<p>I am stuck between 3 schools, who I want to keep anonymous to prevent any bias. Here are my thoughts on all 3. While I am not going to use feedback on an online forum to make my decision, it is interesting to see what other people would do in my situation. Also, different people have different perspectives.</p>
<p>Oh, keep in mind that cost isn’t a factor. Both are cheap and while school A is $2000 cheaper than school B, and school B is $2000 more than school C, it won’t affect my decision.</p>
<p>School A:</p>
<p>I have been fortunate enough to have been accepted to an excellent program in school A. I know that if I graduate from that program, I will have no problem getting a high paying job after graduation. Also, I wouldn’t have to go to grad school (I’d still want to right now but if I am burnt out…) unlike schools B and C. The building (or complex) that it is located in is simply astounding, and the fact that I could learn there excites me greatly. The classes are tiny, which is great. The main problem with this program is that it’s so specialized. I have taken the basic high school courses semi related to it and loved them, but it’s so specific that if I am not interested, I’m screwed. The program is brand new, so it’s basically untested although I have faith in the professors. Also, I’m worried that I’m gonna be the dumbest one there, and I will get overwhelmed and not be able to handle it (typical college fears, I guess?). This program is ranked #1 in the world for its subject, and this subject is getting to be a big deal where I live, so to be a part of it would just be awesome. I feel like I might be blowing a big opportunity by not going here.</p>
<p>The problem with School A is that I am not thrilled about the school in general-never got a good vibe. I don’t hate it, but I never got the “this is my home” feel which I think is important. It has a party school reputation, and while I’ll go out, I’d rather stay sober. The campus is…different. Most people find it ugly, and I do to an extent, but I can also somewhat appreciate it. I have never been impressed with the people. This is generalizing, sure, but the people seem to be a lot more friendly at Schools B and C. Basically, schools B and C seem to be a community. School A is not. I feel like if I go there I will end up loving it, because everyone says “they couldn’t see themselves anywhere else” wherever they end up. But right now I’m not in love with it.</p>
<p>Best case scenario: End up loving the school, graduate with an awesome degree and get an awesome job.
Worst case scenario: Not interested in program, hate the school…transfer</p>
<p>School B:</p>
<p>This is the only school that I stayed overnight at, and loved it. The people were all so nice and inviting. For example, my host introduced me to one of his friends. I saw that friend walking around the next day and he said hi to me. Also, my host’s roomate gave me his email and his professor’s email to help me out. The campus is pretty, much better than school A, and it really felt like home. My friend goes there and loves it. Only problem is that it felt a little too small. The little details that I really liked from big schools like a food court, movie theatre, ect are not present here.</p>
<p>Academically, the field that I would want is actually doing really well right now. The professors were all nice and one thing that impressed me was that one said that he knew all the students names, not just in his class, and how they’re doing. Basically it’s very close knit. And it would give me the opportunity to explore broader fields, so I’m not locked into one specific area of study. If after 4 years here, I can gain direct admission to the program in school A. However, someone I talked to at school A told me that a couple school B grads that went there weren’t doing as well as he hoped. So I’d be much more prepared if I went to school A for my undergrad years if that program is really where I wanna be.</p>
<p>Best case scenario: Go to school A for grad school and do well
Worst case scenario: Not really anything other than end up hating the school/department (which is unlikely). I guess just not going to school A and ending up very average.</p>
<p>School C:</p>
<p>I got a good vibe when I visited, and all the kids seem to really enjoy it there. The people were friendly and students were willing to help me out when I was there. I love the dorms and residential life. I could really see myself being happy here. Size is perfect.</p>
<p>Academically, school C is better than schools A and B overall, but I’m unfamiliar with the department I would want to get into. I don’t know about the professors, or the quality of the degree, although I’d assume it’s good because school C has such a good reputation overall.</p>
<p>Best/Worst case scenarios: ditto to school B</p>
<p>Summary:</p>
<p>This has been such a dilemma for me. I have been switching my opinion numerous times over the past week. As I was writing my essay on school A, I was sure I wanted to go there. Then I wrote the thing about school B, and I changed my mind…ugh…I guess school A is high risk high reward, while the others are a safer option. Do I want to take that risk? Part of me says that if I don’t, I might regret it. Part of me says go for happiness now, the future will take care of itself. If you’ve read all of this, I really appreciate your time. Now please tell me…which would you pick?</p>