I am a high school senior, and I’ve narrowed down my list of schools to my top nine, all of which I’ve been admitted to. Any insights that would help me make my decision would be appreciated.
I am interested in studying film, computer science, and/or digital media. I may also want to explore engineering. I am especially interested in film production, video game design, virtual reality, and web design. In addition to having good programs and opportunities, I would like to attend a school that is fun in a nerdy way. Ideally, it would have goofy traditions, interesting clubs, and unique events. I am also looking for a good town, small classes, and flexibility when it comes to changing majors. I know it’s a tall order, and I may not find the perfect school; I’m just trying to find the best one for me.
The schools I am deciding between are:
Northeastern University (free)
Vanderbilt University (free)
University of Utah (free)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (cheap)
Lawrence University (manageable cost)
DePaul University (manageable cost)
Carnegie Mellon University (manageable cost)
Harvey Mudd College (quite expensive)
Cornell University (quite expensive)
Any thoughts? I’ve looked up stats on these schools, but I can’t get a good feel for their campus life.
Try to get your hands on some of the good college guide books that give you a feel for the campus. I like Fiske (favorite), Insiders Guide to College, and Princeton Review. There is a good chance you can find them in your HS guidance dept. or local library.
Do I understand that you have 9 colleges to choose between during the next 2 weeks and you have NO IDEA about what any of them are like and NO preferences amongst them? How have you looked up statistics but not spent time reading about them on CC or any of the other sites (eg n i c h e, u n i g o, etc)? Do you not have any parameters to reduce the list at all? Size / geography / cost (I know you gave the ranges, but we have no context-can you afford HMC or Cornell or not?)
All of those colleges will have some amount of:
We have no way to know what you consider a ‘good town’ - some people love Boston, others Nashville, some hate one or the other or both.
Small classes and flexibility in changing majors varies a lot by discipline.
I’d suggest doing your own homework and narrowing down the list by at least half and then come back for study group.
Hey! Northeastern student here, but here’s what I know on the stuff you’re looking for and the campus feel of each of these:
Northeastern - Changing majors is easy at NEU and almost all of the programs you listed are strong here. In terms of feel, the nerd would be plenty satisfied, but the unique events aren’t exactly there. There’s plenty of stuff to do, but it revolves more around Boston. Also, make sure you know the co-op program and if that’s something you want. It’s a big plus if that’s your style, but it isn’t for everyone. Class sizes are medium but vary.
Vanderbilt University - Vandy is a bit more of a traditional school / campus - frat/sorority life is bigger in comparison to the others here but not all encompassing or anything. Average class sizes.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - VERY techy and nerdy. The gender ratio is a big part of the campus feel, and it’s very isolated in Troy. It will offer smaller class sizes from what I know.
Harvey Mudd College - this may be your best fit. It’s going to offer very small class sizes, lots of creatives that are also very nerdy, and probably satisfies your unique/quirky events requirement. It is limited in majors, though, but has a lot of what you want and the 5 college consortium offers plenty of options.
I can’t speak to the others well, but hope that helps! These are my impressions from my own research and friends that go to these schools.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (cheap] or Carnegie Mellon University (manageable cost)
Either of those would be my recommendation colleges for a “creative nerd”.
Thanks! You guys have been really helpful! For those of you keeping score, I have narrowed it down to Rennsealer, DePaul, Carnegie Mellon, Vanderbilt (the only one left I haven’t visited), and Northeastern.
CMU, if you can afford it and are direct admit to their SCS (if you want to study CS). If you're not direct admit to SCS you almost certainly will not get in. They have one of the best CS programs in the country (if not the best), and strong in the arts as well. If you are into drama, go here (but getting into the actual drama school, if you're not already admitted will be difficult if not impossible - it has like a ~3% admit rate).
RPI: excellent engineering reputation, good in CS (not the same as CMU, but you'll be able to get in), good game design program, but not strong in the arts. However, a good fit for your comments of "fun in a nerdy way" and "creative nerd". (My D is a nerd [engineering] and she really likes it there. Very collaborative student body. CMU is higher ranked but a much more competitive atmosphere especially in CS.). A bit smaller than CMU and more tech focused (whereas CMU has a strong arts/drama complement.)
HMudd: Best overall choice IMO. But that would depend on your financial situation. Excellent CS/engineering, and you can the other classes you want at the other Claremont colleges. Smaller than RPI and much better weather!