I’m having a really hard time making a choice on which college to attend! I have been accepted to these three universities. I have always wanted to get out of the cold, midwest for college and spend these four years exploring another part of the country. I have always wanted to go to a warm school far from home, but when I was directly admitted to the Kelley School of business at Indiana I knew it was a great offer. I’m just torn because outside of education UGA has everything I want in a school, except I am unsure about its quality of education and repuation in the north. I am afraid if I go to UGA I will only get jobs in the south and never be able to move back to Chicago. UGA is not popular in Chicago/ don’t know anyone who has graduated from there. SMU on the other hand I know has a great repuation in Chicago, and I know a lot of people who went there and work in Chicago. I feel like everyone that comes out of SMU has amazing jobs!! I’m just unsure about the size (socially), price tag and potential snobby people. Graduating from IU looks amazing in Chicago but then I will go to a cold school close to home with a ton of people I know. UGA is 31k, IU is 38k and SMU 49k with scholarships recieved. The b-schools are ranked IU>SMU>UGA. What would you chose? I feel like my future would be much bighter going to IU or SMU but I don’t know if i’m being ridiculous.
Congratulations! What a coincidence! I’ve gotten into my state schools (UGA and GT) as a business major but am hoping to go to a school in the North. I too am afraid that I’ll never get out of the South if I go to UGA.
Here’s my 2 cents from living in both North and the South. If you went to a Northern school and moved down, you may not have strong alumni connection (in Georgia, literally EVERYONE graduated from UGA) but you will still have prestige/reputation. If you went to UGA and moved up North, especially Chicago, you seem to have neither prestige nor connections.
I personally don’t know much about the other two schools but I think the only thing holding you back from SMU is cost and social life? If you were a die hard football fan, I can see you really enjoying UGA(Football=Religion at UGA) but other than that, I don’t know. People who go to UGA seem to really love it there but then again, those people are from GA and never been anywhere other than Athens. Not to mention that the whole city is revolved around UGA so outside of the UGA campus, there is nothing to do. You coming from Chicago, Athens may feel like a kiddy playground in comparison. However, if you want to get away from the city/urban life, UGA is a fun environment.
Regardless of where you go, there’s always going to be snobby people. You’ll find a group of ppl you click with so I don’t think you should let fear of social setting hold you back from attending SMU. Overall, SMU seems to have the location/weather + reputation + connections/jobs. If I were you and can afford SMU, I would probabaly choose there. Good luck!
Kelley Business School is considered prestigious no matter where you are in the country, and with direct connections to Wall Street, it may be your best chance at an “elite job” if you will. I understand your desire for warmer weather, but if you plan on moving back to Illinois anyway, why leave in the first place? Staying will give you even more connections/networking opportunities in the area, and everyone will be familiar with the school’s prestige.
@coffeeandmango Are you picking tech or UGA? thank you for you advice!! Yes I am a huge football fan and that’s a problem for SMU. Athens seemed awesome and lively so I don’t think that will be a problem. Plus I’ve always wanted to go to a big school, and SMU is only 6,000 people. I’m sure everything will work out! Bascially my biggest fear is getting good grades in college but having no presitege with the name UGA if I try to get a job outside of the south (not only Chicago, but the west or NYC). I’m visiting them all, so we will see. @minohi Yes thats what everyone seems to say. I don’t necessarily want to work in Chicago, but I don’t want it not to be an option. Thanks for the input 
I would go with UGA.
Would transferring be an option? Spend 2 years at UGA for that college experience and graduate at a more prestigous school. It would also save you some money.
As for UGA v Tech, I haven’t decided yet. I think I’m leaning more towards Tech because I love the city vibe and overall it is a more presitge school. I’ll have to wait til March to hear back from others and decide. I’ve heard that visiting the campus really helps when deciding-you’ll be able to see if you can see yourself going there. Good luck!
I guess it could be an option, if I were you I’d stick with one school. Both UGA and GT are best, but in your mind which atmosphere would you like better? Which has the better ranking for your major?
@southernbelle16 If I don’t get into UT austin, I’ll probably go to UGA. I’m a go-getter so I know if I realize I want to go back up north after college, I’ll find my way. Thanks
I would go to IU 100%. Kelley is not comparable with the other two, and it’s a big school, so you don’t have to see people you know. The education is phenomenal.
I’d go to IU as well. Not close in my mind. Other than weather, I’d think that IU has most of what UGa offers (not quite as good of a football team, but still a large state flagship with tons of opportunities). If you want warm weather go on a vacation or take a year (or a semester ) at another school in a climate you prefer. Your association with your undergraduate college stays with you a lifetime. Kelley is widely recognized as a top b-school – especially if you want to settle in the Midwest.
Another vote for Kelley. You go to college to get the best possible education and IU will give you that. The school is so big that you won’t have to spend time with people you already know unless you choose to.
@happy1 @dlcor1026 @Tooth1010 Thanks for all the advice! Yes, I should probably pick Kelley because the program is amazing. I’m also waiting to hear from UT Austin. If I get in, I feel like that would have a lot of what I’m looking for.