Final decision thread
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Anonymous
My kid was successful with early decision, so this won't help you. But she weighed all the factors, including the school's stats re ED acceptances and decided to go all in at 1 school. She's thrilled in worked out. She did have 2 other schools, including a "safety" as ready-to-go backup plans if necessary. Of course, it really should be a great fit. |
Anonymous
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Mine is making the choice based on a mix of selectivity (or "prestige" or whatever), fit and finances.
* Apply to lots of schools - probably too many for his sanity * No ED - didn't want to commit early to any one school * As many EA as possible, given compressed fall application schedule * Throw in a good number of safeties * Apply to reaches, but with no expectations, even if naviance says you're a fit * have open mind and treat it like a game (because it is) When acceptances start coming in, narrow down the list based on visits and other deciding factors (like cost) |
Anonymous
| Visiting schools again is sometimes a way to make final decision. We did a last minute day trip to one of my kids final choices. Decided he did not prefer it and then was ok settling on the other school. |
Anonymous
My '24 did this on reverse to apply ED. Looked at program climate (collaborative vs competitive), campus, talked to students, did tours. Did a bunch of NPCs ahead of time. So, decided on ED school in a similar way to students in RD, if that makes any sense. My '22 did RD. Was down to a few selective LACs, Ivies and Northwestern. Her concerns were largely program related. Loved open curriculum, but that school didn't have a lot of classes in one area of interest. Loved one school for their program in major area of interest, but music school (minor area of interest) restricted certain classes to majors only. Another school had good offerings but more core than she wanted. Also looked at campus climate and aesthetic. One felt too private school with little racial/cultural diversity, another she didn't like architecture so much, another had fewer students hanging out on the green. Then there was money. Some offered much more than others. It was a multi-factor decision. So, dig into programs and look for what your kid prioritizes. Check campus vibe. Weigh all that with money. |
Anonymous
WOW!! Thank you for sharing the info about FL! https://www.fa.ufl.edu/directives/waivers/ https://admissions.ufl.edu/cost-and-aid/residency#fee-waiver |
Anonymous
| DD admitted to VaTech, Northeastern global, Ohio State, Casewestern for Data Science. OOS for the publics, she is leaning Northeastern and I am suggesting the state schools. She is a huge sports fan. |
Anonymous
| All excellent choices, pp! Good luck to your daughter. |
Anonymous
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Hopkins
UVA Wash U W&M Picked Hopkins |
Anonymous
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UMich
VTech W&M Going to UMich for STEM! |
Anonymous
| Congrats - must be nice to cross over from admitted to committed, and be able to look ahead. |
Anonymous
Ewwwww. |
Anonymous
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William and Mary
UVA Florida DD is picking UF! |
Anonymous
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I'll try to answer without too many specifics yet get to the original thought of the thread (which is a good one!).
Admitted to all places applied (< 6) which were all publics but a mix of in- and out-of-state. Each was rather unique, in some way, either by size or location (sm, med, large - rural or urban). All offered a BSN, which is the degree of (current) choice. DC chose an R1 Research university with an on-site Level 1 Trauma hospital and a marching band with bright things in its immediate future. It was the only one that ticked off all of those elements. In addition, it was big enough that, if there was a change of heart/degree, the school had a lot of other options. Didn't really know what would be the tipping factor, including $$. But after all the offers were in, and the $$ relatively the same, DC got down to the specifics. DC also really liked the whole vibe -- the faculty in the degree program and two potential ECs have been responsive (even to a HSer), the students friendly, the campus a good mix of modern & traditional and the overall scenery stunning. The two things in the 'con' category for the ultimate choice were distance from home (> 2hrs) and its colloquial stereotype/old reputation. Sometimes you need to swirl the water to see the gold in the pan. DC is relived to be done and thrilled to head off in the Fall. We are exceptionally proud parents. Good luck to all in making that choice! |
Anonymous
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Admitted to Michigan, USC, and Cornell.
Was debating Michigan and USC this week and almost ready to come to a consensus but Cornell was DC's dream school so that's where they are going! Cornell made the choice for us. |
Anonymous
My DC was in similar spot next year - ended up visiting the final three and ultimately chose fit (lowest ranked school but still top 100). Absolutely thriving as a freshman academically, socially and emotionally. Plenty of folks on here will say fit is BS and status matters but trust your child and their process. My child was really struggling in April until I asked them if deep down they knew where they should go. That made the difference. Also remember this isn’t an irrevocable decision- if they go one place and are really miserable transferring is always an option. I know people don’t really like to talk about this but it happens all the time. Good luck! |