Where should I go to school?

College Search & Selection
1

Hello,

I am stuck between Virginia Tech, Auburn, and Penn State for General Engineering, and Ohio State for University Exploration – Science, Technology and Environment.

After calling the VA office and financial aid at Auburn, Penn State, and Ohio State I would have in-state tuition for four years, but not Virginia Tech. I Initially committed to VT, but I didn’t earn a ROTC scholarship (which made me question if I really wanted to go), which means I would have to take out student loans for one to two years (I have 3 semesters of GI bill and ~60k). I can reapply for a ROTC scholarship sophomore year (and they had a decent number of sophomores last year get one), but I don’t won’t to put all my eggs in one basket.

I was born a buckeye which is partially why I am even considering going despite only being in undecided science and technology, the other being the nice urban campus/work hard party hard energy. Also, I have never been within an hour of State College and there isn’t an airport that delta flies into close by (I am lucky enough to have flight privileges), but I heard great things. I live closest to Auburn, and my sister is starting Grad school there, so I am inclined to go there because it would be an easy transition for my family and I. However, I feel like I worked so hard to get into the other places that I would be doing a disservice to myself, and part of me wants to venture out from where I’m from. I would be in the Corp of Cadets at VT which is great for developing myself, but I don’t know if I want a military lifestyle (I went to the spend the night and loved it, but we just engaged in a presentation, hung around the dorms, and did PT in the morning, which seems like a normal ROTC). Also, I know this shouldn’t be a factor but their football team isn’t that good and I don’t like Enter Sandman, lol.

Also, I recognize that decision day was May 1st, but because of COVID-19, and the fact that my dad received a pay cut, I am hoping that they will be understanding. I already paid the deposit at Auburn and Virginia Tech, so I am more confident about choosing one of those.

Sorry about the ramble.

2

If VT is only truly affordable with an ROTC scholarship, and you aren’t fully committed to a military career, then it isn’t really an option for you. Kiss it a fond good-by and move on. Yes, it is OK to turn down VT.

If you’ve never been to Penn State, forget it too.

Ohio State and Auburn are solid options. Pick one and don’t look back.

3

Thank you! Your reasoning was very logical. I think I want to go to OSU, but do you think my graduation will be delayed because I’m not starting in Engineering at OSU? Thanks again!

4

I don’t know anything about that. Email OSU and ask them about the process you will need to follow to get into engineering.

5

Penn State is in the middle of nowhere , it is a nice campus that you may or may not be allowed on in sept , as with your other choices, OSU is much more in the city and all the perks that go with it.

6

know OSU took a ton of extra admitted kids this year , like 6,000 IIRC so if that is your choice I would confirm they still have a spot for you. asap, I would not recommit form anything until your 100% setup where you want to go.