Washington and Lee/Notre Dame/Indiana University

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello Everybody!</p>

<p>I'm a HS senior from Indiana trying to make my final college decision, and I'd like to have some outside input.</p>

<p>I plan to study business/marketing in college (major depends on the school: Marketing at IU or ND, Business Administration and WLU). I've had two A-minuses in high school: One in an elective, the other in the most difficult science class at my school (the rest were A's). My test scores are outstanding for my tiny high school, great for Indiana, and not bad in any of these schools' applicant pools.</p>

<p>I've had my eyes set on WLU for quite a while, but the cost is more than my family makes in a year. I have no idea what sort of aid I'll get at WLU, especially since my parents own a business.</p>

<p>I know I have about $9000/yr in scholarships to go to Notre Dame. I might have to pay for books at IU, but the rest of my costs should be covered by scholarships I already have.</p>

<p>I'm a finalist for a local full-tuition scholarship (only goes to schools in IN), so I have at least $1250/yr to go anywhere in Indiana, and I have a decent chance at getting full tuition.</p>

<p>Right now, my rankings are 1)WLU 2)Notre Dame 3)IU.</p>

<p>My parents (both graduates of a large in-state state school not on my list) are less than supportive of the idea of me going to WLU or Notre Dame, partly because they don't want me to go that far, partly because of the cost. They also believe that I can only get an education at a large school, but I think I would be much happier at a small school, or at least one that has smaller classes than their alma mater, where most "small" classes have just under 80 people.</p>

<p>Mostly, I think they want me to go to their alma mater, but I visited and there is no way I could survive 4 years there. I would hate my life there, and my objective is to be happy while getting the best education I can.</p>

<p>Please help me!</p>

2

<p>If the school that your parents went to is ISU I totaly get where you are coming from. That said I think you need to take a serious look at Notre Dame as you are a finalist for that full ride scholarship from the state. BTW IU is in a great location. Bloomington reminds me so much of Austin, TX with how eclectic it is, but if you don’t want to go to a public then I would say ND. Best of luck.</p>

3

<p>There is a big financial difference in these choices. When I am faced with a decision like that, I try to think about whether I would be happy with the least expensive choice. The Wall Street Journal had a great article last year on how popular Indiana has become with out of state students because of the great college town and quality of student life. You will find that within very large schools are many smaller groups for you to make friends (Greek system, dorms, clubs, religious groups).</p>

4

<p>You have some great choices at ND and IU, and I don’t think you need to go as far as Lexington VA. If you are a finalist for Lilly for full tuition at ND (or anywhere in state), then the possibility of debt-free or low debt in state is significant. Apart from size of undergrad student body, ND and W&L have much in common, strong focus on undergrad education, intense loyalty to school, and a more centrist student body than some midwest LACs (not that ND is LAC). With your grades, you could be direct admit to IU business school as well. </p>

<p>Lexington is tough to get to from Jndiana (from anywhere, really) though a relative who went there does say it is a beautiful part of the country. If you learn some more about ND and about Hutton honors at IU or Direct admits to IU business, you could find yourself falling in love with a school that would leave you debt free and not half way across the country.</p>

5

<p>Notre Dame is ranked in the top 20! It’s a great school. My friend got deferred from there</p>

6

<p>Wait and see how your financial packages look when you receive them all. By then, you should know your scholarship options and can make the best decision (financial and otherwise) for you and your family. I know several students who have attended Notre Dame and all loved their time there.</p>

7

<p>Elise- I was reading your string and it sounds like you have great options. Beware those who advise against how far away Lexington (or any other good place!) is from “the rest of the world”. I went to WLU and can tell you that it is an absolutely gorgeous campus in one of the most beautiful places in the US. I have been privileged to live in a large number of places around the country and there are few that are prettier than the Great Valley of Virginia. If you want bright lights/big city then this would not be a good choice but most students with seriousness of purpose want something else. Lexington is an hour north of Roanoke which has easy connections via any airline to lots of places in Indiana. </p>

<p>From an alum perspective-there is absolutely a WLU network that is immensely powerful and influential in the business and legal communities. My wife jokes about the WLU mafia because of the incredibly high incidence of successful people from the school (particularly in light of its small size). </p>

<p>Sports are division 3 and this is very different from ND or IU. The social world surrounding sports can be very fun for sure but no one knowledgeable has ever considered social opportunity a shortcoming at WLU.</p>

<p>You are obviously a talented young woman and will do well regardless of your choice. No single path leads to happiness, success and fulfillment (but the road through Lexington may be a short cut!). I wish you every success.</p>

8

<p>I got a full ride to W&L which I like, but probably minimal FA to ND which is my dream school. Figures!</p>

<p>Best of luck :)</p>

9

<p>Washington and Lee is simply not worth the extra cost. You have two great options. Right now I think Indiana is the choice. If you can get away with only paying for books for such a top notch education for 4 years - trust me you will GREATLY APPRECIATE that in the future. That said, if a full ride to Notre Dame comes through, then I move ND to the #1 spot. </p>

<p>You are in a GREAT position regardless. Good luck to you!</p>