<p>Okay, so a little background first. As you can see by my name, I am a first generation college student. Up until this point, I've never really had a passion or 'plan' in regards to what I wanted to pursue when I got older or into college, I was mostly focused with the getting 'in' aspect first and foremost. Thankfully, I was admitted to several schools of which I am very fond of, and have since narrowed my choices down to six.</p>
<p>My six top choices are the following:</p>
<p>Princeton
Columbia
Duke
U Chicago
Williams
Swarthmore</p>
<p>Obviously they aren't all very similar, but they are the schools that I've visited and felt very comfortable in. I tried to limit myself to six at first, and hopefully am able to limit my final decision to three. The financial aid at all six of the schools aren't factors which influence my decision, as they all have been very generous. </p>
<p>I guess my question is: for a student who has quite literally no idea what they want to do when they pursue a professional career or graduate degree, which of the schools would be most nurturing? I had always seen Princeton as my dream school, however, the grade deflation worries me as I fear it would prevent me from attending a graduate school in the field of medicine, law, or even business. Williams and Swarthmore are similar to Princeton in that regard as well, though all three have the undergraduate focus I believe I need as someone who doesn't have any guidance in regards to college life (being first gen and all). </p>
<p>Any input? At the moment, should I limit my choices down to simply three, I would lean towards Princeton/Columbia/Williams, though I'm lost from there as well.</p>
<p>This thread lacks credulity. You could not have been admitted to that list of schools with the ambivalence you allege in your inquiry or the feigned lack of knowledge about these colleges.</p>
<p>^^ You’re 100% right man, I didn’t get into any of these schools. I’m just posting this because I have nothing else to do.</p>
<p>Moving on…</p>
<p>I would pick Princeton</p>
<p>Why did you apply to these schools if you didn’t know why you wanted to go there? C’mon, get real. Thousands of kids would cut off there left ear for any one of these. You have applied and with acceptances given the choice. Now you don’t know which one is best for you? Move over then. This is a total send up.</p>
<p>Where do you want to be in terms of area? Do you have a list of what majors you may lean towards? What kinds of activities do you want to be involved in outside the classroom? Have you visited all 6?</p>
<p>@wormandcandy</p>
<p>You can’t figure out why someone would apply to a school like Princeton, Columbia, or Williams, huh? That escapes you? Hmm…</p>
<p>@lilkickster9</p>
<p>Area does not matter to me. I’ve visited all of these schools and have felt them very comfortable. Of the list, I would say that Columbia’s area is perhaps the least appealing. </p>
<p>In terms of majors, I feel as though I’d be interested in Finance and/or applied mathematics. Another school which I was admitted, Cornell AEM, fit that criteria, though I was not particularly fond of Cornell itself. I’d guess Williams/Princeton would be best for Finance/applied math. Still, Princeton worries me due to grade deflation and the chance that should I want to pursue law (hehe I know) or medicine, my GPA would most likely be lower than much of my competition.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Well, if you’ve already been admitted to these places, you’d better limit your final decision to ONE.</p>
<p>^^ I know, I meant that I’d like my last three options to be without a doubt above the others. Then I can go with my gut.</p>
<p>Go with Princeton. It sounds like that is the one you like the most anyways.</p>
<p>^^ It is, but the grade deflation and accounts of poor grad school placement worry me.</p>
<p>Are you able to revisit your top choices during admit days? You can meet the other admits(your potential classmates), attend classes, talk to profs and upperclass students in your intended areas of interest, and get a feel for the campus and the surrounding town. Talk to current students about your concerns about majors, grade deflation etc., perhaps the grade issue that you are concerned about is overhyped, situational, department specific, or non-existent. Get as much info as possible but choose the right match for you. Good luck! All of your choices are great, but the colleges are very different in size, urban/rural, program offerings, etc.</p>
<p>Try to talk with as many students as possible about their experience- likes/dislikes. Know what is important to you. Sometimes on CC there are “Ask a student anything” threads. But face to face conversations on campus if possible should give you the best insight.</p>
<p>^^ I will definitely be attending Admitted Students Day for a few of these schools</p>
<p>Please do not worry about grade deflation at Princeton. Do not let that be the reason why you decide not to attend Princeton this fall. You were accepted because the admissions officers knew that you are more than capable of succeeding at their school. All Ivies and top tier schools are difficult, so do not under estimate another university because alum have not cited any type of grade deflation. Also, Princeton’s location is the best (it’s only a short train ride to NYC and the neighboorhood is beautiful and safe.) Lastly, Princeton has the highest percent of alumni donation which means that they are successful and satisfied with their learning career at the school. By the way the only other school on your list that made the top ten of alumni donations is Willams as number 4.</p>
<p>Swarthmore- boring area (not much to do in PA including Philly and the other cities)<br>
Duke- also boring (some poor and run down areas in durham- not a big deal)
Chicago- great city but freezing (not so safe)
Williams- far from Boston
Columbia- NYC is awesome. The job and internship opportunities are great, however Columbia is only a few blocks away from the infamous streets of Harlem (this should not change your mind about attending because the only time that you will only find yourself unsafe is if you were to wander about ten blocks away from the campus late at night- just like any other place.)</p>
<p>Wow at the posters on this thread accusing the OP. If you have nothing relevant to contribute don’t comment. </p>
<p>To OP: Congratulations what great choices you have! I’m a first gen student too and I go to Pomona (I applied ED). I think LACs offer the best undergraduate education, though Princeton is also very undergraduate oriented. But the individual attention you get at an LAC is unparalleled. For a first gen student, this is a big factor since many of us need undergrad as a transition to top graduate and research schools. </p>
<p>Personally I’d rank them as Swarthmore>Williams>Princeton>Chicago>Columbia>Duke.</p>
<p>If Princeton is your dream school, you have your answer.</p>