"dream" school VS "reach dream" school

Applying to College
1

<p>So, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Two different schools. One of them I am fairly confident I can get into. I know anything can happen in the process of college admissions, but i’m still pretty certain. The other is a definite reach.</p>

<p>So, my question is, how do I choose between the two? I know most people will say to go with the reach one, but I’m not so sure. my target one has academic programs that, while not as prestigious as the reach schools, are almost taylor made to let me explore all the possible career options i’m considering. on the other hand, the social seen is more athletics/greek life dominated, which isnt really my thing. and I feel like the reach school has a social seen that i would fit right into.</p>

<p>so… thoughts?</p>

<p>thanks!!</p>

2

<p>I love UMD. I love UPenn. I can get into UMD as a Maryland resident, but I don’t know about UPenn. I understand your dilemma. I’m just going to wait until I apply to both schools (I’m a junior). Consider your major, research, EC’s and social life, distance, cost, and most importantly, PREPARATION FOR A JOB/GRAD SCHOOL.</p>

3

<p>I see how complicated this can be but I simply would relax and first see where you get accepted. If you get into both then active the thread.</p>

4

<p>Apply and get in. then you decide.</p>

<p>Ps it’s a social scene, not seen</p>

5

<p>Dream school isnt really a dream if the student body/social scene doesn’t really mesh with you.</p>

<p>I hope you posting this isn’t a question of which for ED, because you shouldn’t be applying ED at all.</p>

6

<p>i don’t think you need to decide now, cuz, I hate to mention it, there is a chance you won’t get into the absolute reach school.
so no worries right now</p>

7

<p>Agree with everyone. Apply, and wait to see if it’s even an issue. Do lots of research in the meantime so you’ll be more ready when decision time comes. Visit if you can, and if you haven’t. Know that, while you spend the next 5 months thinking about each…a LOT of things can change in your opinions about each, even your interests/majors/what you want from a school/where your friends are going, etc. So it’s a good time to kick back and reflect.</p>

8

<p>There is also a question of finances and aid to consider, unless it does not matter in your case</p>

9

<p>well… i don’t think it really matters. I mean, it matters of course, but whenever i bring it up, my dad says not to worry about it. so idk.</p>

<p>thanks for all your help. I know I should just wait it out, but it is a little nerve racking, you know?</p>

10

<p>i have this problem too, love two schools (actually maybe a couple more) but they are a reach or a match. a big factor for me is money, but u need to decide where u will be happy and the social scene of a school is a big part of your happiness. if it is that you dont mind the greek scene, but just prefer the reach school’s scene, go with the match if its cheaper probably. one of my teachers has repeatedly told us how not having debt allows you to not have to get a job immediately or go to grad school, you can go abroad or do something you really enjoy</p>

11

<p>cross0328, that is a really good point. thank you.</p>

<p>i was actually doing more research on my “dream” school and it turns out that in addition to the large greek/athletic scene, there is also a more artsie and creative scene. there is a school of music and a school of communications, so that provides a really great balance. so i’m starting to like it more and more.</p>

<p>the only thing that’s preventing me from applying ED is, and i hope this doesnt make me sound awful, the prestige aspect. the “reach dream” as really really well known. and my “dream” school, while definitely a great school and fairly well known, you don’t say “I went to…” and people automatically think you’re smart. and the prestige can definitely help in the job search.</p>

12

<p>yeah i think i am having the same problem. its gonna come down to money mainly to me, and i couldnt do ed. i’m just not sure yet and cant make the decision now.</p>