CU Boulder or American University

College Search & Lists
1

I got accepted to both CU Boulder & American University.

My issue is this: I want to have a fun college experience but I also want to do really well in my career post-college. AU offers better education & a sub-par party scene but CU provides good education & a better party scene.

If it makes it any easier, this is the type of person that I am:

Overall: I live in a colorful, sensual world, inspired by connections with people and ideas. I take joy in reinterpreting these connections, reinventing and experimenting with both myself and new perspectives. This creates a sense of spontaneity, making me seem unpredictable, even to my close friends and loved ones. Despite all this, I am definitely an Introvert, surprising my friends further when I step out of the spotlight to be by myself to recharge. Just because I am alone though, doesn’t mean I sit idle – I take this time for introspection, assessing my principles. Rather than dwelling on the past or the future, I think about who I am. I return from my cloister, transformed.
I live to find ways to push my passions. Riskier behaviors like gambling and extreme sports are more common with me. Fortunately my attainment to the moment and my environment allows me to do better than a lot of people. I also enjoy connecting with others, and have a certain irresistible charm.

Strengths: Sensitive to others, imaginative, passionate, curious, artistic (not literally, I just have a way of visualizing things that resonates with my audience.)

Weaknesses: Fiercely independent, unpredictable, easily stressed, overly competitive, fluctuating self-esteem

Romantic Relationships: warm, enthusiastic, caring, loyal partner. I believe in actions, not words – but it’s crucial that I know my feelings are shared. Feelings and emotions underpin every aspect of my relationships, alongside not just a tendency towards, but a need for, fresh possibilities

Friendships: Im sensitive, much more so than most, and it takes me time to build enough trust with new friends to open up and feel natural. Lots of personal space and freedom are essential. I’m laid back and spontaneous

Workplace: Wealth, power, structure, advancement and security are all lesser goals to my greatest need: creative freedom. I crave a tangible outlet for my imagination, a chance to express myself ‘artistically’. I aim to be a Public Interest Lawyer

Workplace habits: I seek out positions that give me as much wiggle room as possible to do things my own way. Button-down environments that revolve around tightly held traditions and strictly enforced procedures are unlikely to appeal to me. Spontaneous, charming, and a genuinely fun person to be around, I just want a chance to express those natural qualities, and to know that my efforts are appreciated.

I’m worried I’ll make the wrong decision and regret it. Any advice?

2

That’s a lot of self knowledge!

Are you leaning one way? Because reading your post, the right fit seems quite obvious. I’m a believer that if you choose a college where you will fit, thrive, and be happy, the career development will follow (of course, not too “happy” as in too much partying…this part will depend on your level of self motivation and ambition.)

3

It seems like you fit right in at CU Boulder.

Side question - How are you planning to be a lawyer while being spontaneous, emotional, and free? Law is considered one of the most “button down” professions out there.

4

Do both schools fit your budget with no debt and no serious economic pain for your family?

5

This sounds a bit like a personal ad, tbh.

Why not read reviews on Niche. They will give you a better idea of student vibe. You can look at what the students say about themselves.

6

Yes

7

@DadTwoGirls Yes.

8

@penguin2 I want to be a public interest lawyer- to use legal skills to fight for important causes and on behalf of marginalized clients who otherwise have little hope of getting a fighting chance in our legal system. With being emotional, I’m able to sympathize easily. With being free, I highly cherish freedom and, in turn, want others to acquire it. With being spontaneous, I’m creative and outgoing, therefore I see a lot of issues (or clues) others may not and can dig deep using my creativity to think of solutions

9

@Lindagaf Niche has too many different reviews coming from anonymous people, I don’t know which opinion to trust

10

@TS0104 I’m leaning towards CU for the social aspect & AU for the educational aspect. I don’t know if the CU party scene will be too overwhelming for me though as I have severe ADHD, but I’m worried the students at AU will be too entitled. I am very self-motivated.

11

I think you can use Niche reviews on the aggregate…meaning, if 18/20 reviews say AU students are entitled, you can probably believe it (and I’m not agreeing, we toured and didn’t get that impression, but we didn’t do a deep look). If something just pops up in a review here or there, I tend to discount it.

We’ve all heard about CU Boulder’s party reputation and if you are worried that with your ADHD it will be a struggle to remain focused, that is a pretty big factor. I’d venture to say that ALL schools have partying to be found, whether it is known as a “party school” or has a Niche A+ for party scene or not.

12

Wow I am in the exact same situation! I am deciding between CU Boulder and American. I plan on studying political science. Right now I am leaning towards Boulder because of the social scene and overall location of the school, but American would be great for my major.

13

It was asked, but OP and HRevels: Is CU IS or OOS, and what is the COA for each school?
Have you visited each? Those are two very different campuses in two very different cities-Boulder and DC couldn’t be more different. DC is DC, and Boulder is just beautiful-if you like great mountain views, lots of outdoor activities, etc etc. Which environment do you see yourself in?

14

CU-Boulder is the most prominent school in Colorado. American is maybe 3rd most prominent in DC. American outranks in USNews by 30ish positions it’s true, but once you get down to that level gradations don’t mean as much. And Boulder is a much better college town, surrounded by natural beauty. American is in a somewhat dumpy suburban part of DC. I would go with CU and not think twice about it.