- #1
gsmith
- 37
- 1
As a high school senior, I have just heard back from all of my schools and now must make my decision. I plan on majoring in physics tracking myself towards graduate school, and eventually a research position, so naturally I want to be involved with undergrad research as soon as possible.
As of right now, my choices are as follows
Penn State-
I am in state, so the tuition is already reasonable, plus they have given me a tremendous amount of merit awards. I also know many people in the physics department through personal interactions and the fact that they are actively recruiting me. They know me by name.
UPenn-
Just heard that I was accepted, and am quite pleased by that alone. They offered me a less than stellar financial package that very well may be unaffordable. I have absolutely no connections there, but it is an elite university, which speaks for itself.
What would the better choice be, in your opinion? Would I be in a better place for grad school admission if I chose UPenn? And most importantly, would I be missing out on some great ivy league inner circle of research and prestige if I chose the more reasonable Penn State? Both schools are great in my opinion and I would be happy to go to either, I must think in terms of what is best for grad school now.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and advice.
As of right now, my choices are as follows
Penn State-
I am in state, so the tuition is already reasonable, plus they have given me a tremendous amount of merit awards. I also know many people in the physics department through personal interactions and the fact that they are actively recruiting me. They know me by name.
UPenn-
Just heard that I was accepted, and am quite pleased by that alone. They offered me a less than stellar financial package that very well may be unaffordable. I have absolutely no connections there, but it is an elite university, which speaks for itself.
What would the better choice be, in your opinion? Would I be in a better place for grad school admission if I chose UPenn? And most importantly, would I be missing out on some great ivy league inner circle of research and prestige if I chose the more reasonable Penn State? Both schools are great in my opinion and I would be happy to go to either, I must think in terms of what is best for grad school now.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and advice.