College A or B?

[Anonymous]

College A:

Pros - known for major, ideal size, more geographical diversity, convenient location to home, better food options for kid with dietary needs.

Cons - possibly Greek dominating or a bit too party focused, not great walkability so campus is a bubble.

Lower ranked than B, but more known and has more of a reputation in other geographical areas.

College B:

Pros - liked vibe and students on tour, loved all school traditions, a bit more academic focused than A, 4 years on campus which they like, nice small city nearby but not walkable to it so isn’t huge factor.

Cons - has major but not known for it, not diverse in any way, smaller than wanted, didn’t see it during tour but said to be conservative and more religious, less convenient to home.

Higher ranked but more of a regional reputation, similarly ranked LAC’s are more known for some reason.

Kid loves both for different reasons, considering a possible ED, what sticks out to everyone as the factors making the most impact on quality of life and outcome?

[Anonymous]

Ffs name the schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ffs name the schools

I normally totally agree with this, but I purposely didn’t because I want the factors to be considered first and curious how people would prioritize them. I think naming schools will cause a knee-jerk answer more?

[Anonymous]

A

[Anonymous]

A

You never even visited school B so ED sounds very risky to me.

A is “known for” the preferred major while B merely offers it. Is your DC fairly sure about this major? Are the other options strong and varied at both schools?

B is “not diverse in any way” and “too small.”

[Anonymous]

Apply to both and wait for acceptances. If you get into both, revisit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A

You never even visited school B so ED sounds very risky to me.

A is “known for” the preferred major while B merely offers it. Is your DC fairly sure about this major? Are the other options strong and varied at both schools?

B is “not diverse in any way” and “too small.”

We did tour B, maybe worded poorly, said didn’t pick up on the super conservative/religious tone during tour but only glean so much in a few hours and who you happen to meet.

They are fairly sure on major, has options if switching, B is known for sciences and it won’t be that, but also has other options. A probably more she to bring larger (mid-size school).

[Anonymous]

*due to being larger

[Anonymous]

A.
Food options for kid with dietary needs should be one of your top priorities. There’s so much to adjust to freshman year already.

And eating meals with others is an important way to build friendship and even just have some companionship. If you can’t eat in the main dining halls but everyone else can, loneliness can become a huge issue.

[Anonymous]

A but with a caveat. Maybe try to visit again or get a better handle on the social scene. If it’s a very Greek-dominated or party school and that’s not your kid’s thing, it could be harder for them to find their place socially. But some schools can have a strong Greek/party scene but still have plenty of other opportunities and options for kids who aren’t into that, so it might be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A.
Food options for kid with dietary needs should be one of your top priorities. There’s so much to adjust to freshman year already.

And eating meals with others is an important way to build friendship and even just have some companionship. If you can’t eat in the main dining halls but everyone else can, loneliness can become a huge issue.

You get it, it is a huge factor in so many ways - health, socialization, peace of mind knowing don’t have to worry or think about food. It was such a luxury not have to factor this in for older 2. Choice B has options, just smaller so less overall.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t worry about a small ranking difference and would still look at other options if possible.

[Anonymous]

If your kid is celiac, take the place where they will be safest. Celiac symptoms can easily interfere with schoolwork. Ask me how I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Apply to both and wait for acceptances. If you get into both, revisit.

This. ED wouldn’t make sense if student has so many reservations. Apply to several and see what shakes out in RD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A but with a caveat. Maybe try to visit again or get a better handle on the social scene. If it’s a very Greek-dominated or party school and that’s not your kid’s thing, it could be harder for them to find their place socially. But some schools can have a strong Greek/party scene but still have plenty of other opportunities and options for kids who aren’t into that, so it might be fine.

Exactly and this is what I can’t quite piece together. My sense is clubs and campus activities are ample due to location, but still a concern if it just permeates everything. We’ve been living internationally for the last few years so can’t revisit. We will be moving back state-side next year. Also why being close to home was important so family could assist if needed until that happens.