Hi, I’m having a problem about deciding which of two schools I’d like to go to, and I have to make my decision very soon. I applied and got into a very good school, one that I’ve been thinking about attending for years. However, I did not get any merit-based scholarships or financial aid for that school. I also applied to a large, in-state university that I live very close to. I received a full ride scholarship, and I am also in an honors program. However, the university is mostly known for its sports, and not so much for its academics. The problem is, I don’t know exactly what I’d like to study yet. I know that before anything, I need to figure that out first. My question is, where would be the best place to do it, a college that is not so well known for its academics, but is free, or a school I really like that I would have to pay a lot for? Thanks.
Knowing the identity of the two schools would really help. It may be that your perceptions are based on stereotypes and people here might be able to provide first hand information about your choices.
What can your parents afford? Would they or you have to take out loans? What is the cost of attendance for the full pay school? Is full ride really full ride or just full tuition?
Have you researched the opportunities that you would have as an honors student at the in-state university? Met with the honors department? Depending on the school, many honors programs offer a very high-quality experience with research and mentoring opportunities that you may not receive even at a more selective university.
my friend’s mom was accepted to CMU and MIT, but chose to go to Virginia Tech because they offered her a full ride scholarship. it all depends on if the major you want is only taught at the expensive school, the quality of the courses, etc. she had no regrets about her choice- she’s now a very high up IT manager at a national company and is also debt-free.