Ok, final decision time on where I’m going to undergrad and I need some help. Some background, I’m an MN resident and I’m hoping to go into pharmacy in the future. I look at college as a time to try new things and put myself out of my comfort zone so I think I could do well in a variety of settings which is why I’m not sure which school I want. Obviously, the cost is a thing, especially with grad school in my future, but I’ve talked to my parents and they were willing and able to foot the bill for any of these schools as I don’t qualify for need-based aid. Any thoughts or advice is much appreciated!!
Choice 1: UW Madison
Info: As an MN resident this school will cost me about $32K a year; I would plan on studying pharmacology and toxicology here; I like the social atmosphere of this school (and I would seriously consider skiing for their club team) but it’s close to home (this bothers me more than it should), very cold, and the worst-ranked school on this list (U.S. news).
Choice 2: Emory (Oxford)
Info: This school costs about $76K a year so there’s that; I would plan on being a chemistry major here; the big issue with this is I was only admitted for spring admit which comes with its issues but I do have 12 credits of APs coming in and they anticipate spring admit kids catching up and leaving Oxford after 3 semesters to graduate after 7 semesters (I guess my biggest concern with spring admit is if there might be a stigma around those kids especially at such a small school); a very different atmosphere here compared to Madison but I think it could be good for me and push me to be a better student than I was in high school (I was pretty eh)
Choice 3: UC San Diego
Info: As an OOS student this school will cost me around $64K; I want to be a Pharmacological Chemistry major with a possible global health minor here; I had some concerns about the social situation but it sounds like (from a current student) it isn’t that bad and they are a great school academically