University of Rochester vs UMiami vs Rutgers

College Search & Lists
1

Given I don’t get into any colleges Thursday, these are my 3 choices. I am having trouble deciding which one I want to go to. I am visiting Rochester in two weeks and Miami in 3. I have already visited Rutgers. Here are the pros and cons with each school:
(By the way, I’m an environmental science/biology major. I want to go into conservation biology. I am also interested in marine biology and entomology, and eventually I would like to go in international relations, so I may pick up a double major.).

Rutgers:
Pros: It’s the cheapest (14k/year). I like the wide range of courses offered in SEBS. I was accepted to their honors college, which is hard to get into.
Cons: I DESPISE the location. I hate New Jersey and I want to get out of here. My mom and my brother both went to Rutgers and I really can’t get excited thinking about college if that’s where I’m gonna go. It’s also not THAT strong in environmental science or political science. Not as prestigious as UM or Rochester.

Rochester:
Pros: Rochester WANTS me. I was offered a big leadership scholarship from them that is pretty rare. I was offered a research and innovation grant for $3k. The school is generally the most prestigious, and given I want to switch majors, Rochester is the best all-around. Don’t have to pay for flights.
Cons: The cold is going to kill me, and the city of Rochester in general isn’t that great for a girl like me who always wants something to do. No concert scene. I’m not a huge fan of Rochester’s program for my major- the environmental science program is much more atmospheric sciences based than ecology/conservation based. Also, it’s $10k more than Rutgers, matched with Miami.

Miami:
Pros: LOVE THE LOCATION. Not only is Miami absolutely beautiful, but there is always something to do and the beach is right there. It’s always warm there. The program for what I want to do is absolutely amazing and I love all the classes offered. The location makes it really good for someone who wants to go into envs or biology, which seems to be pretty much what they specialize in. I like the social scene.

Cons: It’s slightly more expensive than Rochester when you take into account flights. Flights are going to be several thousand dollars per year. I was not selected for their Foote Fellows honors program, which sucks – do I want to go to a university that didn’t invite me to their honors program? Also, if I want to switch majors, it’s not as strong all around as Rochester might be. I heard the party scene can be bad and they do some discrimination against unattractive people. Not as prestigious as Rochester.

Which of these seems like the best option for me?

2

I grew up in Rochester. Although it’s not NYC, it’s a good place to be. You have park avenue which you will love and a great college town. It’s an amazing school and I have a lot of great friends going there. It’s incredibly diverse. You won’t be bored. The cold is the cold, but you can tough it out. It’s not that different from NJ.

Seems like you don’t like Rutgers. I’m going to Suny Binghamton and my roommate is from central jersey. She hates on Rutgers big time.

How much can you afford? How much debt will you graduate at with Miami and Rochester? What size school do you want?

Honors isn’t necessarily important and it can be a hassle for people. I can tell you UR does not have a big party scene but you can always join greek life and every school is a party school. It has an academic atmosphere. You will learn to love garbage plates, wegmans, Patagonia, and the warm loving attitude of Rochesterians. If you want to switch majors, you won’t have a problem here.

You need to choose the school you feel you will succeed the most at. You will have a better feeling when you tour Miami and rochester. However, don’t go too far into debt for them. If cost isn’t that big of a deal, get out of NJ and don’t feel like you are settling for Rutgers.

I would choose Rochester, but again you need to choose the best fit. Focus on the size and social scene you want. UR is beautiful just like miami.