Syracuse University vs Rutgers University

Syracuse

pros-

  • I love the campus
  • I love the vibes
  • sporting events
  • perfectly sized in both campus size and student body
  • good reputation

cons-

  • 4 hours away from where I live
  • my mother will be disappointed if I choose Syracuse
  • harsh winters
  • $2k more annually
  • would need to work for Work Study

Rutgers

pros-

  • big school
  • good reputation
  • $2k less annually
  • make my mother happy
  • easy ride from home, less than an hour away

cons-

  • maybe a little too big
  • a little too close to home

I had my hopes up on Syracuse but I was admitted to Rutgers three days before decision day…while I was visiting Syracuse.

I plan to major in Economics and Political Science. I want to transfer to the business schools to study Finance though.

Please help and give me advice, I have until Saturday.

Go to Syracuse. Your mother will get over it and you’ll acclimate to the winters there.

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It sounds like you really want to choose Syracuse.

I’ve grew up close to Syracuse and I’ve lived near Rutgers and, while the winters in in Syracuse are generally colder and longer, the difference really isn’t that much.

Four hours really isn’t that far away.
It’s up to you to decide how big a “con” Work Study is. On the one hand, it’s a time commitment. On the other hand, it can be a great way to meet people and can help you manage your time.

I get wanting to make your mom happy, but these are your four years. She will ultimately be happy if you’re happy.

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Thanks. I came to a conclusion chose Syracuse, and your message helped me a lot. My mom isn’t the happiest right now, but I know it will pass. I just wish my decision would come along with some happiness in my household.

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I know she’s proud of me though

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Even after merit, Syracuse comes in so much higher than Rutgers for my son, he’s going to Rutgers. However, even though it’s more expensive, his twin is going to Clemson because she really wants to go there (got some merit and FA). My son never even saw Syracuse and is fine going to Rutgers. Clemson is a 12 hour drive or a one stop flight + 50 minute drive, but it’s her.

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I’m sure she is!
Buy her a Syracuse Orange sweatshirt and give her a big hug.

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surprisingly I got a lot of financial aid from Syracuse, but not so much from Rutgers. Syracuse turned out to be only around 2k more a year. Congrats to your son and daughter!

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I think you are making a great choice, 4 of my kids chose colleges with ing a 2 hour drive of home, I think they’re a little jealous of their sister heading to South Carolina. I went back and forth between wanting her to choose Rutgers vs. Clemson, and in the end her happiness is most important.