<p>Hello, I’m a rising senior in rural Indiana. I’m trying to narrow my list of colleges down, so I’d appreciate any help. At the current moment my top two are Purdue and Vanderbilt. I really liked Vanderbilt’s urban atmosphere and music scene, but I’m trying to be open right now. I’m going to visit Bucknell at some point too. I suppose I should mention that I’m pretty sure I’m going to start out in engineering and see where that takes me. All 3 of these schools have very good engineering schools as many of you probably already know.</p>
<p>I’m fairly certain I will get accepted at all 3 schools I mentioned, so that’s not the issue. My problem is trying to decide on whether or not to venture to a new and more far away place. The actual distance or homesickness isn’t a problem for me. It’s just I’m not sure if I can break away from Purdue, which is about 3 hours away from my home. Academics aside for a second, I should mention my whole family has gone there, I know my way around campus, and I am a die hard fan of all of their athletics (I’ve been to every home football game for at least the last ten years). From what I’ve heard, I’d really fit in with the Purdue social scene. So I guess my question is how much emphasis should I put on the non-academic things? What would you do if you were in my position? If you need more information, I’ll do my best to provide it.</p>
<p>I’m sorry if this seems like it rambles or is hard to follow; it’s just something I’ve had on my mind for quite some time. Thanks for any help/suggestions.</p>
<p>Keep your options open. Visit a variety of schools to get a feel for the different atmospheres. </p>
<p>After exploring your options, if you still love Purdue and think that you’d be happiest there, go for it. Don’t back down from your dream school just for the sake of going somewhere else. On the other hand, if you think you might like another school on your list better, don’t be afraid of “going out on a limb”. </p>
<p>Keep your mind open for now, and see how you feel after exploring a bit more.</p>
<p>You’re right- your question is a little hard to follow. Or at least, if I understand you right, it is a question that nobody but you can possibly provide an answer for (i.e., should I try something new or stick to the familiar?). But here is some reasoning that might work for you:</p>
<p>After all is said and done, you LIKE what’s familiar to you, right? (i.e., Purdue). But if, as I sense, you are tempted to strike out somewhat and try something different, what’s the harm? If things don’t work out in the new environment, you should be able to come back to the familiar at least knowing you gave it a shot someplace else. The main thing, I guess, would be to make sure that no matter what, you keep yourself academically in good standing so that you can transfer back if you want to.<br>
If things go well in the new location, great. But if they don’t, you would have no reason to feel defeated. It is also a very good thing to be happy with where you’re from.</p>
<p>how can you KNOW you’re going to get accepted to vanderbilt? you must have some absolutely ridiculous stats in which case i would encourage you to also look into even more selective schools.</p>
<p>to answer your question, this is one of the best opportunities in your life to really explore completely new areas, venues, and paths of life… take advantage!</p>
<p>if you end up realizing home is the best place for you, i assure you, transferring to purdue (even mid freshman year) will not be a problem.</p>
<p>it seems to me that the gains you could possibly receive from venturing out to a new place are innumerable, while the opportunities lost by not doing so are vast.</p>
<p>Ok, I’m sorry; I never said I was certain I would get accepted at Vanderbilt, but my stats do exceed the median of their accepted students somewhat. As of right now, I’m just trying to weigh all my options, and this scenario requires me to assume I could get into Vanderbilt. If I don’t get accepted, I guess my decision is just that much easier.</p>