DC is down to two schools and having a tough time choosing. Both are fine schools and I don’t want to disclose as the specifics of the schools are not really the point. I will say that he sees one as a better fit and the other as having the program that better matches what he wants to study. (Although both schools offer a fine education in his intended major.)Does anybody have any tips or tricks he could use to help with the decision?
If he thinks one is a better fit, what’s holding him back from choosing that school?
Given that students often change their majors, selecting a school based on fit rather than individual program probably makes sense. You say that “both schools offer a fine education in his intended major.” Do they both offer strong programs overall outside of his intended major? Has he visited both?
He should make a weighted pros/cons list to include a variety of criteria (programs, social fit, geographical, financial, etc.)
The two main strategies I’ve heard are 1. make a pro/con list, or 2. pretend you made the decision and see how it feels. Then try the other school.
I agree that, if both schools can offer what he needs academically, he should use fit. He will be spending the better part of four years there, not just attending class and studying, but making friends, socializing, and learning how to move through the world as a developing adult. My daughter chose her best fit school and couldn’t be happier. She is thriving.
Also, I’m going to admit that my main motivation for posting this to tell you how much I love your username. I am honored to meet the Sausage King of Chicago. 
It’s not that the one school is a bad fit, it’s just that the other had a better vibe according to DS. I could definitely see him being happier socially at the “better” fit school. What’s holding him back from making the choice based on fit alone is that the other school has a program in a very specific area of study that he been interested in for over two years and also includes a 5 year Masters option. (I’m talking uncanny how it lines up.) Of course, majors change and, in that case, the better fit school would probably have more options.
Logic & pro-con lists are good at narrowing hundreds of options down to a handful to apply to. At this point , don’t be afraid of using emotion & things others might dismiss as superficial (sound of the school’s name, school colors, school’s architecture, weather, etc.). These are things that (unlike your tourguide’s hair) might have an affect during your time there and afterwards. For example, I’m sure Haverford is a wonderful school, but I wouldn’t fault someone for turning it down for the sole reason that they didn’t want to spend the rest of their life explaining that they didn’t go to college in Cambridge, Mass.
How long term is this interest? If he’s loved this field since the age of 10, you may want to go to the one where the courses are an “uncanny” fit for his academic interests. Even if he doesn’t feel the same “vibe,” I’m guessing that particular major would attract kids who are like him, especially if it’s a unique program his fellow subject-area-nerds can’t get elsewhere.
But, ultimately (assuming both are affordable) it comes down to his “gut feel” as to where he belongs.
Good luck with your decision!
" (Although both schools offer a fine education in his intended major.)Does anybody have any tips or tricks he could use to help with the decision?"
Since both offer a fine education in his intended major, the main choosing trick I can offer is a two step process:
- Determine which school will leave him/you with the lowest out-of-pocket expense or debt.
- Choose that school.
Was your DC able to revisit after acceptance? My S has a similar struggle and I think it will come down to gut feeling after the next visit. On a pro/con spreadsheet, they tend to balance out equally so that was not much help.