VT vs Penn State vs. UDel vs GMU Honors..Please help!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I have no clue which one to pick. none of them are 'perfect' but im trying to make the best choice. I want to major in meteorology/ atmospheric science but will do earth science/ geography/ envirnmental science if necessary. I'd prefer a medium sized school but im flexible i guess. Money is important but i dont want to base my decision on price. I also would like to be near a city but thats not always possible</p>

<p>Penn State (UP)- full ride minus 3.5k per year in loans, included in FA package. (Have a scholarship covering OOS tuition all 4 years and a couple small grants/scholarships.) the issue here is that a lot of kids dont graduate in 4 years so if it look me any extra year, itd be really expensive.</p>

<p>Pros
-Best meteorology program in the country and the only school i applied to with that major
-basically free-cheapest (12k for 4 years assuming i graduate on time)
-good social/party scene
-huge alumni base
-school spirit
-highest retention rate of the 4 (94%)
-Im in the Earth and Mineral Science College (800 kids) so lots of personal attention and academic advising
-cool college town
-easy to find interships because of intense advising, i think?
-everyone know's penn state</p>

<p>Cons
-really big (42,000 kids) but my specific college is small so maybe it wont be so bad?
-in the middle of nowhere. I wish there was a city somewhere nearby
-the weather sucks, but thats not too big of a deal
-many dont graduate on time
-cant pledge a frat 1st year due to scholarship
-must keep a 3.0 cum GPA or i lose my scholarship
-too much partying and life revolves around drinking (not all bad though)
-if i dont graduate on time i go into much debt b/c my tuition scholarship ends
-freshmen cant bring cars
-i hear students are racsist? can anyone confirm this?</p>

<p>University of Delaware- 5k (+6k in loans) per year. i would be majoring in ENVS with a concentration in atmos science here (next best thing to meteo)</p>

<p>Pros
-i love to campus (georgian buildings- reminds me of UVA)
-perfect size and # of students
-really promote study abroad
-Great location (45 from philly) (1 hour from b-more, 2 from DC and NYC)
-freshmen can bring cars
-really promote study abroad
-i like the college part of Newark, DE</p>

<p>Cons
-most expensive of the schools (45k over 4 years including loans)
-Newark is a really crime ridden/ crappy town
-dont know anything about the program i would be in. I dont think its very strong
-parking is a ***** and Newark cops are *******s with tickets and underage drinking
-crappy sports (no biggie though)</p>

<p>Virginia Tech- havent recied FA yet but as of now it would be 9k per year (im assuming it'll be 6k per year including loans after FA). </p>

<p>Pros
-closer to home (can see friends and fam on weekend)
-freshman can have cars
-unarguably one of the best campuses for food
-blacksburg is a nice little town</p>

<p>Cons
-Id have to major in ENVS (environmental science) with no rellated concentration or geography which is less related
-in the middle of nowhere</p>

<p>George Mason- havent recieved FA but after it ill probably end up paying 6kish per year including loans. I would have to major in earth science which is closer than environmental science. They are developing a concentration in atmos sci next year though.. i think</p>

<p>Pros
-Honors Program
-near DC- good for internships
-closest to home (only 1.5 hours)
-great location (DC is 15 minutes away)
-sister goes there
-getting better rep wise
-freshmen can bring cars</p>

<p>Cons
-reputation is still lacking, its a 3rd tier (does honors college make up for this?)
-lowest retention rate of the 4 (85%)
-no college town really, although old town fairfax is about 1 mile away (it has restaurants and bars but is definitely not your normal college town)
-commuter school so many go home on weekends)</p>

<p>couple more quick questions...
does honor program and GMU make up for its rep?
anyone know anything about the quality rep of the Delaware/VT program?</p>

<p>So yeah i have no idea what do. I dont want to make the wrong choice.. and if any of you have anything to add, feel free!!!</p>

2

<p>anyone... please?</p>

3

<p>bump x 2..</p>

4

<p>It sounds like Penn State or Delaware.
VT is a good school, but in the middle of nowhere and it doesn't really have what you want major wise.
GMU, as you know, is a commuter school (ugh) and its rep is still lacking.
Delaware sounds like the best fit for you if you don't consider money and major.
That said, Penn State seems like the winner. It has everything but a city. Your major will make the school smaller, the weather isn't any better at VA TECH it may be slighty better at Delaware.</p>

5

<p>Based on your major, I'd pick Penn State. It really is the best at meterology. I wouldn't worry too much about graduation time. If you are getting an OOS scholarship, Penn State will be putting a lot of effort into making sure you succeed. You have to do your part by taking advantage of advisors and being knowledgeable of the registration system & rules and the best sequencing of courses.</p>

<p>I've known several people who have attended & they had no problems in graduating in 4 yrs. Just be informed and proactive and you should be fine.
Good luck!</p>

6

<p>thanks a lot guys. i honestly do think that delaware is the best college fit for me but the lack of strength in the program and more importantly the price makes me really weary. I could say though that if my full ride was to Delaware the decision would be easier. I think I've pretty much ruled GMU out. Also is Va tech had a good major for me I would also consider it more, but thats on the back burner for now. </p>

<p>any other opinions?</p>

7

<p>Awesome deal at PSU in a top ranked program. Go there.
Save the money for study abroad and other cool things (like maybe grad school).
Retention rate at PSU is good because although it's HUGE, it doesn't seem that way to most students. If you keep up with your work, you'll have NO problem graduating on time.</p>

8

<p>i've ruled out George Mason. Even though I was accepted into the honors program, I dont think its enough to make up for is lacking reputation.</p>

<p>So now its just down to Penn State, U Del, Virginia Tech</p>

9

<p>PSU seems like the obviously choice; but for some reason you're not sold.
VA Tech doesn't have your program, so make your life simple and knock that one out.
Seems like you want Delaware. Is the feeling strong enough to overall more money and a weaker program? If it is, go for it.</p>