<p>Hey,
So I am having a really hard time deciding between the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Oregon. I live in Eugene OR right now, so I would like to move away but I feel like the University of Oregon is a nicer school to attend. I will be studying premed while in college.
I was accepted to UMass Amherst as a premed major, and the U of O as a Biology major. UMass gave me $18,000 in scholarships, so I woul dhave to make up the difference as an out-of-state student which would be about $18,000 left for me to pay. Whereas as the U of O, they also gave me $18,000 but I would only have to pay $5,000.</p>
<p>What do you think? Which one sounds like the better choice?</p>
<p>Have you been to UMass Amherst? I certainly do not want to denigrate it in any way, and I know it is the top school in the UMass system. I’m sure it’s great and has a ton to offer the students that attend. And I have not had direct academic experience with it myself or vicariously through my kids, but I have been on campus and you are right that UO is a much nicer environment. More beautiful, certainly, and with a gentler feeling about it.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I totally relate to the interest in going somewhere away from home if you have the opportunity. I guess I’d say that before accepting the admission offer from UMass, if you are interested in doing so, find a way to visit first… assuming you haven’t already. That would be the most important missing piece in the decision-making process.</p>
<p>U of O is more student friendly than UMass. Smaller in size with solid academics for a premed major. I understand the desire to go away. However, you could study abroad for a semester, summer, or year with the money that you will save in tuition and travel costs. Good luck.</p>
<p>If you can afford it. Go away to school. You won’t regret it.</p>