<p>I've been accepted to a variety of colleges, but I've mainly narrowed my choices to Smith, Wellesley, and the University of Michigan. The first two are markedly different from UM, obviously, and they're closer to what I'd like in terms of fit. I like their intellectual natures and the small size of the campuses, though I am not entirely sold on the all-female aspect. </p>
<p>I haven't received my financial packages from Smith and Wellesley yet (I should have them tomorrow or Tuesday), but I know that they will not be able to top Michigan. I'd have to pay a little under $5,000 out of pocket for my freshman year at Michigan and take $5,500 in loans; this amount would probably increase by $2,000 to $4,000 the next year or as an upperclassman. It's a good financial bargain, and I'd have more money available for graduate school, which is something I certainly want to do. I'd also be able to come home frequently (Ann Arbor is less than two hours from home) and would know a lot of people on campus. </p>
<p>On the other hand, Michigan's size makes my skin crawl. I see numbers like "275 seats open in this lecture section" and shudder. I also am not crazy about living downtown of a decently busy city, nor of going to the place that every graduate from my school seems to go. </p>
<p>I don't know what to do. My parents said they would make my dream college happen, but we realistically can't afford more than $10,000 out of pocket each year, and I don't want any of us to be saddled with massive loans. But I want to be happy, and I want an education that will prepare me well for college. </p>
<p>Help me, please?</p>
<p>It is always wise to make a decision on a fit you’re most comfortable with as opposed to financial consideration. However, something to keep in mind is that you often don’t realize just how good or bad a fit the college is until you actually take classes (ie: it’s too late). Still, you have options. You can do the first year or two close to home and transfer later on, or you can take the plunge, go to your dream school, and see what happens. Also, how likely are you to change your major? I started undecided aiming for an art or english major and came out with a Biology degree after transferring back and forth through several different universities. It happens. The school I was comfortable with was a university close to home with large first year classes. They shrank as I moved to upper lever courses and I was able to get research experience. Which school would be more accommodating if you needed to switch majors or institutions? Which credits would transfer?</p>
<p>As I said, it should be more about fit than finances, but expect the unexpected and choose the institution that gives you the most opportunity. Be open minded, but trust your gut. Do NOT settle for a situation you’re terribly uncomfortable with unless you know it’s something that can be accommodated by choosing certain courses or living off campus or something.</p>
<p>Last but not least, in most universities, even if the classes are large (275 students) you can still reasonably ask professors for help. There are TA’s. Professors love it when you ask a good question about the material in their office because you are curious (though they hate it when you ask a homework question without putting effort into it first). You don’t have to suck up, but you can be visible.</p>
<p>oh, 2 more things:</p>
<p>I grew up in MA, Smith and Wellesley are great colleges. They’re definitely not for everyone, but they are close-knit and the profs care about their students. However, if graduate school is what you’re aiming for, a larger university may be beneficial because they are more like to have research programs and opportunities that would better prepare you for grad schoool.</p>
<p>Finally, you didn’t really mention what you were planning on majoring in, but if you are aiming for the sciences, graduate tuition + your living expenses are generally paid for by the department/the prof who’s research you’re doing if you do a PhD. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about loans for grad school.</p>
<p>Smith and Mount Holyoke are great–and you can see about the financial aid–but wow, that is a great deal at the highly prestigious UMich! I think it might be worth it to try it out.</p>
<p>I would go with UMich. There would be many more opportunities there since it IS a much larger school.</p>
<p>If you’re thinking about grad school definitely consider financial cost more. I don’t think people realize how much debt college can get you in. If you’re going to an expensive undergrad and then following it up with grad you’re going to be eating ramen noodles for a long time lol. While other people from your school will be going there, like you said, the school is huge. Like darky324 said, you won’t know how well a college fits you until it’s too late. Unless umich is really horrifying you’re better off there, especially if you’re not planning on being a doctor/lawyer. The economy isn’t doing so hot right now and it’s important to be practical. See if you can get into an honors program for smaller classes.</p>