Georgia vs Ohio State: Senior Son is Torn

[Anonymous]

Our son, a psychology major, has narrowed his acceptances down and is now torn about which of his two finalists, Georgia or Ohio State, he should commit to. Can anyone offer points of differentiation that perhaps we haven't thought of? This can be related to academics, student life , social, housing, dining, the respective locations, study abroad, alumni network, etc.

Some notes:
- Cost of Attendance is even between the two (after factoring in merit)
- We are in Maryland and distance does not seem to be an issue although we realize Columbus is easier to get to.
- He visited both for admitted students day, loved them both
- Socially, he is interested in Greek Life but not fully adamant about it - he'll take time to learn more.
- The warmer climate at Georgia does not seem to be a differentiator, either.

Any insights or personal experiences with either school would be appreciated! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

The kid I know at Ohio was surprised to find himself depressed during the winter from the weather.

[Anonymous]

Athens > Columbus and UGA has better weather which does lead to happier students.

[Anonymous]

Does he have any hobbies or athletic interests that might factor in?

My kid likes to work with glass, so if everything else was equal, he'd choose Ohio over Georgia, because they have a glass blowing program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kid I know at Ohio was surprised to find himself depressed during the winter from the weather.

No experience with the school (ILs live in Columbus) but it’s grey and cloudy most of the winter. I can see how that could be depressing.

[Anonymous]

All things being equal and having no skin in the game, I would go w UGA. Seems higher ranked and more fun.

But probably can’t go wrong w either in your case.

[Anonymous]

Does he know where he wants to be after college? That might help narrow it down

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does he know where he wants to be after college? That might help narrow it down

OP here. He'd consider coming back home to the DMV area but really, he'll go anywhere opportunity takes him with a preference of being within a reasonable drive or direct flight (ie from East of the Mississippi) to the DMV.

With a psych major, he is most likely headed to some kind of grad school after undergraduate and believes both the Georgia and Ohio State names will work in his favor. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I’m not familiar enough with each school to give anything other than general advice.

- is he considering grad school and if so, does one have the better track record?
- if he needs experience in his field to be competitive for grad school or post college jobs does one school offer more opportunities that are accessible in terms of quantity and logistics without a car?
- was he offered any opportunities to make a big school feel smaller like honors college or living learning community?
- if he is interested in studying abroad how accessible is at the school for people with his intended major and financially would the numbers work?
- if he pivots from psychology- which would be the better choice?

My kid at a big OOS university is finding everything is competitive. It’s tough to get the classes during registration. They’ve applied for on-campus jobs that would give them some experience in their field with no luck so far. They didn’t get accepted by professional clubs that they’ve applied to.

What has helped is they’ve gotten great experiences in their living learning community and even if not best friends, it eased their transition. They also found several non-competitive clubs to be involved in. They also picked a school where they can get around without having a car which has given them independence to go places and opened up more possibilities to volunteer and to work as well as social life that isn’t as reliant on fraternity parties. There are also study abroad programs that would be cheaper than the OOS cost and would align with their major. This school was also the one that was stronger overall if they decided to pivot which was a big selling point.

[Anonymous]

I think Columbus is much larger than Athens. I would think that would be determining factor.

[Anonymous]

I don't think anyone can decide for him, but personally, I'd choose UGA. The weather might not be a big factor for him, but the sunnier weather would make a huge difference to my happiness.

[Anonymous]

I cannot imagine ever selecting Ohio State over Georgia in a million years. Both big state schools, but one of them is in....Ohio. Seems so easy to me. Georgia all the way, every day.

[Anonymous]

OSU is ranked t30-40.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All things being equal and having no skin in the game, I would go w UGA. Seems higher ranked and more fun.

But probably can’t go wrong w either in your case.

Except it isn't higher ranked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All things being equal and having no skin in the game, I would go w UGA. Seems higher ranked and more fun.

But probably can’t go wrong w either in your case.

Except it isn't higher ranked.