Hiiii so I am a high school senior from Houston, TX and have narrowed down my college choice to Tulane University in LA and Villanova University in PA. Here is my situation:
I was admitted to Tulane as undecided to all of their schools (meaning I will be able to declare any major I want). I intend to stay within liberal arts and sciences and possibly minor in business. I was also awarded a $27,000 scholarship that is renewable each year and am in the Honors Program (which basically only means I have to write a Thesis and keep a high GPA). I visited campus twice and enjoyed my visits both times. I also have had pretty good interactions with the people at the school. It is also closest to home for me (5 hour drive) which I like. Here are the things that turn me off: New Orleans is not the safest city and I worry that I will be pressured to stay in the “campus bubble” since I’m sort of scared of the surrounding area. Also, I am not a super big party person and the “party school” culture on campus makes me worried that I’ll either be pressured to party or will be left out of the social scene. With that being said, I did enjoy my visits and it is a great school.
I was admitted to Villanova as undecided in the college of liberal arts and sciences. I was not given any financial aid or merit awards from the school, so they will be $20,000 MORE than Tulane. I visited campus about a month ago and shadowed a student and I really enjoyed my visit; the campus is beautiful and I really enjoyed the people I met and the classes I sat in on. The surrounding area is also way safer than NOLA and is only 30 min away from the city by train. Overall, I felt more comfortable at Villanova. Here are the problems I have: It is way more money than Tulane is for tuition. I have talked to my parents about it and they have told me that we are financially able to pay for Villanova, I just feel guilty turning down Tulane’s scholarship. Also, it is pretty far from home and moving that far is a little daunting, especially since I’ve lived in one place my whole life. Also, the cold weather is something I’m not used to and not sure I will like, but according to some other students, it’s just something you have to get used to. And lastly, I am a little worried that the students there are going to be entitled, rich kids from NY, NJ, and PA and that’s it; their diversity isn’t outstanding and just worry about not finding “my people.” That being said, Villanova seems to be my “gut choice” in terms of where I felt the most at home.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW UR SUGGESTIONS! I have tried to pick so many times and just can’t seem to settle on one or the other.
I feel for you. That’s a tough one. But I think that if it’s not a struggle for your parents to pay the extra for you to attend Villanova, it sounds like that’s where you want to go. I’m not sure, but I think that at Nova you’re going to find kids from different financial backgrounds. A lot of them will probably be Catholic. Do you feel like Villanova has enough of a reputation and/or alumni network where you want to end up geographically? Don’t worry about the cold. It’s winter, but it’s not usually horrible - just kind of long the past few years. We usually get only one or two weeks in the winter that are really super cold. You won’t need to be buying wool sweaters or long johns or anything like that.
But I do feel for you - the Tulane deal is pretty hard to turn down. I guess I would counsel you to ask yourself how often you think you might be taking advantage of visits to Philadelphia. You may just be very busy on campus and end up isolating yourself in that bubble anyway. Is it worth $80,000 to be near Philly for 4 years? Or would you rather save that money and travel?
Haha it’s okay, basically all of these thoughts I have already run over a million times in my head and I just don’t know what to think anymore. But your insight definitly helps
Part of the college experience is to meet new people and expanding your horizons.
You felt safer (rightly or wrongly) at Nova
You enjoyed the campus and location.
Your major is the same.
School academic standards are equally rigorous
Your concerns where:
Costs - (your parents said it was ok)
Distance - (Nova is close to an airport and the flight is less than a five hour drive in total)
Social fit - (meeting new friends and creating new “my people” groups is part of growing. And become your future alumni network)
You’re right that Villanova is neither economically diverse nor ethnically diverse w although they do come from all the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. However you’ll get to discover a new area of the country and another way of life.
A big difference is the core curriculum at Villanova: is that something you’re attracted to or not (philosophy, theology…) ? The core curriculum is a major academic difference between the two.
Heres another viewpoint. Tulane is a better known and higher ranked school than Villanova. Do you have any particular interests? Look at the faculty profiles for both schools and see what the faculty are working on in terms of research.
Are there separate honors dorms or non substance abuse halls at tulane?
Do you have an arts related interest? Sing or dance? Which school gives you those opportunities? As others have said how do you feel about religious studies and a catholic environment? Do you want to save money for grad school?
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Its tough and has crime just like nola.
Have you factored in the cost of at least 4 flights a year for you and a few for your parents? Do you have any friends or family in the Philly area?
Consider going to the closer and higher ranked school that gave you a big scholarship unless theres an academic reason Villanova is better. Treat yourself to a study abroad program junior year and some summer and spring break trips with the money you save.
My DD is turning down $85,000 at Smith to go to Haverford. It’s 2 miles from Villanova. We aren’t rich, either, but for the price of an SUV my DD will get the school she feels “right” at. My husband and I felt it was worth it. If that’s what your parents are saying, that’s what they mean. Over the whole course of your life it really isn’t that much.
Also, have you or your parents told Villanova about Tulane’s offer? They might throw a few thousand your way. It’s a common thing to do, and you can’t lose for trying.
Well I’ve gone to private, catholic school my whole life so I’m used to the theology curriculum. My family is Catholic - although I’m not super religious myself - and I’m also used to the accademic rigor that both schools offer
My D is also deciding between Tulane and another school. It really is a hard decision.
Have you looked at the business minor at Tulane? There is the summer institute program at the business school, and the arts and sciences SLAMM program. I would compare that to possible majors/minors at Nova. I think Nova business school is well respected, but I do not know how flexible they are.
Also look at core required classes at both. Catholic universities tend to believe in exposure across a wide range of subjects, so you will most likely have more core requirements. Not a bad thing, just something to consider.
Can you parents do the extra $20k per yer easily? Will there be loans?
My D’s other option is higher ranked than Tulane but in our back yard. We have also discussed study abroad, summer programs, etc…anything to give her a chance to get out of town and explore the world. Another poster suggested this to you. It’s a great idea, and with lower costs at Tulane, you may have more options to do this.
Either school would be great (that’s why it’s a hard decision). Good luck to you!
A lot of the the kids from my area apply to both schools, and I’ve known kids that go to both. They are all good and smart kids.
Nova is going to be preppier, and in my experience with small LAC in cold and isolated places, a lot of the social life revolves around drinking and fraternity parties. I don’t know if this is the case at Nova and maybe someone who actually went there will correct me, but you don’t have to be in the seedy underbelly of the world to party.
Tulane seems to be very generous with merit. It has a national reputation, while Nova is more regional (although they have a bit more reach than some because of their athletic programs). If you want to be a banker in NYC, Nova is your choice. If you want to go back to Texas and be close to your family, maybe Tulane is a better bet.
Saving money is never a BAD thing. And if it matters, the girls I know that went to Tulane were both more “service oriented” than party oriented. They said they chosenit for its “strong commitment to community service”. And no one can force you to do anything you don’t want to do. And Philadelphia is great in the daytime, but at night it is like the Walking Dead. Huge problem with heroin and homelessness.
To the posters who are saying that Philadelphia is dangerous - Villanova is not in Philly. It is in a very affluent suburb. My daughter goes to Haverford - a few miles closer to Philly in the same direction and I have zero qualms about her safety.
Villanova is on the Main Line. Confusing it with North Philly is like confusing Hollywood with South Central or the Upper West side with East Harlem.
In addition, Center City plus all the historical neighborhoods are safe. All in all, in terms of safety it’d say Philly>Nola.
That being said, Tulane students don’t go into sketchy neighborhoods either.
Finally Tulane is definitely more diverse than Villanova.
Since you’re Catholic and have attended Catholic schools your whole life do you want to continue or do you want a break/a change?
Center City Philadelphia (where you would go if you venture into the city) is not any more dangerous than any other major city and is certainly nothing like the Walking Dead at night. It is a vibrant city with lots to do. My kids are high school & middle school students who live downtown and navigate themselves throughout the city daily without issues. Villanova’s campus offers the safety/security you are seeking with the amenities of a world-class city a short train ride away (the train station is on campus). The greater Philadelphia area is home to many universities and the city itself offers a plethora of activities (concerts, restaurants, sporting events, shopping, etc.). Villanova is close-knit community with a ton of school spirit. While the students I know there are mostly upper-middle class, they are great kids and not entitled. Their basketball team isn’t bad either
Villanova is hardly isolated, nor is it a small LAC (7,000 undergrads). There are three train stations on campus, all of which can easily get you to Philadelphia. It sits in one of the most affluent suburbs in the country. Not dangerous. At all.
As for diversity, you’re getting bad information here too. Villanova has students from 49 states and 48 countries, according to its website. Are a good chunk from Mid-Atlantic? Sure. And Tulane has the SE well represented.
Rankings? Again, nothing there. Villanova was 47, Tulane was 40 in USNWR. Essentially one spot with all the ties. Money? OP said the extra $20K wasn’t a problem. Why mislead someone?
Both are excellent. It sounds like you have already got a feel for where you want to be.
Please, please, please go to Tulane. Yes, while I’m sure Villanova boasts having students from all over on its website, that simply does not reflect the general population. I’m from New Jersey, got a lot of money to go to Villanova, and turned it down to go to a different region because I personally could not stand the preppy elitist atmosphere that is rich at Villanova. It’s a direct reflection of the wealth that seeps through the area I grew up in in New Jersey, and many of the affluent suburbs around it. Villanova, while not trying to take away from it, it is still a great school, is a party haven for the children of wealth. I may have a skewed perception on it based on what I saw when I visited and who from my area (a substantial amount of people however) attend. Tulane attracts a much more diverse area, and even if your parents can pay it really can never hurt to save money, especially since Tulane is the cheaper option.
I would also take what the above poster said about future job location into consideration. Going to Villanova, especially for something business related, generally commits you to staying in that area. If that’s what you want, than great! Villanova is perfect for that and does have a great business reputation. However, if you want to go back to Texas, or just stay in the south at all, I think Tulane would be a better option for you.
Weather is also something to take into serious consideration. I know several people who have come up here for school, and while Villanova is not in Boston, it is still a drastic difference in weather and I find a lot of southern people frankly hate it. But, that’s just my observation.
Overall, both schools are great options. From my town, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who would tell you to go to Villanova over Tulane, and I know a number of people who have given up money at Villanova for Tulane. But, either will give you a solid education.
This is actually super helpful, thank you!!. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you go to school? and are you a student now or are you already graduated? just curious
Every decision is personal. You might not be that concerned with a catholic school that attracts many nice students. To say they are all rich white elitist partiers. Is neither accurate or open minded/inclusive. It’s very judgmental.
Villanova is just as well known and respected in the world. The northeast holds the most concentrated population in the US.
Tulane for less money is a much better value. But you stated you didn’t feel it was a safe environment for you. You didn’t say it wasn’t safe, it was your feelings. Tulane is indeed a safe place. But everyone who can read statistics know that flying is safer than driving. Not everyone feels that way. It doesn’t make them a bad person.
Tulane is safe. Elite in the global picture of things and reality of every day people/life. You would most likely really love it and a week into it wonder why you ever questioned it.
But if that’s not how you feel.
Villanova is offers the same exact opportunity but for a higher price.
I’m a current student at Vanderbilt. And yes, I fully acknowledge my perspective of Villanova is a judgemental one that definitely does not accurately portray the whole campus. However, from my experience even at Vanderbilt I definitely see the power of having a campus of wealth, and even though that does not reflect every single person and Vanderbilt tries to have diversity, it definitely is prevalent and it makes a difference in the campus culture. Knowing how that is here, and knowing the people I know who go to Villanova I would say it’s just as bad, likely even worse, because Villanova cannot proved the financial aid to get as many lower income students as Vanderbilt.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Vanderbilt and academically and otherwise it has been a great fit for me. But there is something to be said about having rich kids of great wealth and the role they play. I have been lucky enough to find my people, as I’m sure you will no matter where you choose. However, the general wealth of the student body, even though it clearly is not everyone, definitely impacts the social scene and attitudes day to day.
Villanova is a great school, and going there would be an incredible experience and I’m sure you would find your place. But there is, at least from the people I know who go there and my experience visiting the campus, an element of elite partying that personally I don’t think would be a fit for me.
