<p>So I’ve been admitted to these four schools and am having a tough time trying to decide which one to attend, mostly due to financial reasons but also due to my intended major. UVA is looking probable at this point, but I want to make sure I’ve considered every aspect.</p>
<p>Here’s the financial bit. My family makes enough money that I was not offered any aid money at these schools. This isn’t a big deal at UVA or William and Mary, since I’m in-state and my parents have enough saved up to send me to either. I have two younger siblings who are planning on attending college, though, and my parents have told me that if I choose a private university, they can’t give me any money for grad school. However, UChicago (my first choice if cost had not been a factor) is not only a private school, but very far away from Virginia. I’d have to pay for travel costs as well. NYU is not quite as far away and not quite as expensive, but I’d still have to pay a good deal. Are the privates worth it? Or should I just apply to UChicago again for grad school and spend money then instead?</p>
<p>Another aspect I want to consider is what I intend to study: English, linguistics, and creative writing. Which of these has the best program for those subjects? NYU Gallatin (the school to which I’ve been admitted) would allow me to create my own major and combine my interests at my leisure, which is awesome. I’ve heard fantastic things about the UChicago Linguistics department and the UVA English department. Don’t know much about W&M in these respects, but I really like the feel of the school.</p>
<p>(I also posted this in the UVA forum, but my parents really wanted to get a UChicago perspective on this too, since, like I said, it’s technically my first choice. Sorry for the double post…)</p>
<p>First of all, congrats! You have been admitted to absolutely amazing schools! I honestly think that whatever you choose, you won’t go wrong. To be honest, if I were you I would choose UVA or Gallatin. The difference in rankings and prestige between UVA,NYU and UChicago is not that huge,primarily because all 3 are top-notch schools. Besides, even though UChicago English department is very good, it’s not its real strength and definetely not the school that gave Chicago its recognition. Gallatin will probably give you more opportunities than any other school in the country for creative writing/journalism etc. And it’s right in NYC that is great not only for social life but for interships as well. However, if you plan to go to grad school save money. It’s really your decision between UVA and William and Mary, but it seems that UVA is slightly more reknown and its reputation/selectivity/prestige is rapidly increasing. Both W&M and UVA have great grad school placements, so I’d jump into one of them, possibly UVA, but it’s really your choice.</p>
<p>OP:
For linguistics/English, I believe UChicago is the most superior of all those four. I would encourage you to attend, however, you say that you would need to pay full at all places. In that case, I honestly do not believe that Chicago is worth an extra $40k a year. </p>
<p>If I were you, I’d probably pick UVa or College of William and Mary. (I’m a Chicago student btw so normally I’d be like “yeahh Chicago all the way!” but it really isn’t worth 40, 000 extra a year.)</p>
<p>My last choice out of the bunch would be NYU-worse than Chicago or UVA and more expensive than any of them. Assuming the same costs, Chicago is an easy choice. But due to the cost difference, I’d go to UVA.</p>