How does one make the final decision?

Applying to College
1

<p>I’m in a huge dilemma having to choose between 3 schools. Everyone—parents, peers, friends in college and out—is telling me that wherever I go I will learn to love it. Yet, I can’t help thinking that this college decision will determine the course of my life (possibly who I will marry, what kind of job I get, and where I will live). So here is the dilemma: I’ve made it into Johns Hopkins, Colorado College and Indiana University and I cannot decide between the three. I would appreciate input to help me make my final decision.</p>

<p>Some Background:</p>

<p>I’m a female from a public high school near Chicago. I would like to study any of the following: Spanish, Italian, international studies, economics, accounting, writing (English). I want to play club soccer and participate in social service of some type.</p>

<p>Here’s what I’m weighing in my decision right now: </p>

<p>Indiana University-originally my safety school, if I go here I will get a scholarship of 10,000 dollars a year. I would graduate in 3 years because my AP credits would transfer. This way, I would have enough money to go to grad school anywhere. They have great research opportunities. That being said, the Indiana campus is large and not too physically enchanting. I was disappointed in the environment (Winter is extra harsh), and the vibe I got from the students. Moreover, at least 90 kids from my high school are going to end up there (I want to meet new people). Class sizes for underclassmen are huge. I am in the Honors College so there are some benefits to that.</p>

<p>Colorado College-I loved the campus location and the feel I got from the students; however, I fear that this college will be too small (500ish). AP credits transfer so I would likewise graduate in 3 years. Unlike Indiana, there is way more to do in your free time (ski, hike, camp, climb). They operate on the block system (which is ingenious in my opinion). This means that the student has only one intensive class for 3 weeks and the teacher only teaches one class. Thus, the teacher has the freedom to take their students off campus. For example, a geology course may camp out in the nearby canyons or a Spanish class may consist of a trip to Mexico with minimal excess expenses. It’s a hands-on innovative way of learning. Moreover, I would never be in a class of more than 25 kids. I’d get to know my professors and classmates in these small classes just like I will have to get to know the people I work with after college.</p>

<p>Note: I am biased to Colorado College because I visited two days ago.</p>

<p>Johns Hopkins-I would have to complete all 4 years here and tuition is extremely high. Grad school would be questionable. This is a prestigious school and that counts for something. They have great research opportunities. They have an excellent career center. They are second in the nation for writing as well. Baltimore is near DC allowing for great summer job opportunities and general experiences. I’d be surrounded by a group of extremely studious, smart people. </p>

<p>There are many factors and details I have left out, please feel free to add and comment as you feel fit. What should I do?</p>

2

<p>johns hopkinssss! oh how i wish i got in. sorry i cant give you any more advice cus im gonna get bitter.
CONGRATS FOR GETTING IN THOUGH.
butbut. go where you want to the most of course.</p>

3

<p>How much has JHU offered? Is it more than Indiana? </p>

<p>I’d put it down to Colorado and Johns Hopkins, seeing how you want to meet more people.</p>

4

<p>Visit, examine financial options (you do NOT want to be in substantial debt right when you get out of college), which school is strongest in your major, whether or not diversity is important to you. JHU is certainly prestigeous, but I don’t know much about it to be of help.</p>

5

<p>Lol, I live in Colorado, so I am biased on behalf of Colorado College. Congratulations on getting into JHU first of all. I am very impressed you aren’t jumping on the bandwagon to go to JHU and instead weighing your options. It sounds to me like you care more about your ‘fit’ with the school rather than the prestige (though all three are quite prestigious). On behalf of Colorado, I just have to say that Colorado is an amazing place. Bright, sunny skies, great weather, amazing people from all over, and the atmosphere is just impeccable. Colorado College is an extroardinary school with a very unique academic system and a small close-knitted feel. I wish you the best of luck during this choosing process!!~ :]</p>

6

<p>I wouldn’t get any money from JHU and I don’t qualify for financial aid anywhere. So if I go there, I may very likely not have enough money saved up for grad school. It’s all about trade-offs!</p>

7

<p>Go to Colorado. There is this guy going there that is just freaking awesome…unforgettable, you will love having him in your classes. You will know who I’m talking about as soon as you get there. You’ll definitely run into him, and you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about.</p>

8

<p>The critical questions may be: how sure are you that you want to go on to grad school, and how adamant are you about not incurring debt to complete your education? (And I’m not a fan of incurring debt.) If you are iffy on grad school, or, on the flipside, you are willing to incur some debt, then Johns Hopkins, for sure. If you are set on grad school, and no debt, then Indiana. I wouldn’t worry about bumping in to your 90 high school classmates at a school the size of Indiana, and the honors program is a nice plus. I attended a small liberal arts school for undergrad, and a large state institution for graduate work, and, based on personal experience and preference, there’s no way I’d recommend going to a college of 500 students. Time to get out of the high school-like bubble, and grow, in my view. Good luck!</p>

9

<p>I would go to Colorado just to see whom cbulla is talking about. </p>

<p>Gwihir6, pick the school with the cutest sweatshirts. Jk. Hehe now I’m laughing at my own joke. Anyways, the Indiana campus is large, so you won’t be shoved in your high school mates’ faces. Just divide over the total number of people there to see what percentage of the student body they actually comprise. I personally would choose JHU, but then I’ve always been a label brat. You’ll do great wherever you go.</p>

10

<p>The guy’s freaking awesome. His high school is holding a public degregation trial against him as an example to the freshman and sophomore on how not to act.</p>

11

<p>I believe you. The Admissions employee who did the presentation for Colorado College was one of the most knowledgeable and eloquent speakers I’ve ever come across. I was thoroughly impressed by the physical presence of the students and staff there when I went to visit. Maybe it’s the altitude?! Just kidding.</p>

<p>By the way, Colorado College has 500ish people in each grade so the school has a size of about 2000. Just wanted to clarify that above.</p>

12

<p>Seems to me that you have already made up your mind on Colorado College. You are just too afraid to make it official.</p>