So I’m a H.S. senior, and I was accepted to my top school (University A) and second top (slight reach- University B).
For me, the pros of my top school (Let’s call it University A) are:
-$20k merit scholarship a year
-Prettier campus
-Better housing options (suites)
-Better college town
-Feel like I would be happier/more comfortable on the campus (due to the layout and location, it is absolutely beautiful)
Invited to apply to the honors college
The cons are:
-Academic safety school
-Not well known/prestigious
-Some people have averages as low as 75s+
And now for my second top (let’s call it University B), the pros are:
-better known
-more prestigious
-harder to get into
-arguably better quality academics
-D1 sports (basketball)
-more conservative
Cons:
-limited housing options (no suites, doubles/triples/quads with communal bathrooms)
-Campus is not nearly as beautiful
-party school (I’m very social but more reserved/don’t like hardcore partying)
-some people are a little snobby
-no merit money, more expensive
University A has an acceptance rate above 70%, University B has an acceptance rate a little below 50%.
I’m a very anxious person and normally only thrive in settings that I am comfortable in. Housing options are very important to me (especially not having to use communal bathrooms) due to the anxiety. I know I would be happier on the campus of University A but I know that’s not really what it’s about. My parents are very supportive and want me to go where I’ll be happy. I know that I have quite a while to choose where to go but it’s really stressing me out, I don’t want to make a silly decision and potentially change the course of my future in a negative way. And although I’m very social and like to hang out with others, I’m also not a huge partier (and have struggled in HS because of it). I’m afraid that if I went to University B, I’d be left out or ridiculed for not wanting to drink.
So, I was just wondering if anyone could offer a little guidance? I’m really just trying to figure out what’s right for me but it’s hard not to get caught up in the whole prestigious university name game, and I know people in my schools judge others’ intelligence based on where they are going to school.
My 2 cents, chose fit over prestige. You can/will make of any school whatever you want to make of it. If you feel that you fit better at school A and that you have a higher likelihood of success there ( and you would be receiving some merit money) don’t spend time worrying what other people will think of your choice.
Keep going with the process. Apply to the honors college at University A. Wait until you have final financial aid awards from both schools. If you can, go visit each campus one more time. Try to have lunch with a student and/or sit in on classes to get a more realistic view of the place than just the campus tour. Visit the websites of the school newspapers and get a feel for what’s going on on campus.
You have until May 1. Use your time and don’t rush. This is a major decision.
Most importantly: Assuming you can afford both, do what you want. Not what people at school think you should want, or what people on the internet think you should want.
Apply to honors college at University A.
Apply to more universities at University B’s level, but without the big party culture.
Request an overnight at both (make request to honors college at University A.)
@ClarinetDad16 To be honest I’m not really sure! As far as I’ve heard College B is typically more respected than College A and tends to prepare students well for jobs following graduation. Yet all of that could just be gossip/rumors.
It’s clear you prefer College A, go with that!! However, I agree with Post #2, you have some time, so if you are unsure, go visit each school one more time, spend a little time, maybe sit in a class, picture yourself living there… I’m assuming you already researched the dept you’re interested in, but make sure you do. In the end, go with your gut, not with what anyone else tells you!!
The more relaxed you feel, the more excited you feel, the more passion you feel, that all will propel you to higher levels. You feeling in charge. Academics and most places is pretty comparable. The student body has different culture; the admission rate is different, but because academic positions are so hard to get, professors tend to be pretty high level as a rule. there are exceptions. But generally it’s your motivation and your hard work that will make a difference. Go with the one that inspires you the most and where you feel in your heart that you will thrive.
Can you say what college A is? It sounds wonderful! If you get into the Honor’s program you won’t be with people with 75 avgs. Fit is underrated. Go with best fit as long as the academics are “good”.
Honors college at A! A 70% acceptance rate is not hugely different from a 50% acceptance rate.
It’s not like it’s 5% vs. 70% and even if it were, it would not be worth sacrificing your mental health
I agree that you should take your time with the decision. See if you get into the honors college at A and if you do spend the time to understand what the honors program would add to your college experience (honors programs vary a great deal from college to college). If possible try to re-visit both schools during accepted students day or another time. It is hard to opine not knowing the two schools, but in general if push comes to shove, I’d pick fit over prestige.