I’m having an extremely difficult time deciding and would love some help.
VIRGINIA TECH-
~ I know more people going to this school which could be a great thing for comfortability but I still want to make a name for myself.
~ it is 3 hours closer to home
~ $8,000 cheaper
~I was accepted into the honors program and this could open up a lot of opportunities
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA-
~ a lot warmer
~ a better school academically
~sorority life does sound pretty
~ I have always wanted to go out of state
~ so far the people I have talked to I like better
~ I am a communication major and even if I decide otherwise there are plenty of other opportunities
~close to Atlanta which could also provide plenty of opportunities
~ I have to maintain a 3.0 or above to keep my scholarship
~ sorority life can be really expensive and I don’t have that money
Both schools have great school spirit and people I am just torn.
Seems to me to boil down to finances. Do you feel UGA is worth 32K more than VT? If it’s all loans, I’d say absolutely not. If your folks can comfortably afford it without raiding retirement or similar, then it’s a decision you can make.
Since you mention the money for sororities not being there… I suspect 32K is a large amount.
If money is an issue for joining a sorority I suspect that the $8k difference between the schools is meaningful to your family. If that is the case I’d go to VaTech based on finances alone – and being in the honors program could be a plus.
I’m not so sure I’d agree that going to UGA without honors is the stronger academic choice over the Virginia Tech honors program though. I would also argue that for a communications degree, the strength of the general education might not be as important as the strength of the experience. Perhaps look into what opportunities you will have at each school to build a strong resume to elevate your starting point upon graduating. Its difficult to justify the $32K cost difference if you are going to be thrown into the entry level job seeking population with communications degrees without anything to separate you from the pack.
I just want to say finances aren’t really what is holding me back and it plays a little role in my decision. Also, I am not really set on a major wise so at this point, it’s really what will provide the best all-around opportunities if I do decide to change my mind.
If you are worried about having money to join a sorority then I’d suggest that finances should be part of your decision. How will your family fund the $32k difference (probably more as costs rise each year) between UGA and VaTech?
Since you mentioned sorority life…the recruitment process at UGA it is very intense (as it is at several of the large SEC universities) and significantly more expensive than VT (you’re talking $$$ for recruitment outfits, large sorority houses, chefs, etc.) As an out-of-stater, sorority recruitment can be even more difficult because many of the in-state girls already have connections that you don’t have, so be ready for that - you’ll need some thick skin.
Nevertheless, I get what you’re wrestling with. My OOS VT freshman (finance major & sorority member) could have saved us a lot of money and gone to NC State (awesome school), but she didn’t make a connection there and wanted a new experience. VT felt like home to her. We’re fortunate to be able to do that for her, financially (having a 4-year break in between paying college tuition helped), but at the end of the day, you and your family will have to decide whether going to UGA will work, financially. If so, go with your heart. Majors and job opportunities between the 2 schools are negligible.
I agree with the comments that Greek life appears to be quite different between these two schools. UGA has more of the stereotypical rush experience (although it has tamed a bit since my day). The good thing is that Greek life is not an overwhelming part of student life at UGA. I believe participation is around 25%+ of the student body. So you absolutely do not need to join a sorority to have a great social life. However, if you are interested, it is there. Some kids wait to rush sophomore year as an fyi. ETA: I had a wonderful experience with my sorority and still have close “sister” friends but have many friends who did not participate in Greek life too.
I know you said finances are not a concern, but if your parents feel differently there is not enough difference in opportunities between these two programs to justify paying more if it is a hardship. If paying less at VT allows you to participate in other activities (like a sorority), I would encourage you to consider that for a more fulfilling 4 years.