Hello. Need thoughts on final decision. My son is interested in double majoring in computer science and chemistry and focused on schools with seemingly strong departments, relatively open curriculums so he could double major and an opportunity to possibly do research. He has landed on these three but struggling with the final choice. He likes the reputation and opportunities of Michigan and the possibility of being in the MRC living learning community. He likes the cost of Maryland and the reputation of the CS program. He likes the size of Rochester and the open curriculum but he has a vague feeling he may be “giving something up” at the larger schools. He wants to be sure to be well positioned for jobs and grad school and fears Rochester may be too much of a regional school. He wants a social life but is definitely not looking for the frat party scene. All insights welcome!
URochester tends to be nationally competitive when evaluated by the level of students they attract:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-610-smartest-colleges-in-america-2015-9
If your son likes UR based on its substantive aspects, I don’t think he should be too concerned that its name recognition may not necessarily be as great as some less selective universities that may be known partially for their sports teams or sheer size. To be clear, though, I’m not referring to his other (excellent) options, just name recognition in general.