<p>Tulane-
Pros-easy going, a lot of fun, new orleans is an amazing school and more culturally significant than st. louis, giving me a scholarship for more than half the tuition, accepted to the honors program</p>
<p>Cons-not as prestigious, not the school i have been dreaming about going to for over a year</p>
<p>Wash U-
Pros- amazing school, prestigious and pretty hard to get into, my dream school for awhile</p>
<p>Cons- Can only enroll 2nd semester (January Program), not quite as fun as NOLA, i would assume a lot more kids are totally engrossed in academia, st. louis not being an amazingly cultural town, expensive</p>
<p>St. Louis has culture. They have a respected orchestra, museums, and don't forget the Arch! I am going to Wash U because I went to a nice little rock and roll show down there and had a great time. It's not like in New Orleans, of course, but it's not Podunk.</p>
<p>There is a lot to be said for having far less debt when graduating. Tulane has been "buying" a lot of talent in the last few years with generous aid offers and a new dean of the Honors College who is really trying to bring in top students. There were a number of CC posters last year who passed on Ivies and other "more elite" schools to accept better aid offers at Tulane. Check last year's posts or archives for more info.</p>
<p>My son turned down Yale (his dream school as well) last year to attend UNC on a major scholarship. He has never looked back or regretted his decision and is happier than he has ever been in his life. He will graduate 100% debt free which will sure be nice when he enters med school.</p>
<p>Look at other factors as well such as AP policy. I am not sure how they differ but it should be something you take a hard look at.</p>
<p>My son entered UNC with 40 hours AP credit allowing him to bypass most entry level classes, be in upper division classes his second semester, and he will have completed all his med school requirements and be ready for the MCATS after his sophomore year. He has no plans to graduate early (he is having far too much fun) but will now have the freedom to either work on dual degrees or double majors/minors. He will have the chance to spend his last two years of school fully ensconced in classes he WANTS to take rather than NEEDS to take....big difference.</p>
<p>Look at the BIG picture and make your decision. Don't get totally hung up on "name" because to be honest, in the real, post undergrad world, where you got your undegrad degree means far less than where you got your grad/professional degree.</p>
<p>I chose WashU because of the social life and academics.</p>
<p>Tulane is filled with superficial alcoholics who don't give a crap about academia. If you're looking to get drunk every day of the week, it's a good place to be, but that's not why I'm going to college.</p>
<p>The WashU "name" doesn't hold an earth-shattering reputation with employers yet. It is gaining recognition, but it's not quite there yet. I agree with eadad: don't choose based on name.</p>