College Decision

bopambo
Sun, 27 Mar 2016 03:51:10 +0000

Well, money can be a big deal and a deal breaker. Our son was accepted to 13 schools ranging from elite to super safety. In the end, there were a couple we just felt we couldn’t afford, and that was sad at first, but it all worked out in the end. He’d applied to a wide range of schools, as you have, and there were great choices we could afford because of his hard work in high school and the merit awards he was offered. You too have obviously worked hard and now have great choices. Be sure you sit down and have heart to heart talks with your folks, and now is the time to do it, before you fall in love with one that may possibly have to come off the list.

Visit the top contenders if you can, each of these schools has it’s own unique vibe and personality. From your list our son applied and was accepted to Whitman, Macalester, and Willamette. When he visited, Whitman really grabbed him and he chose it. He loved the campus and the friendly students and the outdoorsy, sporty vibe. He had worked really hard in high school and knew he didn’t want a competitive grind in college. I think he was surprised that the academics are so rigorous because there is such a laid back atmosphere there, but the place really kept him on his toes. I think the collaborative instead of competitive spirit of the classes made it OK.

These institutions are all very different from each other, the settings, the weather, the student cultures are all different.
You should decide what you are really looking for in a college, and then ask specific questions about which schools have those things you want.

Congratulations on such great choices!