I got accepted into some good schools, and as such I’m having a hard time choosing where to go! I got into Brandeis, Boston College, Northeastern, and Providence College. PC gave me the most money, and it is cheaper than my other choices by $5,000 a year or more. My parents said they would pay for me to go anywhere, but I would feel lousy making them pay $5,000-10,000 more a year when I had a cheaper option. Yet I feel as if the other three schools I got into are superior academically to PC.
I have reservations about each school. I feel as if BC and PC are too preppy for me, and I think that Brandeis is too “nerdy” and the students seemed awkward and in-your-face liberal when I visited. Northeastern seems to have a great mix of kids, but it has too much of a pre-professional feel. What I liked about BC, PC, and Brandeis is that the curriculums and the students seemed genuinely geared toward learning for the sake of learning.
I’m not interested in studying science, engineering or anything like that. I got the vibe from Northeastern that it is very STEM heavy. Brandeis too, but not as much. It just seems as if the humanities and social sciences at Northeastern are not as strong as their STEM programs. But the co-op program is a great opportunity!
My main issue is what everyone always talks about on here that I didn’t take too seriously until now- “fit.” I guess that right now I want to pick the school that I will fit in at and enjoy. Now that I’ve listed some of my reservations, does anyone have any suggestions or corrections to my perceptions about each school?
If you plan to go to grad school, it might be better to save money and choose the cheaper option. You can also call each school’s fin aid office and ask if they can match the price of PC, so that you could attend without worrying about putting your parents in debt. (I don’t know a whole lot about each school, so I can’t comment on those aspects, but good luck and congratulations on all your acceptances!)
Nice of you to care about your parents money. Call/email the best school that you would attend if the money is the same. Ask them to if they can give you another 5k, and if they do, go there. If not ask your parents where you should go. This assumes that they are up to date on these schools too.
pdubs97 They are all.great colleges…which one are you leaning towards more? Did you visit all of them and if so which one felt like the best fit and yes call each one’s FA office see if they can match or come close to those other colleges packages…re-visit them you’ll know which one is the right fit for you…follow your gut…good luck!
If your parents are fine with the price differential, go with fit. I’d take Brandeis out right away since you really didn’t like the student body. I’d take Northeastern out due to the vibe and focus on STEM. Seems to me based on what you wrote that PC and BC are the best options.
After some consideration I have decided that Brandeis is the best fit for me despite my earlier reservations. It is the second best price next to Providence College, and I am going to politely ask for more money The reason I’m choosing Brandeis is because I really do not think I would fit in with the wealthy, white, preppy kids who are really into athletics and partying at PC and BC. At least, I didn’t get along with those types in high school, so why would college be different? Thanks for the help everyone.
Brandeis is a great school, with excellent academic options. For what it’s worth, I know two students there who are far from nerdy and they are loving the school.
pdubs97 I wish you all the best in your college endeavors…I’m glad you made a sensible decision regarding your future…you seem like a smart and intelligent person who knows what they want…good luck!
The reason I’m choosing Brandeis is because I really do not think I would fit in with the wealthy, white, preppy kids who are really into athletics and partying at PC and BC. At least, I didn’t get along with those types in high school, so why would college be different? Thanks for the help everyone.