Which College should I choose? App State or Virginia Tech

<p>Hi! I need your opinions. I want to do something math related, and I'm just wondering which school I should attend? I'm a current senior in high school with an 1810 SAT 4.6 W GPA and decent ECs, so I think my chance of being accepted is decent. </p>

<p>I know that Virginia Tech is more prestigious, but there is one thing holding me back, I'm a resident of NC, so I would have to pay OOS tuition to attend. If I choose to attend App, it wouldn't be that expensive! App has a decent business/teaching program, and Tech is more of a research university (both have decent programs math related, just a different type of math)</p>

<p>Location won't be an issue! App is about 45 minutes closer though. Both of these schools are ideal in location (mountains, rural area) which is why I want to attend there. Also, VT is ranked near the top for food. Lol. And the facilities are slightly nicer. Both schools have friendly people also. Do I pick the more prestigious and expensive college, or the less prestigious cheaper college. idk how big the cost issue will be yet, my parents are transitioning career wise. All answers would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Most people here are going to tell you VT is a better school. I think that with a degree in math or a math-related subject you are in better shape if you went to VT. However, finances always have a big say, so all this is premature since you don’t know how your parents’ transitioning is going to play out. Be patient, and in the meantime bump up that SAT. That’s something productive you can focus on while you’re waiting on your parents’ situation. Having a 2000, for instance, assuming the Math score is near 700 would be a huge plus wherever you apply. Summer is a great time to work on the SAT: 15 minutes to an hour a day in 15 minute intervals every day.</p>

<p>Thanks! :slight_smile: My math score is near 700 already! :slight_smile: But my reading is a different story… :o @jkiel911 I guess my question is, is a degree from Virginia Tech worth paying double the tuition (assuming I could afford both)? Thanks!</p>

<p>Frankly, I don’t know App State well enough to say. One factor is how will the difference in costs be paid for? what loans? what family sacrifices? </p>

<p>Thanks! :slight_smile: I’ll just wait and see! :slight_smile: @jkeil911</p>

<p>VT wins the academic race hands down, but with so many great schools available to you in NC at in-state rates, it seems kind of silly to spend that kind of money. And I understand wanting the rural setting, but that seems to be cutting you off some better schools like NC State or the UNC schools not at Chapel Hill. Is the rural preference that much of a deal killer that those schools have been ruled out?</p>

<p>Location often plays a big role in early college selection, but I suggest you go look at the others and not immediately rule them out. When it comes right down to it, location is the one thing that rapidly drops down the list in most important criteria during senior year. I would suggest comparing the math-oriented programs at all the NC schools you can get into, and then see where things lie after looking at all of them and getting accepted.</p>