Hi there!
So, I’ve narrowed down my choices to two schools: UMD-CP (honors college and full scholarship) and University of Chicago (partial scholarship). I want to major in astrophysics, and go on to grad school after I’m done. UChi is significantly more expensive than UMD, and cost is a pretty big issue with me that’s really making it hard to reconcile not going to Maryland. However, Maryland is 30 minutes from my house, and doesn’t bear the same prestige and name that Chicago does. I’m also sort of worried about graduating from UChi with a physics degree, and not being able to get a job and having that burden on top of student loans. However, I really really really like Chicago, and I don’t know if Maryland would be as good of a “fit”. My parents are really pushing Maryland, but I visited and love Chicago.
tl;dr: Maryland is more financially responsible option, yet Chicago is more “prestigious” and offers a better fit.
So… what should I do?? Just looking for any advice from people who have been through this, thanks. Oh, and I have to decide by Friday, so… no rush. Thank you!!