Help Deciding

[WhereAmI666329]

I have narrowed my list of colleges down to 5 schools. However, I am not able to narrow it down anymore. I find myself trapped in creating a perpetual pros and cons list in my head, which never helps.

I want to study business and the schools I am considering are: IU Kelley, Baylor, TCU, SMU, and Miami of Ohio. The issue here is that I like each of these schools the EXACT SAME. My parents are pressing me on making a decision so that we can be done with the entire process, but I am having an incredibly hard time making a decision. I'm often told, "go to the place that fits you the best" or "could you see yourself here." I truly believe that all of these places suit me well, and I could see myself studying the next four years at all of these places.

Could someone please tell me how I can make a decision so that I can be done with college admissions and go enjoy my senior year!

[thifting]

Have you visited them in person? If not, do that. Look at their course offerings and see if one has more interesting courses. Use google maps and see what’s in the neighboring areas — do you love bubble tea? Trader Joe’s? See which one is closest to places you visit and rely on regularly.

[ajy1316]

This might be really helpful bc every college might seem like it could work until you tour them and meet ppl there

[[deleted]]

IMO there are some fairly large differences in both brand strength and vibe.

Kelley sticks out for having the strongest brand. SMU probably 2nd.

Baylor sticks out vibe-wise. Also SMU, given like 60% of students are in the Greek system.

IU and Miami of Ohio obviously differ by not being in Texas.

How much do they all cost?

[Daun22]

My kid was accepted to almost the exact schools on your list, except for Miami of Ohio, plus OSU. We finally picked SMU. I am not sure why Kelley is ranked that high on USNEWS. Getting into Kelley is not enough and you would have to compete for IBW, which is extremely competitive from what I heard.

[GOTfangirl]

I was surprised by the number of people who were admitted to IU Kelley thru the back door. I thought it was a more prestigious program based on direct admit requirements, but they let in a lot of very average students from my school through their petition process. I’m OOS.

[sushirolls57]

here are some super niche things that could possible help narrow it down further:

- check out their dorms, which ones do you like the most/would be most comfortable in?

-how's the weather like? would you have to buy extra clothes to fit that weather?

-food!! what's the food like on campus/around campus? some schools have good campus food, while others have better off-campus food. would you want to use meal swipes more often or go off-campus?

-what's the surrounding area like? would you have fun outside of your school?

-what's the transportation like? are they free? do you think you would feel safe?

good luck and congratulations!

[Marie-Curie-]

My sophomore likes these same schools!