<p>I feel lazy right now, so I'm just going to repost what I posted in the UVA thread:</p>
<p>I am trying to choose between these two schools. I'm not sure what I want to major in, but I am interested in Gov (international relations) and English (Creative writing). I think both UVA and Wes have great programs in those two areas. </p>
<p>If I went to Wes, I would also have taken some film studies courses because I am kind of interested in that and their film studies dept is so great, it would be sad not to take advantage of it. It would also be much easier to take more things that I'm interested in at Wes because they don't have such strict course requirements. I'm afraid that at UVA, the courses requirements (esp. math and science) would be restricting. My extracurriculars include music and art (both things that are big at Wes).</p>
<p>What I don't like about UVA: its course requirements, the campus looks kind of monotonous, the majority of kids have preppy lifestyles, and I prefer smaller classes</p>
<p>Going to UVA would be much financially easier for my parents. I only visited UVA once for several hours, and I admit that I was purposely trying to dislike it solely because I was angry that my parents had been pushing it so much on me. However, my parents will let me make the choice. They kind of want me to go to UVA b/c they think it's a better deal, but they also want me to go to where I will be happy. I think I would be able to be happy at both schools. </p>
<p>Right now, I feel as though I am paying thousands extra for the social atmosphere at Wes. If UVA had Wes' campus and kids, I would go to UVA with no problem. I sincerely hope this post will not make people angry, I'm just trying to be honest.</p>
<p>that’s a tough decision. the main thing to check out with any state school is what the chances are you can really graduate in four years? Between the stiffer requirements, the cutbacks in faculty and general disenchantment, you could either 1) spend an extra year chasing some course that’s necessary to complete your major or, 2) taking time off just to “find yourself” (which is sort of why some people choose LACs, to begin with.) Those are all costs, too.</p>
<p>I should start off by saying that I haven’t actually attended Wes yet–I’m an incoming transfer student. It’s actually pretty ironic because UVA was my first choice when I was applying as a senior (I got in but I ended up at NYU). And now I’m off to Wes! :)</p>
<p>There is definitely something to be said for going to a smaller, private LAC vs a large public institution. At Wes, you would get a very intimate academic experience with close relationships to professors and other students, which in my opinion, is worth the $50K. Wesleyan isn’t too small though–thats why I picked it. It has the feel of a larger university with more resources then most LACs but with only 3,000 kids. To me, that is the perfect size. Coming from NYU with 15,000 undergrads (about the same as UVA) I can’t WAIT to be in a more intimate learning environment. I personally feel like a smaller student body leaves more room for intellectual growth and challenging classes, something large public universities have more trouble fostering. You wouldn’t just be paying extra for the social life, you would also reap the benefits of a smaller academic environment.</p>
<p>I’m sure you could find a social niche at UVA but it would probably just take more time. It all comes down to whether or not you think its worth the sacrifice. I personally empathize with your situation because I just gave up basically free tuition at NYU for Wes, which my parents weren’t to thrilled about. But it all comes down to happiness–all the extra cost is beyond worth it if you think you’re going to be happy socially AND academically at Wes. </p>
<p>Go with your gut!! You don’t want to regret your decision, trust me</p>
<p>one last essential piece of advice: don’t let other people’s opinions (even your parents) cloud your decision. I did when I picked NYU, and it was the worst thing I could have possibly made. I ignored my gut and went with what other people told me to do. Bad idea! Do you what you think will make YOU happy because YOU will be the one living and attending the university, not your parents or friends.</p>