Help me choose between these schools please!

SOSConcern
Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:01:09 +0000

OP I think every parent on this thread is interested in hearing what your parents have to say.

You mention you are from Texas. Perhaps your parents also have some feelings about the logistics. You may be unable to have as many school breaks ‘coming home’ or if there are significant family events going on that you may miss. For example, my BIL didn’t want my nephew to go so far from home (he was an older dad), so nephew went to the best private in his area, and did receive very good merit - triple major. He was a Rhodes finalist. It didn’t stop nephew from a semester Senate intern in DC, nor a free student leader trip to Israel (he was study body president as a junior and I believe 50 students from US colleges from across the country were invited). He then went farther geographically for PhD (master’s received along the way, but entered into PhD program directly) because it was the best for his education/interests and merit. After PhD and teaching 4 years on tenure track (students selected him as best professor on campus this past year) he is now in his first year of law school. His career is still evolving.

Don’t look too far down the road - yes your UG will be important for the career you see yourself pursuing now. What you do with all the opportunities available and how you prepare yourself - it is just like elementary school prepares you for MS, MS prepares you for HS, HS prepares you for UG - but it is what you make of the education, EC, and pursuing various opportunities.

If parents and you are deciding between programs, try to get a visit (or a repeat) visit in to try to ‘see’ the distinguishing features, and research all sources of input. Sometimes something ‘feels’ right - I am a believer in prayer. Follow your heart after the practical issues are worked out.