MODERATOR’S NOTE:
I’ll be deleting a few posts, but without naming names, let’s stop the back-and-forth please.
The OP instead of posting on here and getting us into non-sensical prestige wars needs to go visit these schools, ask legitimate questions (not about getting a GPA or anything), and feel them out.
@RayManta : Oh boy, I don’t want to go into that debate on happiness vs. performance lol. Indeed very chicken and egg. One can think about current debates on student evaluation of instructors and how the evaluations may need to be improved to address this issue and how it may interact with grade inflation, content deflation/lower standards, etc. I get a little queasy when those at the most elite schools claim they are almost happy all the time. I think: “Are you doing this right? Are you letting the school challenge you the way it is supposed to?”. Hard to tell sometimes.
@emorynavy Let me just say you are one of my favorite people on CC because I have yet to find a poster who loves their school more than you do. I personally think you chose the wrong major (You would have been great at Public Relations) and you should be drawing a salary from Emory.
Prestige has some bonuses, but I talk about fit and finances more with the students that I have mentored over the years. I try to get them to look for the school that will unlock the most untapped potential in themselves. OP, you have some great institutions on your list (saw some other threads you have started). Any of your possible schools can provide a World-class educational experience so it will be up to you to make the most of what your future institution has to offer.