Undergraduate College Decision Help

In summary, the individual is seeking advice on choosing between two schools, Carnegie Mellon and Rensselaer PI, for a major in physics. They mention that in a financial sense, the schools are equal, but Rensselaer has a slight edge. Someone shares that they turned down RPI due to their small physics department and foreign professors, but that they offer good financial aid. The individual ultimately chose UT.
  • #1
MCpeePants
1
0
Hello everyone, I'm new here and am hoping you could give me a hand with my decision. I highly doubt this is deserving of its own thread, but I would really appreciate the help. I plan to major in physics, or at least a subject in a similar vein. I've narrowed my choice down to two schools, Carnegie Mellon and Rensselaer PI. In a strictly financial sense, they're relatively equal, but Rensselaer does have a slight edge. Could anyone please shed any insight on which would be the better choice?

Thank you for any information.
 
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  • #2
MCpeePants said:
Hello everyone, I'm new here and am hoping you could give me a hand with my decision. I highly doubt this is deserving of its own thread, but I would really appreciate the help. I plan to major in physics, or at least a subject in a similar vein. I've narrowed my choice down to two schools, Carnegie Mellon and Rensselaer PI. In a strictly financial sense, they're relatively equal, but Rensselaer does have a slight edge. Could anyone please shed any insight on which would be the better choice?

Thank you for any information.
I got accepted to RPI and turned it down. If you look at their physics department you will notice only 22 professors. Quite a few of those professors are from foreign countries. With that in mind I decided no. RPI does give a very nice financial aid package however. RPI is more engineering than pure science oriented.

I don't know much about Carnegie Mellon, except that they have a good Comp Sci program.

I wound up choosing UT for myself next year.
 
  • #3


I understand the importance of making informed decisions, especially when it comes to choosing a college. It seems like you have already put in a lot of thought and research into your options, which is a great start. However, I would suggest considering more than just the financial aspect when making your decision.

Firstly, think about the specific programs and opportunities offered by each school in the field of physics. Do they have renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and research opportunities that align with your interests? These factors can greatly impact your undergraduate experience and future career prospects.

Additionally, consider the overall academic and social environment of each school. Do they have a strong sense of community and support for undergraduate students? Are there extracurricular activities or clubs that align with your interests? These factors can greatly contribute to your overall college experience and help you thrive academically and personally.

Lastly, I would also recommend reaching out to current students or alumni from both schools to get a firsthand perspective on their experiences. They can provide valuable insights and advice that may not be available through research alone.

In the end, the decision ultimately comes down to what is most important to you and what will help you reach your academic and career goals. I wish you the best of luck in making your decision.
 

What factors should I consider when choosing an undergraduate college?

When making your college decision, there are several key factors to consider. These include the academic programs offered, location, campus culture, cost and financial aid opportunities, and career services. It's important to research and prioritize these factors based on your personal interests and goals.

How do I know if a college is the right fit for me?

Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, but there are a few ways to determine if a college is the right fit for you. Consider visiting the campus, attending an admitted student day, or talking to current students or alumni to get a better sense of the campus culture and community. You can also research the college's academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services to see if they align with your interests and goals.

What resources are available to help me make my undergraduate college decision?

There are many resources available to help you make your college decision. Your high school guidance counselor can provide valuable insight and advice, and many colleges have admissions counselors who can answer your questions. You can also research colleges online, attend college fairs or information sessions, and talk to current students or alumni for their perspectives.

Should I prioritize a college's prestige or the best academic fit for me?

It's important to find a balance between a college's prestige and its academic fit for you. While attending a prestigious college may open up certain opportunities, it's important to also consider if the academic programs and resources at that college align with your interests and goals. Ultimately, the best college for you will be one that offers a strong academic fit and also provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.

How can I compare financial aid packages from different colleges?

Comparing financial aid packages can be overwhelming, but there are a few key things to consider. Look at the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses. Then, compare the amount of financial aid offered, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's also important to consider the type of aid offered (need-based vs. merit-based) and the terms of loans. You can use online tools or contact the financial aid office at each college for assistance.

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