Thank you for going above and beyond in making me feel better about my doubts. I appreciate your words and the info you provided to me. Forever grateful, aho.
I would agree with others supporting Scripps. The school’s small size provides a much more nurturing and supportive environment than Cornell, a large and often administratively challenging place. The Claremont consortium makes for a much larger school feel without sacrificing intimacy. Agree also that factoring in realities of difficult air travel to Ithaca, costs will be only marginally different. Both will provide wonderful academic opportunities and excellent reputations - careful not to be be swayed by the Ivy League imprimatur. Going to Scripps would be a rational, well considered decision.
From an adult perspective, the private doesn’t seem to have helped her as much as she’d like to believe. I was a low income kid and I attended some fairly expensive schools with kids from pretty well-to-do families. Elite colleges have their share of clueless students, but there are great kids too, just like everywhere else.
There are students of differing abilities too, just like high school. All the kids I knew were smart, but the thing that set successful students apart from the rest was their work ethic. The schools you’re considering wouldn’t have accepted you if they didn’t think you’d succeed, and they have resources for students (tutoring, office hours, etc.) for those willing to ask for the help they need. Believe in yourself and take advantage of the everything your school has to offer. You’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity and you deserve it.
If you got into Cornell you are qualified to be there. As far as feeling poor? Well your not in Kansas anymore. Everyone is poor compared to others and there are people poorer than you. Don’t get caught up in that. there is no end.
You have a great opportunity to attend Cornell and you should take full advantage of it. Just concentrate on doing your thing.
Good luck.
Totally normal feelings, but trust everyone who says you wouldn’t be in this position if you didn’t deserve it.
That said, pay attention to those feelings. The school that is best for YOU personally, is the one where you will thrive, and that may be helped by some combination of factors that may include a more navigable environment and better institutional support.
And I would give this advice to anyone, regardless of background. I grew up in a world where attending a “top” school was totally expected, and had all possible supports along the way. But I felt the same worries, and in hindsight, I wish I’d attended a more nurturing place than I did. What matters is not the name of the school, but where YOU, personally, are in four years.
Your experience may be different, but if you’re having those feelings now, look for places that have resources to help you with them.
When you look at your schools ask about programs or supports for first gen college students. Tutoring, guidance with internships, etc. Also think about your major and how well equipped you will be to move forward–for example if your math and science isn’t “advanced” how will you keep up in a fast paced course. Good luck! You will find the right fit.