<p>So I originally posted this in the Transfer board but have only received one comment over the course of a few days. Hopefully posting here might get a little more attention. I'm a transfer student trying to make a decision between two schools I'm in at and one I'm still waiting on (Northwestern). I haven't been admitted to NU yet but I need to try and make a decision as soon as possible and I don't want to rule the school out and then find out I got in. It's been an awkward situation to try and balance. Anyways, some background...</p>
<p>I'm planning to be an econ major but really want the opportunity to take some classes in other areas, too. Performing arts were a big part of my transfer application, so ideally wherever I end up would have a lot of opportunities to be performing (I play an instrument, sing, and act) without having to be a major, and there would be a lot of other activities to get involved with on campus (this is something I'm pretty sure each school has). I also want to live on campus, something WashU cannot guarantee at the moment, but they each feel like a fit so coming up with a decision has been tough. I haven't been able to think of questions to ask myself that would help in trying to figure out where I would be most happy.</p>
<p>Originally I was pretty sure that WashU was where I was headed next year because I didn't get anything in financial aid from BC and still haven't heard from NU. This past week, BC did release my financial aid package and it was comparable to WashU's, and now I'm torn. While I could get housing at BC and love Boston, I feel like passing up WashU's academic opportunities (and flexibility) and the amount that there is to do on campus is something I would regret. Not having on-campus housing, though, would just be aggravating and I feel like it would make the transfer experience more difficult than it needs to be. I feel like Northwestern might capture some of the things I liked about BC (nearly-guaranteed housing and proximity to Chicago, which I like more than St. Louis) with the academic reputation WashU has, while also injecting a huge performing arts presence from its various programs. Obviously, this is only if I get in.</p>
<p>Also, would going to either of these three schools give me some kind of leg up when applying to MBA programs? Investment banking as a career is something I've been interested in for awhile and already have a ton of internship experience in, so I'm not incredibly concerned about getting a job. I do know that (at the moment) I am pretty sure I want to continue my education either immediately or soon after graduating. I don't want to pigeon-hole myself now and regret it later. </p>
<p>I know this isn't the most eloquent post I've put together but if some of you could try and decipher what it is I'm trying to figure out (what school best suits my interests) I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!</p>
<p>An embarrassment of riches. The best I can suggest is to mentally eliminate one prospect and see how you feel. If you feel bad, put that prospect back in and mentally eliminate another one.</p>
<p>If you manage to get into Northwestern, definitely go to Northwestern. WashU and BC are pretty much academic peers imho, you can’t go wrong with either one, visit both and go with fit.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback. At this point I think I’m leaning towards BC. The housing thing just really gets me and my department and the extracurricular stuff I want to pursue are nearly the same at both schools. Being so close to Boston and having on-campus housing will likely sway the decision. Any other comments are awesome.</p>
<p>You should tell WashU that on-campus housing is very important for you because want the transition to the school to be smooth. If you email them or call them and tell them how interested you are, they can make it work.</p>
<p>it’s ridiculous how much people on this forum hate Washington University In St. Louis…</p>
<p>definitely WashU over BC and Northwestern</p>
<p>I’m curious why does WUSTL not guarantee housing for freshmen? I would understand if they didn’t guarantee housing for all students, maybe that’s what their housing policy is? All schools guarantee housing for freshmen.</p>
<p>So now I’m pretty sure I’m going to WashU. After thinking about it a ton, while I hate to leave Boston, my friends from my old school (also near Boston), and guaranteed housing, I’ve been talking to a lot of people at WashU and I think I would still be really happy being there. I think I can grow academically and personally a bit more at WashU than I can at BC, as well, and the intellectual environment of the school I go to was important. Oh man. So I think that decision is nearly over. Now I just have to figure out how to deal with NU if I get in.</p>
<p>Annthony, update us when Northwestern gives you a financial offer. Personally, I would matriculate to Northwestern because it offers the things you want (economics, performing arts, city of Chicago). If NU doesn’t give you a competitive package, go with WashU or BC.</p>
<p>tenisghs is correct. If you get into NU and the financial package is good, go there. For what you are looking to accomplish, it’s the best of the three schools.</p>
<p>Ignoring the “ton of internship experience” hyperbole, top of the heap B-Schools will look for significant work experience on top of grades and great GMAT scores. They want (and get) students that can contribute significantly to class discussions and group projects. A woman that worked for me just graduated from HBS went in with three years experience at a major consulting firm under her belt. Her sense from talking with others is that three years is pretty common. </p>
<p>I’ve defended all three of your schools in threads this year so each would be fine. Don’t get hung up on academic ‘standards’ - if you think you could be taken blindfolded into a Econ class and be able to tell the difference, you’re dreaming. Go with the best fit if out-of-pocket costs are relatively the same. I wouldn’t get hung up on dorm living as a tie-breaker. That said, I’m a fan of WashU but not a big fan of St. Louis.</p>