<p>Which college do you think is the best option? I'm a Georgia resident. I'm interested in studying Genetics, but I'm not absolutely sure that's the field I want to go into. UGA and UNC have Genetics programs, but Tech doesn't. Possible majors: Genetics, Biochemistry, Biology depending on the school. I plan to go to med school, grad school, or both (md/phd).</p>
<p>UNC
Pros:
-best biology
-genetics program
-best campus and student life for my interests
-good balance of academics and social life
-possible to earn good grades
-Carolina blue
-basketball
-cute guys
Cons:
-No financial aid so it costs $45k per year. This translates to less retirement money for my parents, less spending money for me, as well as less money available for med/grad school and to study abroad.
-wasn't invited to honors, so I'd have to apply sophomore year</p>
<p>UGA
Pros:
-genetics program
-Zell miller scholarship (free tuition)
-honors program
-possible to earn good grades
Cons:
-party school (not as balanced as unc)
-not as esteemed as Tech or UNC</p>
<p>GT
Pros:
-President's Scholar (full-ride, study abroad funded, annual retreats, scholars community, mentorship, looks good on resume)
-45 minute drive from home
-honors program
Cons:
-very difficult to earn good grades (bye bye medical school admission)
-worst bio program of the 3
-extreme academic focus (not as balanced as unc)
-no genetics!!</p>
<p>So your choices are UGA or Georgia Tech since UNC is not worth going into your parents’ retirement, particularly when you have two very strong options at home which are giving you either a full tuition scholarship or full ride scholarship respectively. Georgia Tech does a lot of collaboration with Emory in terms of genetics. Plus it’s not necessary to major in genetics at the undergraduate level. If you prefer the campus climate of UNC, you’d probably prefer UGA. Although the UGA students I know agreed that it’s a party school, many students do not party, and even those that do are not drunk 24-7. Again, at big state schools, there’s always something to do. You’re not forced to drink. This is particularly true with regards to Athens which even outside of the school year hosts a number of local musicians and other entertainment acts. During the school year, students often go on hikes, hang out, go to various cultural events, or do any number of things. Yes some will party but that’s also true of students at UNC.</p>
<p>From a lifelong NC resident…chose one of the GA schools. Avoid debt. UNC-CH is not that special. </p>
<p>I think UNC is very special, and I agree with the pros you’ve listed (except as a parent I will withhold judgment on the guys’ looks). However, please don’t start your young life with $180,000+ debt for your family. You have two strong choices with good scholarships and honors programs. How wonderful that you can make that choice! Make it and don’t look back.</p>
<p>You will find that there will plenty of non-partiers at large state universities. You will find your group. Best wishes!</p>