Freshman Connection is a NO BRAINER as i have stated in previous posts. Your best bet is to call the advisors - Alyssa or Anne - they are super helpful and make the process so easy. You graduate in the same amount of time. Your credits you get during Freshman Connection count toward your intended major. You are guaranteed housing and i believe you can play club sports but you cannot play D1 Sports. Other than not being to play on the D1 teams, the differences are imperceptible. And, a bonus, when you sign up for your courses with the Office of Extended Studies through Alyssa or Anne, you lock in on your schedule way before the other freshman.