That’s correct. It wouldn’t quite be a 40k difference, since OSU is about 20 – but it certainly would be a lot more. However, to clarify @ucbalumnus , My parents have told me they want me to feel free to make my choice, and as long as I think one of the further options is the best choice, they will be willing and able to support it (and they would not need to take out any loans).
UNC is probably crossing that line, and so I have removed it from my list of possibilities. So where I’m left is essentially between Oregon, UMD, or GTech.
In answer to @tsbna44 , I’m not worried about the panic attack issue. It was due to one very specific issue in my life that happened to occur while I was in Maryland, and certainly not the fault of the school or something that would be more likely to continue if I was further away from home. It was just that the timing coincided with my tour, meaning I didn’t really get to experience the school in a good mental state – hopefully that clarifies.
I just feel torn. My parents can afford the out-of-state costs, and have said they are willing to. But It doesn’t stop me from knowing that it’s more of a burden than if they were to pay the in-state costs. It feels like everyone has a different opinion – of course, classmates suggest going for Georgia since it has the most name recognition to them, but I’ve disregarded that advice best I can. But still, some trusted family members have made compelling points that make me feel like the adventure of it all, the opportunity to be in a big pond surrounded by people who will be leaders in their fields, is something that is worth the cost.
On the other hand, maybe that’s silly. I don’t know how to feel about it. Any insights are appreciated
In that case, there is no wrong choice - just the right choice for you.
Thank your parents for this incredible opportunity - many parents can’t think of a better investment than their children’s education and their gift makes you free to choose what is best for you.
OSU Honors is very good and will not hold you back in any way.
GTech and UMD are both powerhouses for CS and will be a big change culturally so if you want to discover a new region of the country, now’s the best time.
Logistics may help you cross one or the other out: what’s the housing situation at either GT and UMD? If you don’t know, email - in particular, would there srill be space in the WISE LLC or Living Learning communities of interest?
Is either UMD or GT a direct flight for you? If not, how many connections would you have?
(Did you get into one of the scholars or Honors programs at UMD?)
In my opinion, this choice is all really up to you.
Years ago, my oldest turned down an acceptance at UCLA to attend Chapman University. (Cost was the same) Many of my kid’s peers, and even some adults in their life were pushing for them to go to UCLA. To outsiders (even well meaning ones) it seemed the obvious choice.
My kid made the choice that felt right for them and never regretted it.
All choices come with pros and cons. You have some really great choices. I guess I’m saying to minimize the effect of outside “noise” and go with what feels right to you. And then don’t look back.
ETA: just saw I cross posted with @MYOS1634 and great minds think alike.
This is a bit of a myth. The majority of Georgia Tech grads will do regular jobs. The majority of MIT engineers will also do regular jobs. Will you have a slightly higher chance of being a classmate with the next wunderkind? Maybe. There’s not a great likelihood that anyone who becomes that accomplished will be at any of the schools on your list, any of the time you’re there. Those accomplishments like that aren’t that common. Jensen Huang went to OSU. He founded NVIDIA, the hottest tech company going right now.
