Which college is right for me: I am comparing apples to oranges and can't make a decision
So I am a senior in high school who has applied to seven different schools. Luckily, I have received acceptance letters to all seven; however, my number one choice is out of the running because no scholarships are offered to people who have a 28 instead of a 29 on their ACT. I have accepted this fact and am very much at peace with it.
After much consideration I have narrowed my choices down to two very different schools other than my first choice. The first school I am considering is five hours away from my hometown and has a great business program (which is what I'd like to major in). Other than cost, this school is a phenomenal second-choice school for me because of the social environment, academics, location, and overall campus "feel." After scholarships are factored in, post-graduation I would be saddled with somewhere close to $40,000 to go here, which is not too terrible considering the school is a private liberal arts college and has an upholding reputation, however I am not sure if the reputation is worth this much debt. Additionally, I would like to attend a Masters program at some institution so I can achieve my MBA, but if I am already in debt, I would have borrow even more money to finish school. The other school I am considering is one that I am overqualified to attend, but is much more affordable because I can graduate with no debt. It is a state school that has closer to 10,000 undergraduate students (I was originally looking for a smaller school) and is more highly populated with commuter students. I don't get that "this-is-right" feeling when I walk onto campus there, although if I am able to maintain a high GPA at this lower-caliber school then perhaps a masters program would be more readily accepting of me to get my MBA. Or would they? The state school has redeeming qualities about it, like for instance that I am closer to home, but I am still very much uncertain about where I belong. I know I can be happy-enough at both schools but I feel the decision comes down to financial versus social happiness. Please help me with my dilemma.
Sincerely,
Can't-choose-between-fruits
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Grant Posner on -
Besides the 7 acceptance letters, I was in a similar situation. Money was not an option though as I qualify for tuition remission (father works at the college I currently attend).. I got into the University of Central Florida (this was my back-up school) and Saint Leo University (a private small college). I ultimately went with SLU because it was a better environment, no class over 26 kids and my smallest being 6, my brother and I being 2 of the 6 students in that class.. Money will come and go, I have seen this happen all the time. Invest now and get some savings up. Take the loans, their interest rates are amazing! Hell, I took all the loans I could and just put it in the bank, I am making at minimum .75% and max of 3.5. What I have is called good debt because I can repay at anytime and keep a bit for me... I kinda caught everything at the right time though.. but after wanting to be an engineer for YEARS and finally going to a school without one, it was a bit tough, but it took me this long to know I don't need a degree to tell me that I can build electric vehicles, i can easily hire a welder who is certified (Which I have done, MUCH cheaper in the long run). I ultimately went with a Business Management degree and will graduate in the spring. I think about the what if's daily, but I am here and will go down the path that life takes me..
Short answer: Small school, student teacher ratio is much better and you will most likely enjoy it more. The debt can be taken care of, just invest well and you may end out of college net some decent cash.
What are your thoughts on my thoughts?
-Grant
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Permalink Reply by Charley Hurley on -
It sounds like we have been in fairly similar situations. I am glad you enjoyed going to a SLU. I think sometimes hearing a prospective on school from a stranger is very effective because there are none of the biased emotional opinions that follow family/friends answers. I am still uncertain on where to go, but I am certainly leaning towards my liberal arts college because that is where my heart is. You also have a valid point about student loans and low rates... I KNOW I want the individualized attention that a liberal arts college can provide. I guess from here it is just a waiting game to see if any more money comes in from the liberal arts college (*crosses fingers*). And if all else fails, I can always attend the liberal arts school for a year and if I don't like it transfer to the state school right?
One more question, if you don't mind, because you seem to be informed about Business Administration. Do you feel like going to a lower-caliber state school and maintaining a high GPA will be more cause for a nice university (perhaps Wake Forest) to accept me OR would a private liberal arts college (with a good business program) be more highly accepted even though I might have a slightly lower GPA? This could DEFIANTLY be a big decision factor for me in deciding where to go for my undergraduate degree.
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Permalink Reply by Grant Posner on
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What are your college choices by the way? forgot to ask ha ha!
You seem to have made the decision for yourself, the individualized attention is really worth it. You can always transfer and your chances of getting into a better school as a transfer from the liberal arts school is higher than if you were straight-up applying as you just did.
The nicer university would be my choice, but I guess it all depends on what the 'lower GPA' constitutes. If it is the difference between a 4.0 and a 3.7 (which is basically what it was for me) colleges won't care too much. They will look at the classes you took and will know if the school is harder or not. Do not worry about the masters until you Junior or even Senior year, figure that out once you know what your true GPA is. Extracurriculars (like in High School) help as well, getting involved is a great thing and some positions stand out (like being an RA as it shows leadership). I personally do not have the time for many school related activities, but the projects I am working on (one will be released in the next few months) will put myself and my brother on the map in terms of technology management and futuristic design, just realize that you have to have something that sets you apart from the others. For me this is the 100% custom electric vehicle that will travel across the country for breast cancer research.. for you this may be Class president or something, it varies. As long as you do good in school and do not let the typical freshman BS (drinking and whatnot) get in the way, then you will be fine. Go to the school YOU want and enjoy your time there. Get good grades and do amazing things and you will be able to fulfill your life's dreams, this I promise you.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
-Grant
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