<p>So I’ve been accepted to all 3 of these schools and just cannot decide which one provides the best pro/con for me. I’m looking to go into physical sciences such as chem or biochem(NOT PRE-MED)</p>
<p>-UW:
Pros: <em>in-state tuition</em>, wide range of great academics, lots of research opportunities
Cons: Very large school(population), big classes, seattle weather</p>
<p>-Carnegie Mellon
Pros: Some of the best academics in the nation, great research opportunities, small classes</p>
<p>Cons: I would have to pay <em>FULL TUITION</em>(not sure if the academics are worth double price per year),pittsburgh weather</p>
<p>-Pepperdine
Pros: smaller class sizes, received Regents award and Scholarship($28000), Malibu weather</p>
<p>Cons: not sure how strong the science dept/academics compare, not sure how strong undergrad research is</p>
<p>To me, beyond weather/location. Pepperdine is a non-starter. Do you expect to go to grad school? Will you learn/experience twice as much at CMU? As much as I think CMU is a spectacular school that’s a lot of extra cash - You can go on some warm spring break trips with the savings.</p>
<p>If I were weighing these three schools, I would consider the fact that Pepperdine is a Christian university. That is something that distinguishes it from these other two schools. If your parents are willing to pay the premium for CMU with absolutely no problem, that’s one thing. Otherwise, I’d recommend UW, assuming the academics are your main concern. If the idea of a Christian university appeals to you, then give Pepperdine some more thought. If the weather is your principal concern, well … I won’t judge. California has got it goin’ on in that department.</p>
<p>our son decided that CMU might make a wonderful place to go to grad school…Pittsburg is a LONG way off for his tastes even though it would be a ‘Mecca’ for his career…since he was planning on grad school…voila!</p>
<p>Pepperdine is definitely a Catholic school and a lovely campus at an amazing location…are you one to get distracted much? - UW is pretty gorgeous too - vacation to Malibu with the HUGE savings perhaps.</p>
<p>well I’m still really torn. My parents would be willing to pay for CMU but it would be a stretch. UW is great but its REALLY BIG and you can easily be washed out. and pepperdine was great size and community(and I’m fine with pepperdines religious affiliation), but the academics are very vaguely described especially the sciences. Im leaning towards the smaller atmospheres of CMU and pepperdine but idk :/</p>
<p>@absweetmarie - thank you for the correction…that something i was told many years ago and never questioned it…</p>
<p>do you also have something to offer jpl337 to help with this difficult decision?</p>
<p>@jpl336 - Pittsburg (CMU) would make a wonderful grad school location. the difference in money allows for better value for the shorter term you’d be there…your initial savings can be spent then…</p>
<p>It seems like to me that you love everything about Carnegie Mellon, and the only downside will be the full tuition. If you’re parents are willing to pay that much tuition, then I think it will be your best choice!</p>
