DougBetsy

My D is caught up in analysis paralysis and can’t choose her college.

One minute she’s convinced she wants to go to grad school and get her DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy). The next she wants other options, not to be nailed down…maybe Business. She definitely wants to forego a 3 + 3 DPT program in order to keep herself flexible.

Her choices and current opinions are (in no particular order):

Muhlenberg ($31,000): Known for pre-health, nice campus, far enough from home, but would Muhlenberg Scholar obligations interfere with study abroad?, less snobby than the other two, accidentally bumped into the track coach and he wants her

Dickinson ($38,000): “Greenest” of the 3, best library, beautiful campus but rundown fitness/athletics facility, building a new fitness center “soon,” track coach keeps calling, but no real suitable health major. (In fact, H and I wonder why this is still in the running.)

Gettysburg ($28,900): Offers BA and BS in Health Sciences, offers a robust business program, great athletics facility, a little too close to home (60 mins), not “northern enough” in the eyes of this 17 yo, (Wha? And the other 2 are???), track coach is interested in her, Greek dominance (this is good and bad to her), someone else from her HS class is going there (can’t tell if this is good or bad)

In other important factors such as freshman dorms, surrounding neighborhoods, dining halls, study abroad, etc., the schools are tied. With thanks to her great merit packages, all of these schools would be debt-free.

H and I like Gettysburg best…and not just for price. We actually think it would meet her academic aspirations best. D asked us which we like best, so we told her, and why, since she asked. She’s really trying to make a practical, not emotional decision. But, something is tormenting her here and preventing her from pulling the trigger.

Does anyone have any info that would help her decide? Even if it’s not in favor of G’burg, that’s fine. Just “unknowns” that would ease the decision. Thanks.

DougBetsy

Update: She just ruled out Dickinson. It's now down to Mules v. Bullets.

Anyone?

JoBenny

All really nice schools.....at least a couple of grads from my son's small NY burb HS go to one or the other every year. How many times has she visted each? Maybe now that she's down to the final two a last visit might seal the deal? Wherever she chooses, I'm sure she'll be enormously happy! Good Luck!

DougBetsy

She's been to all of them twice. Most recently...yesterday!

charlieschm

Muhlenberg attracts large numbers of students from NY and NJ. It is the only Lutheran College that is 40% Jewish.

Gettysburg attracts many more students from the South. That is an entirely different vibe. I'm under the impression sororities are very big at Gettysburg.

Gettysburg is a little isolated - there is not much nearby once you leave town. That limits opportunities for internships, volunteer work, speakers in classes, etc. As far as opportunities to prepare for a health care career, there is a small hospital in town, but not much else.

Muhlenberg has St. Luke's Hospital 10 blocks away, and one of the 5 largest hospitals in PA. is 10 minutes away. There also are lots of beautiful trails for running in parks close to Muhlenberg, which connect to many other trails.

45 Percenter

Muhlenberg has a very strong theater program that attracts lots of talented theater geeks from the all over the northeast. For me, that would be a plus, even if I had no intention of participating in theater (other than as a spectator).

pardullet

Gettysburg is isolated but a beautiful campus full of social, athletic, smart and friendly students. Students enjoy a close-knit community out of necessity...and they like that.
My view is that a "typical" kid who thrives at G'burg would not like Muhlenberg and vice versa.