UPenn, UMich or Northeastern

I’m a high school senior and currently trying to decide between three schools (Penn, UMich and NEU) as a nursing major. I know that they are all very different but it is hard for me to choose one considering everything. Money is a big factor and I was given aid/scholarships from Penn and Mich but not enough for me to automatically consider one over the other. I am also from out of state so Michigan is still expensive and comparable to the price of the other schools.

I want to study abroad and I know that Penn and Northeastern have great opportunities to do so, but I am not sure if I can justify the price for that opportunity. I am also nervous about imposter syndrome at Penn and if I will be able to keep up there.

Northeastern is also really amazing because of their co-op programs which means I would probably be paying tuition and fees for 7 semesters rather than 8 which makes it more affordable but the most expensive option of the three. I was also accepted to the NU.In program where I would be studying abroad my first semester but with coronavirus, it is unsure of whether I would still even be able to go amongst all this craziness.

Any advice from current students at these schools or just advice in general would be great! I’d also love to know any pros or cons of these schools. Thanks!

Penn offers a highly reputed nursing program that should suit any student accepted there. Seriously consider your other choices as well, but don’t hesitate to commit to Penn if, beyond its excellent nursing program, it meets your general criteria.

UPenn’s program is the best in the nation. Don’t let that opportunity go.

Do you mind sharing your stats?

Another vote for UPenn – and honestly most colleges have great study abroad programs. UPenn will too. Choose UPenn and don’t look back. Congrats on having so many opportunities!

I had a 35 ACT, 4.29 GPA weighted 3.96 UW, took 6 AP classes, 750 Math II, 770 Bio subject tests. I was really invested in service throughout high school and was really passionate about one club in particular. I also did a lot of activities connected to the medical field like interning at an urgent care and being in my school’s biomedical academy. Most of my essays were focused around volunteering and serving others. I was really surprised that I got into Penn but it really shows you how hit or miss the college application process can be.

While obviously you should take into consideration how much attending will cost, all other things aside, as a Penn student, I’d advocate for Penn! While I’m not sure what the major differences between Penn’s nursing program and the others you mentioned are, I know my nursing friends all find it really engaging.

In terms of your “imposter syndrome” concern, I definitely had the same fear. I was afraid that it was going to be cutthroat, competitive, exhausting, stressful etc. While students are very driven and talented, it in no way is an environment that will make you feel inadequate as a person. I find that being surrounded by so many awesome people pushes me to better myself. For nursing students specifically, they all seem to have a really strong community too. (Nursing students are known as the nicest, most friendly people on campus btw!)

So I vote Penn, but you should definitely choose what is best for you!