<p>One of the in-state schools i am thinking of applying to is very prestigious and has great academics. However, i would rather be out of state and there are many things i dislike about the school. The student-body is too large, I know too many people that go there, and i just don’t feel like i would fit in. So my question is should i apply just because it’s a good school w/ in-state tuition even though i may not like it? Or go to a school that better suits my needs although it is less prestigious? I know i’d get a good education if i went there, but i’m not sure it fits me.</p>
<p>Short answer: you shouldn’t apply for prestige, you should apply because come April it may be your only affordable option.</p>
<p>Long answer:
Here’s the funny thing about what happens when students think a school is both “too large” and that they “know too many people that go there”, the chances of having to hang out with them are drastically reduced because there are so many other people that you DON’T know that go there. That’s just the nature of a prestigious in state public. It draws from across the state so students from all sorts of high schools opt to go there. </p>
<p>Can you afford the out of state school even in the worst case scenario (the aid package you thought you’d receive is either non-existent or pitiful)? If so, then fine, don’t apply to the in-state option. But be warned that that’s usually not the case. Though I’m a big believer in fit, I’m also a big believer in adaptability. That is, most students can adapt to their environment and carve out a niche for themselves. I’ve seen students who thought they’d only be happy at small liberal arts colleges forced to go to the huge in-state publics for financial reasons thrive. These were people that during their senior year thought they’d be miserable at a huge school. Why did then did they thrive? Because they took it upon themselves to carve out their own niches rather than just mope around wishing they had more money. </p>
<p>That’s why you should apply to your in-state public. I’m sure it’s plenty fine to develop your academic interests, and come April, being able to afford a college you somewhat like is much better than not being able to afford college at all.</p>
<p>As a resident of Virginia based on your other posts, there should be several Virginia public universities that you can choose from at in-state cost.</p>
<p>It doesn’t hurt to apply. Especially if it is affordable and has a solid education. $$ and academics come first, IMO. Obviously you’d rather find a school that is ideal socially, academically and cost, but it still fits two of the three criteria.</p>
<p>The choice of an academic institution should really based on academic fit. If you really don’t feel that you belong at a particular institution because of the quality of academics or the lack of a program that you are seeking, then you’re best off seeking the proper school, even if it’s not nearly as prestigious as other schools.</p>
<p>Make sure you have a safety your family can afford, you are assured of being admitted to, and you are willing to attend.</p>