However, some drawbacks are that Pitt is roughly twice the distance from my home than Penn State, being about 5 hours away while Penn State is 2 or 2.5. When I visited Penn State, I loved the scenic, grassy campus and it felt very comfortable to me. While I like Pitt's campus and all of the opportunities it has to offer, it was very intimidating because I was raised in the suburbs and have little experience with cities. I know many people who are going to Penn State, including a very good friend of mine who I was going to room with if I decided to go there. No one that I really know or am friends with is going to Pitt. That, plus the relative closeness to home and more relaxing campus, makes Penn State feel much safer and more in my comfort zone than Pitt. Penn State also has a Geography major that I'm very interested in that is unfortunately not offered at Pitt, but again Penn State does not have the options and reputation in Philosophy that I would definitely like as well. One more thing, Penn State seems less serious and like it has more of a focus on sports and partying than Pitt. I don't like that about it, and fear I wouldn't fit in well with drunken jocks.</p>

<p>Anyhow, I decided on Pitt but I'm now definitely second-guessing my decision and thinking that maybe I should be going to Penn State. My parents are willing to pay another $300 deposit fee if I really decide to change my mind without qualms, so long as I don't change my mind again.</p>

2

<p>Pitt will help you grow as a person since it is unlike anything you’ve known. As long as you are not overwhelmed by the experience, it is more likely to change you, since it includes learning to live in a city setting. You can hang with Penn friends when you are home on break. If you want growth in a different direction, new soil might help.</p>

3

<p>Don’t fear the unexpected. I’m a student from India who is heading to the US for 4 long years. And I have to say, I’m excited. </p>

<p>Penn might appeal more to you, especially because your friend is attending. But make the choice based on your interests and academic focus. Speak with people with similar backgrounds. Give it a thought. Then reach a conclusion. :)</p>

4

<p>Thanks marybee, you’re probably right about that. Thekd95 your situation is humbling, I’m stressing about going to the other side of my state and you’re going to a different hemisphere! Haha, thanks for your perspective.</p>

5

<p>Reading your post, my sense is that you should trust your initial instinct – I’d wager strongly that, after a thoughtful analysis, you made the correct decision.</p>