I am currently choosing between these schools to go to next year, and would appreciate any input on making a decision. I am honestly pretty unsure of what I’d like to major in, I don’t have a major inclination towards any one area. There was no classes I necessarily hated in high school, and I enjoyed most classes; I just didn’t love any one area that much more than the rest. Price is not a deciding factor for the decision. The Emory and Wake Forest acceptances were normal while Georgia Tech offered a conditional acceptance in which I would have to attend starting this summer for 5 weeks before the fall semester. At William and Mary I was accepted into the Monroe Scholar program. I would prefer a driven student body and a campus with a nice daily life and quality of life. I’d be thankful for any input or opinions on this!
I know two of these schools very well and the other two a little. All are FANTASTIC. You would probably be happy at any of them. I’d be inclined, though, to suggest you cross GT off, just because it is very STEM focused, and you don’t sound STEM focused. If your interests evolved away from STEM subjects, I think you’d be better served at the other schools.
Do any especially appeal to you? It’s a case where you probably don’t need to worry about rankings and reputations. All are outstanding and have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Given your statement: “I would prefer a driven student body and a campus with a nice daily life and quality of life. I’d be thankful for any input or opinions on this!” I might suggest William and Mary. This is partially out of bias. But also because I think you would find “a driven student body” (true at Wake and Emory too) and also maybe the best walkable opportunities. There’s a fair number of nice places right around campus that are reachable from most dorms within a 10 minute or so walk. I’ll note also that Greek life differs: very prominent at Wake, more of a moderate presence at WM.
Of course, if you are interested in having an urban area nearby, then Emory might be your choice. And Winston-Salem is a nice city, though in both cases some transportation is involved.
In the end, though, go with what YOU think and feel. You’ll be living and learning and making friends there for the next four years (give or take). Your vote is the important one.
@cyongb
you don’t seem to have an issue with finances, you also don’t seem to really like one over the other. You also don’t have a decided major/career so somewhere flexible would be ideal. To me Emory is the best school on the list, arguably the only prestige school you got into. You seem to fit Emory’s culture well, smart yet indecisive, but chill and mild- mannered. It’s a no-brainer to me. Maybe a visit will seal the deal.
Emory might very well be the best choice for you. It is an outstanding university. I loved Emory and would have been thrilled if mine who was considering it had gone there (they went to a similarly excellent school). I will disagree that it is “arguably the only prestige school you got into.”
Using USNWR, which is of course based on one set of criteria and of only limited usefulness, Emory is #21, Wake #27, William and Mary #32, and Georgia Tech #34. Out of over 3000 colleges/universities in the US, I’d think a gap of 13 spots a pretty small difference. All have their advantages, and all have their strengths.
I was kinda leaning towards crossing off Tech for the exact reasons that I am unsure how my interests will evolve. I don’t plan on greek life, and I do think I’ll be deciding mainly between Emory and William and Mary at this point. I have only briefly driven through Emory once and have not been to William and Mary ever, I think I’ll tour both. They both seem like great options. Thank you!
You don’t mention your major. If you want to do engineering, GT is in the top 5 in the country for this. It also has a very strong alumni network in this field. If you want a liberal arts education one of the other 3 may be a better choice.
Visits would be great. I’d guess that one would seem to shine above the others, for you.
And congratulations on your hard work and success in securing yourself such a great choice!
@cyongb it is difficult to give any more definitive advice given you don’t quite know what you are looking for. They are all good schools. You should visit and look for fit.
They all will have “driven student bodies”.
Keep in mind that GT is more STEM oriented than the others. It is a top notch engineering school and is clearly the best if that is what you want to do. That does not seem to be the way you are leaning, though.