<p>Hi guys!
I have been accepted to Smith College and Macalester College. ...ahh! I know both are great schools, but I'm torn between them.</p>
<p>I plan to major at Economics/mathematics in the my undergraduate program.</p>
<p>I want to be surrounded by people who are smart, and also want a friendly & good social atmosphere, where I feel happy and comfortable.</p>
<p>Academically I need a college where I can get an excellent education. I mean a school I want is the on that has good teachers, interesting classes, and nice students.</p>
<p>Additioinally, I should also consider which college can help me have a brighter future ( the most important factor).</p>
<p>After graduation I will directly seek a job related with my major, such as banking.
If I can not find a dream job, maybe I will go to graduate school, then go to the job market to get a decent job on finance, economics, etc. </p>
<p>Frankly speaking， I should pay more money if I go to Smith instead of Macalester. Therefore, .Macalester can relieve the burden of my financial circumstances to some extent. But it seem that Macalesters location is not good for a person who wants a job, isnt it? </p>
<p>How do you think I would do there? Any school suggestions or any advice? I need your help!</p>
<p>I am personally biased towards Macalester. It's location does mean you won't be directly recruited (probably), but it is till a great school and employers know about it. It won't keep you from getting a great job:)</p>
<p>Whereas sishu7 likes Macalester, I would recommend Smith because I feel it would provide a more intellectually challenging atmosphere. Sure, it's all female but I think that's actually an advantage since the bonds you make with your future sisters are stronger than ones you would make at another school. Can I just add that Smith housing is gorgeous? </p>
<p>In the Smith Economics Department, you can opt to study abroad domestically or overseas. You have the option to work directly at the Washington Economic Policy semester at American University, Semester-in-Washington Program and the Washington Summer Internship Program. The Economics Department at Smith is well-connected to the Government Department, which also helps students develop a very strong background in political science since class sizes are generally smaller, giving more attention to an individual. </p>
<p>I don't know if name recognition matters to you but I feel that more people would know of Smith than Macalester because of Smith's association to many popular figures and its rich history as one of the seven sister colleges. Smith also has produced many successful fellowship winners. This year alone, at least 16 Smith students won the Fulbright. Here's a page on their success rate with other scholarship-related grants: <a href="http://www.smith.edu/fellowships/successes.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.smith.edu/fellowships/successes.html</a></p>
<p>I was in a similar situation when I was deciding between Rice and Smith. I chose Rice in the end but Smith offered so many things I wanted for my undergrad experience. I still wear my Smith t-shirt proudly! I hope to find the same opportunities at Rice that I found at Smith or else I'm going to think about transferring next year! :D Good luck!</p>
<p>Oh yes, I forgot to mention that at Smith, there is no core curriculum. Depending on how you look at it, this might come as an advantage to you since you could focus more on the topics you would like (in this case, economics and mathematics).</p>