<p>I've been accepted to all of the colleges in the title as a freshman, but I'm having trouble choosing between them because I want to be able to major in science (most likely biology or neuroscience) and art (with a focus on new media or illustration more than fine arts), or at least minor in the latter. I actually wouldn't have applied to RISD had there not been the promise of attending the Brown/RISD Dual Degree program, but I failed to get into Brown.</p>
<p>Currently, I'm leaning towards attending either Rensselaer or Ohio State University's honors program. Boston University has a dual degree specifically for the fine arts and sciences listed on their website, but the tuition seems relatively high. Ohio State, on the other hand, offered me such a large scholarship that I only need to pay $6,000 a year to go there. Rensselaer also offered me a scholarship, but I would still need to pay 40k a year. In addition, although Rensselaer's art seems like it's better than Ohio State's, the latter school ranks higher in the biological sciences, whereas the former is centered around engineering. However, Rensselaer also has game design, which interests me as well.</p>
<p>As for what I've heard about my two most considered schools thus far...
Ohio State University:
-Nice looking campus.
-It's gigantic. And people like to party, which isn't something I'm interested in, but I do like the promise of a diverse student body.
-That said, honors program has a small university feel while offering the resources of a big one. And there's the bonus of priority scheduling, too.
-Newer facilities.
-Neuroscience, Biology, Art & Technology. They have a wider selection of courses in general.
-When I e-mailed them with some questions, I got a reply from an actual person, one of the department heads of biology, rather than an automated e-mail. He was very helpful!
-Seems to have the most involved LGBTQ group of the colleges I've looked at. Actually, all of their student groups seem pretty active, and I've had my eye on the Electronic Music Club for a while.</p>
<p>Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:
-The area is bad and known for crime.
-The male to female ratio is extremely lopsided.
-In the words of one of my brother's classmates at Cornell, "Rensselaer is beans," which we assumed was a bad thing.
-It's smaller. Probably easier to know people and professors.
-There seems to be a sizable population of people interested in video games there, which interests me. Though, even within video games, people usually tell me I've got somewhat unusual tastes, so that might not mean much.
-Themed housing.
-When I e-mailed them, I got what appeared to be an automated e-mail that answered my questions to some extent, but didn't get very specific to my case.
-More centered on engineering, rather than biology.
-Game design courses. EMAC and GSAS.
-I assume it's colder there. I like the cold.
-It seems to have more of a reputation then OSU.</p>
<p>I was only accepted into Carnegie's school of art, and RISD is also obviously an art only school. The reason I'm still considering those two is that both of their art programs are pretty renowned, and I wouldn't want to give them up if there were some way to continue my studies in science alongside them. I've been told that it's difficult to impossible to study across schools at CMU. Changing majors is like reapplying to the college. Not to mention the high tuition for both of them.</p>
<p>Anyways, I've been looking for some second opinions, so if you have anything to share about any of the these schools, that would be much appreciated. Thank you!</p>