Tulane vs Northeastern vs UConn

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm a senior from New England and I'm trying to pick a college. I don't really know what I want to study, but I'm thinking Math (almost definitely) and maybe Engineering, or something else math and science like.
I've narrowed my choices down to Tulane, Northeastern (Boston, MA) and UConn. I'm having an extremely difficult time trying to pick a college. Maybe you can help?</p>

<p>I visited Tulane last week and I liked the campus. It took a little while to get used to, but I think it's growing on me. The students all seemed really friendly and happy, which I liked. I also love Tulane's location (in relation to New Orleans, not home) and the weather. Here are my concerns with Tulane:
-I don't know how good the Math program is (but I know it's small)
-Crime in New Orleans
-Long distance from home
-I've heard it's a party school?
-No Computer Science</p>

<p>Best aspect of Tulane: $20,000 merit scholarship</p>

<p>Now, I know Northeastern has excellent math, science and computer science departments. They also have a co-op program that might help me in choosing a career. In addition, Northeastern is relatively close to home (a car ride) and with the N.U.in program I'd get to go to Australia for my first semester.
Here are my concerns:
-MONEY (it's $53,000 a year)
-Campus feel (the campus has taller, more city-like buildings and the students seemed a little snobby)
-Structure (harder to transfer majors?)
-I'll be jumping from Australia to Boston to a co-op, then back to Boston and so on... (when will I make and keep friends?)</p>

<p>Academically and location-wise, I know Northeastern will be a great fit, but everything else worries me.</p>

<p>Last, but not least, UConn. UConn has almost every major under the sun (it's a public school), and I was really impressed with the professors and heads of the math department. They were truly great; I can't say enough about them! UConn is also only $22,000 (my parents said they'll pay, and buy me a car) and I know I'll get a good education.
My concerns:
-It's in farm country
-Sports are big there (don't know if I'll fit in)
-I've worked so hard to go to a selective, private university (wait listed at Brown), and UConn won't help me feel accomplished
-Tulane's name is more prestigious?</p>

<p>So obviously my decision is very complex. What do you think I should do?
(Note: Rankings and prestige are very important to me)
Does Tulane have a strong Math department? Will I be safe?</p>

<p>Thanks for all of your help!</p>

2

<p>I would eliminate uconn and choose between northeastern and tulane. Tulane would probably give you the best all around education for your money while northeastern would give you a great math program. Are you complete sure of your major? Because if not, I would go for tulane.</p>

<p>Also, do you think you could post your stats? I’m looking into tulane and northeastern. :p</p>

3

<p>NEU at full pay v Tulane w $20,000/year? no brainer; enjoy NOLA…</p>

<p>and by the way, by decree of poster,barrons, the p-word is no longer allowed on CC…</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the input. That basically sums up where I’m at right now.
If you plan on applying to Tulane, I definitely recommend applying early. The earlier you apply, the better scholarship you get (I think).</p>

<p>Weighted GPA: 4.4833 (out of 4)
Class rank: 8 of 265
Community Service: 200+ hours</p>

<p>Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Reading: 610
Writing: 650
Math: 710
Combined Score: 1970</p>

<p>ACT
Composite Score: 29
English: 28
Mathematics: 36 (PERFECT SCORE)
Reading: 25
Science: 27</p>

<p>4 (out of 5) on the AP Stats Exam</p>

<p>Awards/Accomplishments:
Trinity Club of Hartford Book Award
Super CAPT Scholar
Rotary Club Student of the Month
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts)
Second Degree Black Belt
Life Guard
Honor Roll</p>

<p>Future Problem Solving Awards:
Second Place FPS Team Booklet Competition State Conference
Second Place FPS Team Booklet Competition State Conference
Third Place FPS Team Booklet Competition State Conference
Semifinalists FPS Team Booklet Competition International Conference</p>

<p>Clubs/Organizations:
Boy Scouts of America
Future Problem Solving (FPS)
Class Secretary
National Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society)
Spanish Honor Society
Math Team
Computer Club
Peer Mediation
People to People Student Ambassador Program</p>

<p>I also took a one semester course at Yale University (sophomore level) and participated in the Summer@Brown program at Brown University.</p>

5

<p>Obviously the scholarship is very enticing, but I don’t want to be put in a position where I can’t study what I want to. That’s why NEU is still in the running; I know for sure that they have excellent math, science and computer science programs.</p>

<p>Yes, Tulane has math and science departments, but I don’t know how they stack up against Northeastern’s. And they don’t have a computer science program (which is a possible interest of mine).</p>

6

<p>Run the numbers here: [FinAid</a> | Calculators | Award Letter Comparison Tool](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Award Letter Requirements - Finaid) Then talk it over again with your parents. UConn sounds awfully good to me! But Tulane may be workable for your family. Kick Northeastern to the curb. You don’t need to spend that kind of money for a college education.</p>

7

<p>Thanks for the link; that’s an awesome website.
I’m not really worried about the price difference between Tulane and UConn.</p>

<p>My major issue right now is balancing price with academics and social scenes.
Because Tulane doesn’t offer majors in areas like Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering (possible interests of mine), I feel like Northeastern and UConn will better satisfy my academic needs. However, Northeastern is extremely more expensive and I don’t know how well I’ll fit in at a large public university like UConn. I’m in a very difficult position right now. Can someone offer some insight and/or guidance?</p>