Hey CC,
Lately I’ve been in a bit of a dilemma in selecting a college to attend after graduating high school. I’m stuck between:
George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) School of Arts and Sciences
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (Fall Waitlist, Guaranteed Spring Acceptance should spots not be available in Fall)
Quick self-bio
Asian, Male, Psychology Major (B.S.) Strongly considering grad school in future as a bachelors in psych doesn’t seem to be a very stand out degree. In state tuition for Virginia. 3.1(?) GPA weighted I think…1920 on SAT, 650 Math 2, 780 Korean, 5 on AP Psych, internship at international embassy, attended 3 different highschools, 3 different countries, debate team. Enjoy dancing, want to be more active, trying to make my life a little more meaningful and fun. Know that I’m not necessarily dumb and that if I put in more effort I will excel, (brother accepted various ivies, graduated) (parents are educated).
In terms of my low stats, I was surprised enough to be accepted into GMU and moreso for UPitt’s spring acceptance.
Now in terms of recognition and quality, I can already assume that UPitt will trump GMU. Yet financially, I know I’ll be stuck in quite a bit of a loan situation. The bigger problem is that UPitt isn’t even releasing my financial aid information (probably none) until I learn if I’m going to get in for the fall term or spring term…(really at their whim). Counselor & old teacher tells me if i’m unsure as to where I want to go and it’s not an Ivy…pick the cheapest.
If I go to U Pitt: $45000 ish a year.
-Relatively more recognition/prestige(?)
-Stronger Psych Program
-New environment, might end up going in Spring…
-Financially troubled
-UPitt seems to be falling in recognition…
If I go to GMU: $25000 ish a year.
-Little more easy going, up and coming college
-I’ve lived around the area before, visited GMU and know people going/already tehre.
-Financially no problem.
-Classes should be relatively easier
-Closer to DC area…more job/internship opportunities?
A bit trivial/childish but…I would be more proud of myself for going to U Pitt, yet I would still ENJOY going to GMU probably more. College is definitely more of what I do than where I go of course, so hmm…Is the dilemma a matter of how much effort I’m going to put in? Any thoughts/problems/solutions you have that I’m not thinking about?
Teachers, College Officers, Counselors, Parents, Students…Anyone really. I would appreciate it very much if you thought about my situation and would give me advice accordingly.
Thank you so much for your time.