<p>Sorry if the title is hard to understand. Basically, right now I'm deciding between a few schools to see if I want to apply early decision to one of them. Two of them have well known programs in the area of study I want to major in (95% sure). When you think of the other two, my potential major does not come to mind (International Relations), but probably pre-med does. However, they are great overall schools and are probably strong all across the board, and when I visited them it just felt right. </p>
<p>So- which is more important in choosing a school- the strength of the program you're interested in (including the education it will give you and the internships and jobs it can help you land), or the fit of the school (you really think you want to live there- location, student body, atmosphere, size, etc.)?</p>
<p>I just want to know your opinions- don't worry, I won't base my decisions solely off of how you respond :)</p>
<p>I would say overall fit is more important for most students. Many students change their major during college as they encounter new subjects that interest them.
In your case, you are considering multiple, unrelated potential majors. This fact makes me think that your interests are still evolving.</p>
<p>In my opinion fit is more important. The thing is you can never be sure about your concentration. You might have applied thinking one thing and end up doing something not even remotely related to it. I applied with BME in mind and gave up Duke for Brown. I’m not sure but Duke’s BME is like #2 and Brown is #40 something.</p>
<p>It depends on your major and determination. If you’re planning on majoring in business or engineering/CS and you’re quite sure of it, it’s best to choose those schools with stronger academics, examples: </p>
I can’t answer the question in your thread title, but I can solve your problem. If you are as undecided as you sound right now - which is not a bad thing - do NOT apply ED anywhere.</p>
<p>I don’t understand why RML considers “stronger academics” more important in engineering than in other fields. Given the breadth of ABET accreditation standards, I would actually guess that the opposite is true.</p>
<p>^ i said – if you really want to become an engineer and practise the profession. i think it would help in your networking (in academia or workplace) if you come from the best engineering schools as the people occupying in the high seats are most likely from the best engineering schools too. there is also a great deal of respect for you --as an engineer-- if you come from the top engineering schools such as MIT, Stanford, Berkeley or Caltech.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! At first I was simply considering Early Decision because I knew admit rates were higher which I thought was in my interest- but I think I need a bit more time to sort everything out. Anyway, thanks for all of your input!</p>
<p>You shouldn’t be applying ED.
ED should ideally be reserved for those who have made the choice that no one other school is ideal or perfect for them in anyway. So much so that they’d be willing to pay full price tag for the school if they were to be accepted without any financial aid or scholarships.</p>
<p>To answer your question, fit is. However, fit is relative just like you may think you want to major in something, you might think that a school fits you. You can’t really ever know until after you’re either majoring in that major or attending the school and really know if it is a fit for you.</p>
<p>My advise to you is to consider all factors. Don’t pick schools solely on the strength of the department of a particular major. Most likely often than not college students end up changing their majors more than once while in college. If you end up attending a school that is the best for your desired major, and possibly less strong in related or other departments, you might end up being unsatisfied if you realize that the major isn’t for you.
Lastly, make sure you actually research your desired major. Schools have different course offerings or requirements for each major. If an International Relations major simply consists of classes scattered in multiple departments (ie history, political science, econ, foreign languages, etc) you might find that you could still fulfill your “international relations” interest at a school that doesn’t offer an international relations major. As long as the school is flexible with requirements you technically could be any major and still have your international relations interests met.</p>
<p>And, if you haven’t already had a serious talk with your parents about how they expect you to pay for your education, do so now. In the end it won’t matter if the institution is a fit, or whether the department is the best in the nation, if you and your family can’t afford it.</p>
<p>I know I would be happy at every school I listed as possibilities, which is why I was considering Early Decision. And yes, I have talked to my parents, and Early Decision is an option financially.</p>