Second Thoughts About College Choice

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am a senior who recently graduated and decided to matriculate at Rice University. However, over the past four weeks, I have been having second thoughts about my college choice.</p>

<p>Although I was very, very blessed in the entire admissions process and in a situation most of my classmates would envy, I felt I had a very, very tough decision to make. What makes it worse is that I am a poor decision-maker; I tend to be quite indecisive and often flip-flop.</p>

<p>Ever since freshman year, Emory was essentially my dream school (along with Stanford, but I did not get in, so that's not the problem). I really love Atlanta, Coke, Emory's seal (with the trumpet and the shield), and Emory's campus, especially their library. I envisioned myself going there after high school for 3 and a half years, partly because I never thought I would not get into "better" schools.</p>

<p>Senior year rolled around, and I applied to 16 colleges. Although I did not get into any of the Ivies that I applied to, I was very fortunate to get into 11 of the schools. In April, I narrowed down my list to four schools: Duke, Emory, Rice, and WashU. However, Rice offered a very appealing offer: a large merit scholarship and a guaranteed research apprenticeship (Century Scholars) that came out of nowhere (I never did research before). Rice was definitely my cheapest option, $22,000/year versus $36,000 at Emory (received a small merit scholarship) versus $51,000+ at both Duke and WashU. Fortunately, my parents told me that money was no concern, so I kept my mind open to all four schools.</p>

<p>I visited one school per week in April because it was the second semester of my senior year and I felt the college decision was more important than schoolwork. None of the campuses really jerked at my gut; they all felt like places that I can fit in.</p>

<p>I visited Emory on the weekend before May 1st; I've visited Emory two times before, but I felt that I had to visit it one last time. For the third time, I fell in love with the campus, the building architecture, and the suburban setting. Oddly enough, I felt uncomfortable on the campus, even though it was my dream school for a long time and I loved the campus. The students did not make me feel welcome; they appeared to be more apathetic compared to the students I met at Duke and Rice. I visited Emory on a Saturday and during the summer the other two times, so I never interacted with the students the previous times. I ate at the DUC once, and it was already old/boring for me. To make matters worse, my admissions officer contacted me about the merit appeal that I sent to Emory, and he told me that he could not offer any more money.</p>

<p>Later that weekend, I met with my private college counselor. He told me that the best option was clear: go to Rice because of the great value/intellectualism of the students.</p>

<p>That week, I made my decision. I decided to matriculate at Rice because of the smaller student body size, the focus on undergraduate education, and the scholarship/research offer. I felt I could thrive more at Rice versus Duke or Emory.</p>

<p>Now, I am having some second thoughts on both schools, especially Emory. One of my very good friends is going to Emory, which complicates the situation even more. More importantly, I hope to major in environmental science/studies, and Emory offers some more interesting classes/resources/facilities than Rice does in this field. Rice offers a BA in environmental engineering and a double major in environmental sciences, but their class choices seem to be more limited than Emory's and Duke's. Rice also appears to be more science-oriented, and I am a social sciences type person. Emory is also driving distance from where I live.</p>

<p>Regarding Duke, my relative lives 20 minutes away from campus. He's a cool guy, and I would be able to visit him a couple of times a month if I decided to go to Duke. Additionally, Duke's environmental sciences program is phenomenal; this is the main reason why I am having second thoughts about not choosing Duke. Duke is also driving distance from where I live, so I don't have to worry about flying.</p>

<p>Right now, I feel that I have greater attachment to both Emory and Duke than I do for Rice. I am going to keep in open mind, and these thoughts will probably disappear once I enroll at Rice in August. However, I realize I can transfer, but it appears transferring is much more difficult than getting in as a first-year student. </p>

<p>What makes this situation even more weird is that I applied to Rice when I got an epiphany after a phone conversation with my friend in December. Although I intended to apply to Rice for the longest time, I took it off my list because of its lengthy application. However, after talking to my friend, I realized I should apply to Rice, and I applied there during the last week of December.</p>

<p>Are these second thoughts normal? Any thoughts on my situation? Thanks!</p>

<p>BTW: Sorry for the long post... I felt that it was necessary to explain the entire context so you all would understand where my second thoughts were coming from.</p>

2

<p>Second thoughts are normal, I know I’m having them. Its just thinking about the missed opportunities you would have had versus what you have now. But if your decision was to go to one of the other two instead of Rice, you would definitely have similar doubts. Think more about what Rice has to offer that Emory or Duke don’t, like the scholarship that will save you lots of debt after you graduate. Or the research opportunities, or the city of Dallas. All great things you would miss out on going to Duke or Emory.</p>

3

<p>^ Minor point but Rice is in Houston.</p>

<p>I think you did the right thing by choosing the cheap option. Yes, I think Rice is primarily known for science, but it seems like a fairly interesting place (one of the weird things about Rice is that I heard all the exams are take home. I doubt Emory has such a policy!)</p>

4

<p>I think you just have a very common feeling known as “buyer’s remorse.” Many people get it when making major decisions like picking a college, buying a house, etc.</p>

<p>You are way over-thinking this now. Spend your summer learning more about Rice and try to get yourself psyched up for attending in the fall. You may just be a little apprehensive about the unknown – hence your references about your friend going to Emory and visiting your relative near Duke. Once you get to Rice and meet some new friends and take part in activities there, you’ll probably feel a lot more comfortable with the school.</p>

<p>And if you really give Rice a fair chance but eventually decide that it’s not right for you, you can apply for a transfer to one of the other schools. If your grades at Rice are good (and obviously Rice thinks they will be since they gave you the apprenticeship), you will have an excellent chance of being accepted as a transfer by one of the schools that accepted you his year.</p>

5

<p>Whoops, same idea. Got my Texas cities mixed up lol.</p>

6

<p>First, take a deep breath. Yes, your thoughts are normal. </p>

<p>Here’s what I think you should do:

  1. Ask your parents if they’ll still pay for Duke or Emory. If no, then you’re going to Rice. If yes, then…</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Decide who you like better, Duke or Emory. Call 'em and ask if they’ll take you. If yes, make a deposit. If no,</p></li>
<li><p>Call the other school and ask if they’ll take you. If yes, make a deposit. If no, then you’re going to Rice.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>In the end you’ll know that you tried and you ended up where you belong.</p>

7

<p>Having second thoughts is kind of a GOOD thing. It means that you didn’t make a huge life decision in too light of a manner. If you go to Emory, you will probably second guess your decision about Rice. I suggest spending the summer getting psyched about Rice. I think you went with your gut, and given what seems to be the similarity between the schools and the way you’ve felt about them, I think it’s really okay to let your gut make that decision.</p>

8

<p>I’m having second thoughts about not going to Purdue which is the best engineering college that I want to. I’m going to Clemson next year which doesn’t have the best reputation (not everyone knows it) but during my decision I thought it would give me the best education. I think my 2nd thoughts are based on what other people perceived about my college choices since most people said I should have gone to Virginia Tech or Purdue.</p>

9

<p>@Pierre:</p>

<p>I know exactly what you mean. I know that Duke and Emory offered better environmental sciences program (mainly because of their larger size), but I felt that I would receive the best overall education at Rice (smaller classes and the students at Rice seem more intellectual instead of pre-professional). Along with the money, that is why I made my decision. We just got to trust our guts :)</p>

<p>BTW, we’re both going to Southern schools :)</p>

10

<p>haha yes, another thing is that schools in the south don’t get any love up here in Boston so people always ask me “Why would you go to school in South Carolina?” which can lead to my frustration about my college choice haha</p>

<p>but yes we have to trust our guts and hope that we are right, I’ll come back after my freshmen year and let you guys know how it goes :)</p>

11

<p>slik nik: First off, congratulations for being accepted into so many outstanding colleges. It is an accomplishment you should be proud of. I just wanted to comment on a couple points in your post:</p>

<p>I understand that Emory had always been your dream school since your freshman year but now you have to evaluate it as the school that will prepare you for the begining of the rest of your life. The comment that you made that you felt “uncomfortable” on campus and that the “students did not make we feel welcome” is a little troubling and would make me think twice if it is the right choice. Is it possible you fell in love with an image of Emory, rather than if it is the right fit?</p>

<p>I would not take into consideration that one of your good friends attends Emory. You will make friends wherever you go. </p>

<p>What kind of a “vibe” did you get when you visited Rice? Did you feel like it was a welcoming campus and student body where you would fit in?</p>

<p>My personal opinion is, in general, do not pick an undergraduate college for a specific major. Interests change.</p>

<p>You have some great options with some outstanding schools. I know many people that would kill to have to choose between Emory and Rice.</p>

12

<p>Its NORMAL. Relax. There are MILLIONS of kids like you. And many have second thoughts up until the day they move into their dorms. Then all the excitement sets in and you are off to the races.</p>

<p>Congratulations on all your admissions. All fine schools. </p>

<p>Now, some good advice: Close the book on the others now. Put their stuff away. In the attic, in a safe and dry place. Great memories. But memories. Its over. They have filled their classes and you opted out. </p>

<p>Embrace Rice. Get the gear! Wear the gear! Sweats, hats, shoes, boxers, whatever. You are going to Rice. Its a fabulous school. Houston has its own lovely spots. Get on facebook and start communicating with people going to Rice in your class. Ask around town where you live who else is going to Rice. In other words, you are a Rice Owl. Show it. I found that really, really helped us in a similar situation two years ago, involving friends, second thoughts, fears and anxieties etc. It was all silly and my kid is thriving now. </p>

<p>One of the most wonderful aspects of going away to college is that it is entirely a new experience and you are getting away from the high school bunch. The thought of “continuing high school” in college to my kid was utterly nauseating. They were friends and all the tears were shed etc etc, but at the end of the day, its about growing up and moving on. You may be shocked at how quickly people start separating this summer. Jobs, vacations, new friends, and just wanting to put high school behind them means they subtly or not so subtly pull away. Its painful at first, but really the BEST THING that could happen.</p>

<p>Trust me.</p>

<p>By August you will be chomping at the bit to get on campus and start your AMAZING journey.</p>

<p>Again, Congratulations! Rice is truly an amazing school and you have chosen well.</p>

<p>Best wishes. GET THE GEAR!</p>

13

<p>I’m basically have a school is what you make of it (within reason) kind of mindset. I agree with Endless Recession, “embrace Rice” and never look back. Sound like a great deal and the research work will be a big plus. Enjoy. </p>

<p>Pierre, </p>

<p>I know what you mean. I’ve noticed the kids that I see at the graduation parties that are going to school in South Carolina have a bit of that beat down look like people have been messing with them. When I say ‘wow, congrats, that’s super’ their face light up and deservedly so. Clemson has a lot going for it and a rising sophomore I know LOVES it. So relax and enjoy.</p>

14

<p>slik nik-You made the right choice for the right reasons. Once you get to Rice, you will love it. Now follow endlessrecession’s excellent advice and get on with your life. Some of this ‘what iffing’ is just because you are in that awkward holding pattern after senior year and before the start of your new life-you know (sort of) what you gave up but have no idea what you are getting so it’s hard to weigh them against each other. Stop weighing and enjoy the moment your are currently in.</p>

15

<p>Slick Nik, don’t let the fact that a friend or relative goes to or lives near a college have ANY impact on your decision. Those thoughts probably stem from some nervousness about not knowing anybody at Rice. Once you are at Rice (the one I’d choose even if they were all the same price) you’ll meet people and everything will be fine.</p>

16

<p>One of the best ways to learn how to be a better decision maker is to make decisions and follow through on them.</p>

<p>Who knows, maybe after a year at Rice, you’ll want to transfer. Maybe you’ll decide to go do graduate work at Emory. Maybe you’ll just love Rice.</p>

<p>Your options are still wide open. Don’t feel like the decision you’ve made is set for the next four years. But at least follow through on your decision for this first year.</p>

17

<p>slik nik- I was in your exact position several years ago. I was admitted to seven of the eight colleges I applied to, with none of them a clear favorite. One of them gave me nearly a full ride, and I enrolled, since I liked it well enough.</p>

<p>A few weeks later…I rethought my position and realized it really wasn’t a great decision. I called up one of my schools, and they fortunately had a spot still open. I enrolled, and in retrospect that was one of the best decisions I ever could have made. I loved my college experience and honestly, I don’t think I would have grown as much if I had attended my original choice.</p>

<p>That’s not to say I think you should necessarily choose Duke or Emory, because I’m not sure your reasons are completely valid…but I do agree with DougBetsy. A phone call to see if a spot is open wouldn’t hurt, if you do change your mind.</p>

18

<p>To everyone who posted: </p>

<p>Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice! I am going to stick with my decision to go to Rice. Although I seriously considered it, I think it would be more foolish for me to contact Emory or Duke and ask if I can enroll there. I would not want to forfeit all that scholarship money at Rice to discover that I would be having second thoughts at Emory or Duke as well.</p>

<p>I put myself in the mindset that I was going to Emory or Duke, and I realized that I would be feeling second thoughts no matter what school I chose. I also realized that Rice offers a lot of the same courses in environmental studies as Emory and Duke (Emory and Duke still offer a greater variety, but they are both also bigger universities), so that makes me feel a bit better since that was one of my main worries.</p>

<p>Again, I appreciate all of your help!</p>

19

<p>Oddly enough, I was having second thoughts about turning down Rice, even without the scholarships you got. </p>

<p>It’s completely normal for you to have second thoughts.</p>

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<p>@Senior0991: Just out of curiosity, what college did you choose over Rice?</p>