Hey there! I am thinking about going into the sciences, either medical (pre-Med, research, or veterinary) or environmental (law, engineering, architecture, politics, etc.). I got into UNC-CH and the CU Boulder Honors program & RAP, and I don’t know what to pick. Both are financially equal for me due to scholarships. What do you think?
UNC: in-state tuition, $5000 grant, accepted into Biology program, close to home (30 min drive), campus and food cannot compare to CU, less outdoorsy opportunities, I don’t really feel smart enough for here, less major flexibility, more prestigious
CU Boulder Honors: Scholarship that brings tuition down to UNC level, $25,000 scholarship divided over 4 years, accepted into Honors program and Honors RAP, amazing campus and dining hall, wonderful people, great major flexibility, not as prestigious, kosher dining available
Sounds like you have grown up around UNC. UNC does have a better reputation and is probably overall a better school. I do hesitate to say that though because all major state flagship universities will give you great educations. You can’t go wrong either way, but from your message, it seems that you feel more comfortable at CU. My advice is don’t be afraid to go outside your bubble if you feel it will give you what you want. Sometimes the best education you can get is from trying something different and Boulder is a great place to do that. Your education will be be almost identical when all is said and done, but you may come away with life experiences you wouldn’t have had by living in a different geographic region. You know UNC by living that close, so UNC is a less risky move. Depends on what the heart wants. Good luck.
^ NO!! I wish you had time to read Frank Bruni’s book, “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be,” before you make the final decision where you matriculate; I think that it would give you a different perspective on the misplaced – in my opinion – view that success (however you define it) only comes from attending “prestigious” universities. Getting into medical or law school (or graduate school, for that matter) does not depend on where you do your undergraduate work; it depends on good grades, good MCAT or LSAT test scores, and good recommendations. And I think that you will have a better chance of getting those good grades/test scores/recommendations at a university that you really want to be at and where you are happy, than slogging through 4 years at a school that you didn’t really want to attend except for the perception that it has more “prestige.”
Too many people are obsessed with the “prestige” of a school and think that school name will somehow create success. For example- a student who turns down Elite University because of finances and takes the money to a “lesser” school… is still the same student. It’s about doing great wherever you are… Being happy… And taking advantage of everything that is offered. THAT is where success comes from. Sounds like you found your fit school- congrats!