Stamps Scholarship/Harvard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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<p>I am having trouble deciding what to do for college. I'm deciding between U of I, where I got the Stamps Scholarship, and Harvard.</p>

<p>U of I: The Scholarship covers everything: tuition, room/board, books, as well as a $12,000 stipend for study abroad/research. The school is a lot closer, and I have an older brother who goes there so my parents feel safer with me at U of I. I am pre-med and want to eventually go to medical school, so going here would save so much money. I also feel like, since I have so many AP credits, I would be able to do a double major with a minor, which means more done. I know I will enjoy the school, and probably be near the top of my classes. </p>

<p>Harvard: I'll start off saying that I am hesitant to go to a school on name alone. But obviously a name does say a lot. I feel like the opportunities at Harvard are amazing, and there is so much to be done there. Many study abroad programs there are free, so it still wouldnt be too hard to do. I feel like the academics will probably be slightly better, and I feel like I would be more challenged there than at U of I. I feel that I like that atmosphere and people of the school better at Harvard, the people would be more along my level, although I don't know if this would significantly hurt my grades for med school. </p>

<p>I feel like whatever school I go to, I would be happy enough. But I don't know which one will end up being the best for me? Help?!</p>

<p>(I know I've already asked this question in Harvard's forum, but I feel like I should ask it in UIUC's too to be fair.)</p>

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<p>As someone who turned down an ivy league and a top 5 (in the nation) school to attend UIUC, I can understand your predicament. I was also awarded significant scholarships to attend UIUC, and I have plans to enter some field of graduate school and/or medical school in the future. With that in mind, saving money (while going to a fantastic school, especially in the fields of engineering and business…you did not specify which one you are going into). Although only you can decide which enviornment is better for you, I urge you to have faith in your abilities as well as the abilities of your peers to challenge and interest you at UIUC!</p>

<p>I read something online that it has been shown that often, when it seems we can’t make a choice, we have actually deep down already made the choice. Go with your gut instinct :)</p>