I applied to several SEC schools and have been accepted to 5. I have narrowed by choices to Auburn, Georgia and Alabama, but can’t decide between them.
Because of scholarships, all three schools would be in the same ballpark on cost, and I’m pretty sure I’ll get into honors for Bama and Auburn. I’m looking to major in business/accounting.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
All three schools are excellent opportunities for you.
My general northeastern US view of those choices would be UGA Auburn and Alabama, in that order. But really close on the first two. If finances are all equal.
It’s really more about what campus, activities and vibe excites you the most.
If costs are comparable, you should go with fit. They are all good schools.
You might want to consider Ole Miss if you haven’t already. They have an excellent accounting department.
Are you an auto admit for accounting at UGA?
All 3 are/were on final lists for my children. Have you visited all 3? There is a definite difference in feel between them. Once they drilled down beyond the brochures, rankings, and beautiful campuses to professors, internships earned by students, alumni networks, and specific programs each child had a favorite. If you are able and haven’t already, arrange honors tours at the schools. Also see if you can arrange to meet with a student in your area of interest or intended major. Tour the business schools, talk to someone in their placement offices, and meet professors or student ambassadors. Get in touch with your local recruiter and see if there are students from your area that you can talk to, or parents that your parents could connect with. The holiday break is a great time for this. These are the things that tipped the scales for my children. They also looked at their EC interests and which schools had strong groups in those specific areas. At all 3 schools they looked at the cohort of honors students instead of the general population when looking into graduation rates, ability to schedule classes, internship and job placement, professors teaching courses, and research opportunities. The final thing that we looked into was the strategic plans and infrastructure investments of each school. We wanted to know which schools were growing and investing in the business school as this is a good indication of where it falls in the priority of the broader campus.
As parents we loved all 3 and at first glance and name recognition from the Northeast would have put them in order as Auburn, UGA, Alabama. Both children felt differently and for great reasons after really looking beyond the gloss. After taking a deeper look, Auburn fell to the bottom but that was the “feel and fit” for our family. We have no regrets. You will need to figure out which has the fit and feel for your family.
Congrats on your acceptances! I think UGA’s business school has the best reputation of the three but I’m sure you can do well and enjoy any of them.
Thanks for the advice, I have booked campus visits and tours of the schools’ business schools and hope to be able to make a decision after seeing the campuses again.
All three are fine but UGA probably has the best reputation. I liked UGA when we visited.