I got accepted to both Wash U and UNC. In my head I know that they are both excellent, but UNC feels more me. (My wishlist included warmer climate than the midwest, division 1 sports and a large student body). I also know that my parents love Wash U and that an undergrad business degree from Olin would be a great launching point especially because I hope to work in the competitive field of Sports Business. Any advice would be fab.
It sounds like you much prefer UNC, so I think you should go there. This is your decision, not your parents’. Kenan-Flagler is just as good, if not better, than Olin. I have no idea which is better for sports business though.
Kenan Flagler is excellent.
The issue is financial: how much would each college cost your parents?
Financial and fit. You need to feel comfortable and happy with your decision.
First off let me say Congrats on getting into 2 great schools. I applied to both for finance, got waitlisted at WashU and rejected at UNC, but I’ve researched both a lot. If UNC feels more you, it has what you’re looking for, and the finances are similar, go to UNC and never look back. Olin vs. Kenan-Flager really is no difference at all and the “prestige” of WashU being raking higher won’t matter. In fact, I think you’d have an edge in Sports Business graduating from UNC given it’s such a D1 powerhouse whereas WashU isn’t even close. Everything seems to point to UNC to me.
If you feel that UNC is better for you, that is where you should go. UNC has a very good business school so you won’t be losing out academically by going there.
I think that you should DEFINITELY go to UNC. That’s what I would do!
@MYOS1634 My parents would pay full tuition at either school
Since you like UNC better, I don’t see any problem with your attending… but it’s true Wash U would be more comfortable (more resources, more opportunities, no risk of sudden State tax cuts…) But if it’s the wrong fit and it’s more expensive, not sure why you should pay more.
Will you do an overnight at both?
@MYOS1634 I did an overnight at WUSTL and wasn’t a fan but that may have been due to my not gelling with my host. I have since gotten into Vandy and Emory and I’m even more confused now.
It sounds like Vanderbilt would be a better match for you than Wash U. Emory is very similar to Wash U (I went to Emory and my cousin graduated from Wash U), so if you weren’t a fan of the latter you probably wouldn’t like the former.
What did you like at UNC? Dislike at WashU?
Have you visited Emory and Vanderbilt?
I got into Northwestern too and I officially have no idea where I’m going.
What did you dislike about WashU during your visit (host aside)? Too quiet? Too rowdy? Too urban? Too suburban?
Your answers to such questions would help people here offer useful advice. For example, if you were turned off by what you saw as the excessive influence of Greek culture at WashU, then you were certainly want to think twice about Vandy, which is far more Greek-centric than WashU. Etc.
Congratulations on being accepted to so many great schools! I’m sorry your WashU visit didn’t work out to well. Agree with what MrSamford said. Northwestern and Vandy would be more Greek than WashU from my impressions. Emory is also D3 in the same conference as WashU, so if you truly want a D1 school, then UNC, Northwestern, or Vandy might be better options.
Wash U felt a little quiet and I didn’t ever feel like it was somewhere I could be happily every day for four years.
@geekchic You would probably be well advised to trust you feelings about WashU. It sounds is though you just didn’t click with the school. Fit is really important: You don’t want to spend four years in an environment that makes you miserable. That’s not a good formula for either emotional health or academic success.
Your desire for a warmer clime eliminated Northwester, and you desire for D1 sports eliminates Emory. That leaves Vandy and UNC. Of the two, UNC has the stronger athletic programs (and the more enthusiastic fan base), and I get the impression that its undergrad business program is higher ranked than is Vandy’s.
Finally, you’ve said that UNC “feels more like you.” All in all, then, UNC is the school that best matches your initial criteria.