They all offered me honors except for Delaware. Anyways, I think URichmond would be a better choice for me since it is smaller and allows me to have closer relationships with my professors. Thank you for your advice!
3 Likes
Okay then the real choice would be between PSU SCHREYER (one of top Honors colleges in the country) and URichmond. Provided both are affordable, the difference in environment is big enough that you should know what you prefer 
2 Likes
Case Western has one of the worst yields for major privates - below 15% - so I wouldn’t count on getting in.
Last year they WL’d more students than they accepted - 11,193 and 1,544 got WL offers. It’s possible but far from assured.
So to say they will probably accept you is not correct.
If you want it, I hope it happens for you - but when you commit, make sure you are committed and 100% in.
Don’t “assume” a WL - because while it’s possible, it’s not probable.
So fall in love with those who love you already.
Good luck.
1 Like
I agree that a CWRU waitlist offer isn’t likely. In addition to the reasons you correctly note, CWRU is also very focused on demonstrated interest, and it doesn’t sound as if it’s such a top choice for the OP that he would have written a LOCI stating unequivocally that he would definitely attend if admitted. That could well be the first filter for the few offers they do make.
IMHO, none of this matters, because I don’t see any reason why Case would be a better option than URichmond, which actually looks like a great fit, from what OP has shared about his interests, goals, and “fit factors.”
In fact, OP didn’t even bring up which schools had waitlisted him, until other posters questioned him more closely. So I don’t think he has given the impression that he’s holding his breath for waitlist offers, or that he needs to be talked down on that front.
OP, I know that you kind of backed into considering URichmond (which didn’t even make the thread-title of your initial post), and you’re still in an “I guess” headspace about choosing it. But I hope that you’ll begin to get genuinely excited about it, now that you’ve committed. It truly is worthy of your enthusiasm, both reputationally and as a superb educational experience.
I don’t think there’s a single school that waitlisted you, that you should drop URichmond for if you get an offer, at least not without very serious consideration. In fact, for the sake of your happiness and peace of mind, I would give serious consideration to withdrawing from your waitlists, so that you don’t have that uncertainty clouding the horizon. Or at least withdraw from the ones that you know you wouldn’t choose.
I’m happy for you, that you have such a good path forward; and I hope that you can begin to be happy for yourself.
5 Likes
Hi, after reading your comments, I did some research on Urichmond, and I am actually very excited about their PPEL program, so I committed to URichmond. I think it’s my best school choice for now. Thank you so much for your suggestions!
But last week, I got off the UCSB’s waitlist and was accepted into their political science major. I don’t know much about UCSB but I do know it has great location, more fame, and better diversity. Should I also consider UCSB?
4 Likes
I got off UCSB’s waitlist, but the decision was made after I committed to Uricmond. I wonder if you know much about the academics at UCSB. Should I also consider UCSB?
Congrats on another acceptance!
UCSB certainly is in a nice location, and it’s a well-regarded school. I wouldn’t say that it’s considered better than URichmond and some of the others you already turned down, but it’s quite different.
My impression was that you preferred URichmond to the well-regarded large public universities you got into earlier, because of the more intimate environment, with small classes and close interaction with faculty. It also seemed to me that Richmond’s PPEL major looked like a great fit for you, and also that the location in a state capital would provide potential opportunities for you, in addition to the school’s many connections in Washington DC.
It doesn’t seem to me that UCSB improves on any of those parameters. It’s a very good university, and the beach-adjacent location is lovely. But it isn’t convenient to any major city, and it has all of the same large-public-U downsides as Penn State, Rutgers, etc. that you considered before. And I realize you’re not terribly cost-sensitive, but as an OOS student at the UC’s, you’d basically be paying a private-university price for a public-university experience. In my opinion you’d get more bang for your buck at Richmond, and it satisfies your stated criteria better.
If you’re swayed by California, the weather, the beach, and the overall reputation of the UC system… or if you simply feel as if the “vibe” of UCSB would be a better fit for you, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I don’t necessarily feel as if it tracks with what you expressed earlier in the process, but you have the whole picture whereas I only have limited information based on the previous discussion.
It’s a legitimate choice, if you want to switch. Just make sure you aren’t swayed by the psychological effect of getting off a waitlist. The mere fact that a school “played hard to get” before accepting you does not make it a better acceptance.
Perhaps others will chime in with specific reasons why UCSB might be a better choice than Richmond. I’m not familiar with the poli sci opportunities there, specifically.
Regardless, congrats, and let us know what you decide!
5 Likes
Thanks for the information, but I’m most concerned about the diversity part…Urichmond’s demographics seem to be pretty homogenous (the school is famous for its preppy, wealthy, and white population), and I like places with more inclusion. About the internship part, since I am an international student so I’m not sure if the job opportunities in DC applies the same to me. Anyways I do think that regardless of these factors, Urichmond will become my final choice, and it would be a better stepping stone for me to transfer, if I still plan to do so after freshman year.
1 Like
Congrats to you. It’s a fine school but pricey, large, in an area with pricey housing and wonderful for the right student.
That said, you’re already excited about Richmond and PPE so I’d see no reason to change.
Poli Sci isn’t PPE - although shares some elements.
Richmond is very diverse with about 60% Caucasian and more than 2% international. UCSB will also have extreme wealth (and obviously some that are not wealthy). Yes, it’s not near as diverse as UCSB which is in part due to California’s overall makeup but still diverse vs. others.
Unless you want a big school and a major that isn’t what you seek, I’m not sure changing makes any sense.
And no idea what Richmond will cost you, but UCSB will be over $300K for four years.
Two great schools.
Congrats.
3 Likes
Did you ever mention before that you’re an international student? I don’t think I realized that.
It’s true that the demographics are much different. While UCSB is more diverse overall, Richmond actually has 4 times as many Black students relative to its size, compared to UCSB. But, UCSB has more than double the Asian and Hispanic/LatinX representation that Richmond has (reflecting the demographics of California). And UCSB has about 15% international undergrads, vs. 11% at Richmond.
It’s true that median income is higher at Richmond, although it’s nowhere near as high as at some schools. A few years ago, the top college for median income was Colorado College, with a median family income of $278K, whereas URichmond was at $149K (making it 47th among elite colleges for family income), and UCSB was at $106K. Even though Richmond has a “wealthy” reputation, its public peer in Virginia, William & Mary, actually had a higher median income by quite a bit ($176K at the time of the study). The numbers are a bit outdated here but the comparisons are still interesting (you can look up any school from the search box) Economic diversity and student outcomes at University of Richmond - The New York Times
ANYWAY… I would say that the worst of all worlds would be to attend UCSB and then transfer. At the UC’s, the first couple of years involve paying some amount of proverbial dues, in terms of large class sizes, low priority to get the classes you want, and so on. To pay top dollar for that, and then not stick around for the upper-division payoff, would be foolish, IMO. As you say, better to start out at Richmond, and hopefully you have a good experience and don’t want to transfer, but at least you’ll get your money’s worth in terms of faculty attention from the very beginning.
Good luck! Are there any other waitlist schools still pending that might sway you if they came through?
6 Likes
I’d stick with Richmond. UCSB is a huge school. If transferring is your ultimate goal, it would be more challenging to build relationships and get recommendations from professors at a large state school.
Richmond is not the most diverse school, but they are definitely committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
3 Likes
At this point, I think only UNC Chapel Hill (which has a PPE minor) and UMich would cut the deal for me. I don’t like NYU’s city school vibe, and the tuition is just wayyyyy to high. Colby is a little bit more prestigious than UR, but it’s in Maine and I don’t like the weather. Bates is also in Maine, and it’s similar to UR in size and academic reputation, so I probably will not go even if I get accepted.
1 Like
That’s an opinion. I personally disagree with it.
Ask 100 people in society, and I doubt 98 have heard of Colby. Ask the same about UR, maybe 90% - why? Better known sports.
That said, both are fine names and those who need to know will know.
In the end, choose the one that’s right for you - I don’t think pedigree needs to matter on this one.
UMichigan weather will be as cold and snowy as Colby’s and Bates’. All 3 would be equally prestigious but very different. Then it comes down to whether you want a student-centered experience or a more “classically US collegiate” experience with big spectator sports, Greek life, large classes, etc.
If weather is the overriding factor then your only choice is UNC. 
But URichmond has everything - the community, the interactive classes, PPE, diversity, AND good weather. So, no reason to look elsewhere.
7 Likes
I just got an email from the senior director of admissions at Colby College. He wants to talk to me tonight. I think it is a good sign, but it also means that I need to make a decision between URichmond and Colby the next few hours…I’m really conflicted. UR has the PPEL major and I got into their endeavor program, but Colby has cool comparative philosophy class. Both schools seem to be neck in neck in reputation, prestige, and ranking.
Can anyone provide me with more details about these schools so I can make a decision?
Personally, academics matter the most, relationships with professors too (I want to transfer). Social life is quite important, weather a little, and all others (athletics, greek life, etc) are minor factors.
Internships are important too, but I’m international so I’m not sure if I can get any relevant jobs in politics.
They are equal in prestige. Which do you prefer ? Which can you afford ?
They are pretty much the same in tuition, and I am fortunate to afford either one. I used to think I like Richmond because of their PPEL major, but I like the vibe at Colby too, and Colby has more internationally recognized political science and philosophy.
Only you can answer this.
Colby is known by few here so interesting it’s more well known internationally.
My belief is Richmond is better known (here) but that’s sports related.
It sounds like you win either way - choice A or B.
Richmond will be more in society if you will - although it’s not directly in the city - but it’s within the Richmond City limits and less than two hours to DC - although Colby is within several hours of Boston.
It’s heads you win, tails you win.
Which is better for you. No one can tell you.
Both may be equally great so go for one stick with it.
PS - Richmond has a large B school - so your student body will be different, if that matters to you…with a pre professional element.
1 Like
I think the biggest differences will be weather (Colby will be cold, with snow and sunshine whereas Richmond will be more temperate) and vibe (Richmond is more clique-ish, ie.,small groups that stick together and don’t mix with others much; colby students are more outdoorsy ie., they like rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, sbowboarding, etc. Being active&outside). You’ll have support for internships at both, strong academics at both, etc. Colby may be more recognized internationally because it’s had internationals (both from New England boarding schools and from schools abroad) for longer than uRichmond and because in countries that look at USNWR it’s ranked higher, but both are very good so you can’t choose wrong.
2 Likes