College

You know in the long run, especially if you're planning on going to grad school, your undergrad school doesn't really matter. You can get a good education at other schools besides tiny liberal arts Ivy wannabes.

I grew up on the east coast and lived the stereotypical prep-school Ivy track After witnessing my sister's experience at Dartmouth I ended up coming out to CU (and not because I couldn't get into Amherst or Middlebury). It was the best decision I ever made. I don't think it's worth trying to defend CU's academics to you guys though, because I remember my college advisors back home being pretty narrow minded about any school that is not located in New England or MAYBE Washington D.C.

Schools like Dartmouth are fucking cults. You're college shouldn't be your defining characteristic. Once I got to COlorado I realized all of the academic pressure and stuffiness was just the culture that I grew up in. They make it seem like the whole process of choosing a college is the biggest decision you will ever make in your life, but they hardly let you make it for yourself. Maybe it was just the private school I went to but everyone was so uptight about it. My sister didn't even really LIKE Dartmouth, but damn does the name look good on a diploma.

Just relax about the whole thing. Most of you guys seem pretty smart, and will probably get into some great schools, even if you don't get into Brown or whatever. Don't ruin your senior year of high school by stressing like so many people do!


-Nikki

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Originally Posted by nikster140

especially if you're planning on going to grad school, your undergrad school doesn't really matter.

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Except for the getting into grad school part.....

funny to hear a poster from boulder rail against "fucking cults" - same mindset, different scenery.

Wow, thanks for the info everyone.

I'm not looking at the NESCAC schools because I am at a small private school in NJ now, and I'm looking for a larger school when it comes to college, the only exceptions being the Ivys.

The only reason Cal is below U Michigan on my list is because as an out of state resident, it is nearly impossible to get in there. We had 3 students, all with 4.0's and 1500+ SAT's get rejected from Cal last year, so my guess is that it's more of a reach than even the Ivys, where my school seems to have a better reputation.

As far as a specific degree is concerned, only 4 of my schools have an atmospheric science degree (McGill, UMichigan, UWashington and UWisconsin), however, all the others offer enviro science degrees with earth systems concentrations, which would still set me up fine for more specialized graduate work.

It's pretty clear that my top two choices are pretty big reaches, with McGill being my top semi-realistic choice, and I would call it a reasonably ski oriented school, at least by east coast standards. 2ish hours to Jay and just over an hour to some of the resorts in the Eastern Townships, and anywhere in between that to access backcountry shots. The combo of a great city, great school, great program, 18 to drink and reasonable proximity to skiing makes it a damn appealing place.

We'll see, I'm sure I'll manage to have a great time regardless of where I get in.

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Originally Posted by glademaster

UWashington

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Read too fast before. Go here just because my Uncle and his two kids went there and skiing is relatively close.

Sometimes I think I promote this school too much... buuuuut here it comes:

(and yeah I know this wasn't on your list.... )

Honors Program at the U of U. The classes are 20 people or less, the professors are not only incredibly well versed and passionate in their fields but also strive to develop a relationship with the students. You won't be a small fish in a big pond like most state schools, but they know your name, your personality, and your academic needs. I know you qualify for better schools, I did as well, but I can't express how happy I am here. I had a 3.5 GPA (a bit lower than yours) and a 1450 SAT and 32 ACT. In the honors classes, I don't feel like I'm surrounded by kids who aren't at the same academic level. Rather, I feel as though I'm right there with everyone else. It's a great environment. Anyway, all the schools you're considering are fantastic, and I wish you the best of luck wherever you go.

Did I mention I've already skied three days this season?

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Originally Posted by nikster140

I grew up on the east coast and lived the stereotypical prep-school Ivy track After witnessing my sister's experience at Dartmouth I ended up coming out to CU (and not because I couldn't get into Amherst or Middlebury). It was the best decision I ever made. I don't think it's worth trying to defend CU's academics to you guys though, because I remember my college advisors back home being pretty narrow minded about any school that is not located in New England or MAYBE Washington D.C.

Schools like Dartmouth are fucking cults. You're college shouldn't be your defining characteristic. Once I got to COlorado I realized all of the academic pressure and stuffiness was just the culture that I grew up in. They make it seem like the whole process of choosing a college is the biggest decision you will ever make in your life, but they hardly let you make it for yourself. Maybe it was just the private school I went to but everyone was so uptight about it. My sister didn't even really LIKE Dartmouth, but damn does the name look good on a diploma.

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woah....i'm curious, what did your sister find so wrong about Dartmouth. Yes, there is stress on academics, but its not about the grades. Its about actual learning. Most people here would be fine with getting B's as long as they learned something new. I have also not met a single person who goes here that doesnt actually love the school and the enviroment.

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Originally Posted by enzo3366

woah....i'm curious, what did your sister find so wrong about Dartmouth. Yes, there is stress on academics, but its not about the grades. Its about actual learning. Most people here would be fine with getting B's as long as they learned something new. I have also not met a single person who goes here that doesnt actually love the school and the enviroment.

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She thought she liked it while she was there, but wished she had gone somewhere else. It's just so isolated up there and there doesn't seem to be much new and different from the NE private high schools. All the people seemed relatively the same (which is sort of hypocritical for me to say because boulder is pretty homogenous as well..) and too focused on grades. Maybe this was just her experience or her group of friends though. I did go up there a lot and really enjoy myself and met some great people...
It's just the vibe that is off - all aspects of the school, including the social life, seemed high pressure.

I would have killed to go to McGill though, that place is sweet.

I've had an amazing experience at CU - Some great professors and this year I don't have any classes larger than 30 students (I'm in the equivalent of the honors program like at the U). I guess I just don't do well under stress..everyone's different though.

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Originally Posted by CherryMoon

I liked Colby, Middlebury when looking at schools up in the far Northeast

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I would 2nd this statement.

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Originally Posted by Showtime06

I can't emphasize enough how great my experience has been at Colby so far... it's a fucking tough school (for me atleast) but there are a ton of outdoor activities near by, sugarloaf is an hour and ten min away... the NESCAC schools are all very similar... Williams is by far the hardest to get into, def harder than some ivies, middlebury has sugarbush and stowe within an hour... I just can't say enough good things about the NESCAC

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You forgot Mad River for Middlebury. Made the best group of friends with similar interests I will probably ever make. Still take group ski trips together and most of us married others from the same school, propegating the stereotype that is passed on.

There are many pieces to the puzzle when making the UG decision. I also advocate doing something different, in a different part of the country/world than what you grew up in. Go Study Abroad, be a dirt bag and travel during the summers to see and experience the world. New England is pretty dang different from CA which was a learning experience in itself for me. I can see why going from an uptight, NE prep school, to a NESCAC or Dartmouth would be like more of the same and that Boulder could be a new world. Props for checking out a different culture/part of the country, which it most certainly is from NE.

I'm also gonna agree with CJ, your undergrad school does matter, but it isn't the sole important thing for later in life like counselors might have you believe. A lot depends on what you want to do later. Getting into a top grad school is definitely easier from a top UG school. Getting into certain firms, jobs, etc is either much harder to nearly impossible if you aren't from a top UG school. That is the reality for certain industries and some of the top firms in industries like consulting, banking, etc. I'm glad I'm not at one of those firms or in those industries, but that is the reality.

Have fun. Once you are done with apps, HS Senior year rules.

Well, I went to Michigan and it was great. Ann Arbor was indeed a huge upgrade from the suburban dumps of my formative years.

BUT

If I had it all to do again, I might make a big play for U-Dub (that's Washington for the jongs.) The school itself is about equal in quality, and while Ann Arbor is cool, Seattle is cooler. And at UW you can ski at places like Crystal, Baker, Alpental and Whistler. And while those places suck, they don't suck quite as bad as Pine Knob. ;)

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Originally Posted by Entropy

I based my undergrad college choice on mostly skiing (and it was in-state) at U of Montana (Go Griz). I ended up leaving there with an MA (and had a great time!) and am now getting a PhD at U of Calgary still skiing five days a week, trust me it can be done, you just need to pick the right field and have the right attitude.

In my view staying in this happy little bubble of acedemia is much better then the "real world". I now get paid to go to school, ski five days a week, work at school whenever i want, no schedule and spend my summers in Sweden! I am dreading graduating....

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Sweet man what you doing your phd in here? I'm doing the MSc at Calgary, have an RCR pass

Cool, I'm in Geology. Looking at... rocks..

Yeah I'm planning on it for the 10th. I don't know about Freshtival yet, heading off to a conference in Phili next week and might think I'll need the time to work on my presentation stuff.

Always looking for new people to head out to the mountains with

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Originally Posted by givebackbloom

Glade-I'm in the same boat as you except you have me on the SAT, i'm at a 1300 but same GPA. Somehow though I managed to get National Hispanic Merit. Anyway, what are you planning on majoring in?

Your short list is a little more prestigious than mine...ok a lot more but here it is.
University of Oklahoma
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
^^Those all have offered full rides for hispanic merit.
University of Denver
Boston College
South Carolina

Is DU really that snooty as I have heard from people?

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Go cocks!

I would go so far as to say that Berkely is the best combination of academics and skiing on that list. As others have explained, it's quite close to tahoe, and the academic quality of Berkely speaks for itself. As an out of state student though, you do face an added hurdle getting in (and footing the bill). If you could weasel in-state tuition, Berkely would be the hands down, knockout choice. Berkely also has a club ski team (very race oriented) so finding like-minded individuals there would not be difficult. UC Davis has a team in the same club league as well. I must wonder, why is Berkely so far down your list?

How many days a year do you get in now? How many do you think you'll honestly have time for in college? (this probably depends on your field of study) If you consider that you might not have time for anything but weekends anyway, then somewhere like davis/berkely that's an easy weekend distance from great skiing makes a lot of sense. Plus, if you come out west for four years, you can get spoiled rotten by our snow!

Just my 2 cents, as a skier in college stranded in san diego.

I am a first year student and I have a lot of friends that are going to McGill. I am glad it's your top choice because they are unanimously having a blast in Montreal. It's hard to get in (highest average in Canada), but I think the balanced life you will get out of it could be amazing.

I go to UBC, which is home for me since I lived in Vancouver anyways, but I actually like it. A lot of cool people (don't let the University of a Billion Chinese affect your choice because it doesn't change anything), Whistler 1.5 hours away, Vancouver is a great town, and the campus doesn't lack parties/social life at all. I would consider it if I were you.

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Originally Posted by mnflyfish

I'm inclinded to say Madison, though the only reason I mention that is that it's the only WCHA school on your list. Cause lets face it, attending a WCHA school gets you tickets to the best college hockey in the country, though you should really add the University of Minnesota to your list.

GoodLuck,
Jay

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I went to Madison. Great school for academics and partying, skiing, not so much. Mmmm, boots at the Essen House.

Why don't Minnesota cheerleaders date Wisconsin football players??










Have you ever seen what a Badger does to a Gopher hole??? DOH!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

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Originally Posted by Elin

Sometimes I think I promote this school too much... buuuuut here it comes:

(and yeah I know this wasn't on your list.... )

Honors Program at the U of U.

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Elin, the U just made my list for a couple of reasons (skiing and good scholarships). Do you know what the qualifications are to get into the honors college? Do the honors college kids get first crack at housing, classes, study abroad, etc?

Your gpa has to be a 3.4 and iI don't know about about test scores. You get smaller classes, optional honors housing (you dont have to live there, i chose not to), you graduate with an honors certificate or honors degree, and all the professors have their masters + . If you want more information on it let me know (u0492763@utah.edu) I've got a ton of info

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Originally Posted by filthyfrenchbum

I(don't let the University of a Billion Chinese affect your choice because it doesn't change anything).

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:nonono2:

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Originally Posted by Egon

:nonono2:

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I've been hearing jokes like that regarding certain UC schools for 20 years.

Just got my acceptance letter to U Wisconsin-Madison, my first one.:D

U Michigan is under review, so by Thanksgiving I should have heard from them. Gotta love rolling admission, it just feels so good to know already that I have somewhere to go.

From here, we shall see...

Congrats! The first of many positive letters I hope.

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Originally Posted by glademaster

Just got my acceptance letter to U Wisconsin-Madison, my first one.:D

U Michigan is under review, so by Thanksgiving I should have heard from them. Gotta love rolling admission, it just feels so good to know already that I have somewhere to go.

From here, we shall see...

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wow, i didnt hear from any of my schools until early december. I know exactly what you are saying; you have a place to go that you would be happy at and there is a huge pressure lifted off your shoulders. Enjoy it, BUT dont let your grades tank.

Go wherever you'll graduate with the least amount of debt. Just say no to student loans. Go Rhode Island College Anchormen!!

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Originally Posted by Ireallyliketoski

Go wherever you'll graduate with the least amount of debt. Just say no to student loans. Go Rhode Island College Anchormen!!

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Screw that, go where youll have a great time and get a good education. If youve got loans coming out of school, so be it- theyll be gone but youll still have those memories and you had the time of your life. Now that youre into a school you already like, youre playing with the house's money so enjoy

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Originally Posted by mc_roon

go to Berkley. You can get a great education, the social life is insane, and Tahoe isnt far at all. I often pick up friends from Berkley on my way to Tahoe all the time - its about 2.5hrs to the parking lot @ Squaw from University Ave.

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Slow down there...I have to say, from first hand experience, if you are after social life, Berkeley is NOT high on that list.

Clout, academia, Nobel Prizes...check...

As for social life, I shudder at the thought of attending Berkeley for undergrad...

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Originally Posted by cranked

Slow down there...I have to say, from first hand experience, if you are after social life, Berkeley is NOT high on that list.

Clout, academia, Nobel Prizes...check...

As for social life, I shudder at the thought of attending Berkeley for undergrad...

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have you ever been to berkley on a Friday or Saturday nite? What about a football gameday? Being in a fraternity helps a lot for social connections, and from the frat guys that ive hung out with are awsome. Berkley has a crazy social life, you just gotta know where to look

EDIT: i just saw that you posted from firsthand experience. Recent first hand experience? Cause i was there a few weeks ago for a concert at nite followed by homecoming the next afternoon and it was non-stop all nite

I went to University of Portland so that I could study abroad at their campus in Salzburg Austria.

Four days/week of classes, easy train access to the Swiss/Austrian/Italian Alps, Austrian/Bavarian beer, girls

tough to beat all that

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Originally Posted by mc_roon

have you ever been to berkley on a Friday or Saturday nite? What about a football gameday? Being in a fraternity helps a lot for social connections, and from the frat guys that ive hung out with are awsome. Berkley has a crazy social life, you just gotta know where to look

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There are definitely good times to be had...as with any school. I truly believe no matter where you go, it is all about finding your groove. I have had some incredible times there, I just can't put it in the same class as places like FSU, UT, MU Ohio, Mich, SDSU, Madison, etc...now, I wouldn't put those schools in the same class academically as Berkeley, so it is the balance you are after.

Again...good times to be had, just not 'insane'...especially when factoring in the women.

http://img16.imagevenue.com/loc242/t...47975_3727.jpg

Yeah, would have to argue against the no social life at Berkeley argument. There are plenty of undergrads who choose not to have a social life, but they must actively choose to ignore all the crazy shit going on around them. Hell, all in my grad program party like freshmen. But as previously said, it's gotten a helluva lot harder to get in here as an undergrad. And it can be quite difficult for science majors to get the classes they need.

I may be biased, but do check out Davis. Close(r) to Tahoe, fun (& huge) ski/snowboard club, lots of partying, and the sciences are damn good, if not as well known as UCLA and Cal. The club arranges cabin trips to Tahoe every weekend as well as an out of state "all cal", a Tahoe "Nor Cal", and a Mammoth "So Cal" all with the rest of the UC's. Oh, and Houseboats, Memorial Day, Shasta.

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Originally Posted by Ireallyliketoski

Go wherever you'll graduate with the least amount of debt. Just say no to student loans. Go Rhode Island College Anchormen!!

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Good ole Ric. The only place where a "ref beats his wife" chant is commonplace at all sporting events.

And yes, let the money sort itself out and go to a place you love and (*cough cough*) provides a good education. Congrats.

if this college thing doesn't work out, ye can always help willy unclog toilets.

Speaking as a current undergraduate Berkeley student, I can say that we defiantly get to ski a lot here. I'm part of the Cal ski team, and we go up every weekend. Now this also depends on your major, but if you stick with environmental, you'll get plenty plenty of free time on your hands. (I'm an electrical Engineer, I have little social life outside the team, my teachers suck the life away from me. Such is the pains of being in the top 3 programs for EE)

Also, when applying I was debating between McGill and Berkeley; I would say McGill is an AWESOME school as well.

If you get into Cal, I recommend it over McGill; but if not, McGill is great stuff.

As for everyone talking about the social life at Cal, it goes in seasons, homecoming weekend for example is a constant party, while 2 weeks later you'll be hard pressed to find a party.

If you know the right people, you can always find a party though.

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Originally Posted by ptavv

I went to University of Portland so that I could study abroad at their campus in Salzburg Austria.

Four days/week of classes, easy train access to the Swiss/Austrian/Italian Alps, Austrian/Bavarian beer, girls

tough to beat all that

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How long did your study abroad last?

Any other SCU broncos here?

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Originally Posted by KingLouis

Speaking as a current undergraduate Berkeley student, I can say that we defiantly get to ski a lot here. I'm part of the Cal ski team, and we go up every weekend. Now this also depends on your major, but if you stick with environmental, you'll get plenty plenty of free time on your hands. (I'm an electrical Engineer, I have little social life outside the team, my teachers suck the life away from me. Such is the pains of being in the top 3 programs for EE)

Also, when applying I was debating between McGill and Berkeley; I would say McGill is an AWESOME school as well.

If you get into Cal, I recommend it over McGill; but if not, McGill is great stuff.

As for everyone talking about the social life at Cal, it goes in seasons, homecoming weekend for example is a constant party, while 2 weeks later you'll be hard pressed to find a party.

If you know the right people, you can always find a party though.

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As a former Cal ski teamer with a degree in Mech. Engineering I can confirm this. I skied four days a week during the winter.

my granddad had best finals in law studies in bavaria and that is like in germany of the year but i did not study although i do read a lot of scientific american etc.
"the solution" does not seem to be a ski college either i better like to hang out between my ma and other people then whoom go off 4 years or 6 to a college or the air force or whatever i lived in cali for a year oxford for a years and london and did many 3 month holidays to the us but i much missed my ma always now i move "with her" i think college kids become really terrible monsters beiing torn away from their ma and home etc that pay back mankind for this rupture all their lives see redstone and clinton blair and even bush
i tried to skip school as i could and skipped kindergarden
mankinf is koyaniskatsi and tearing kids into preschools schools and worst colleges all away from their my and family and homes creates the psychos of terror that roam this world
but the oxford deacon awarded me with professorates once on tv and also i was invited to do research in stanford in a permanet position but i hoped to feel and find more soul in hollywood movies music - but there are people there who are in for money and they ruin everthing

please, be anyone so sweet to find the typos in what i just did? that would be so sweet !

please, be anyone so sweet to find the typos in what i just did? that would be so sweet !

the german word for college is internat pretty much and that is to kids like the death penalty

there must be methods to make yanks that can murder with so much passion from intelligent humans littel adults as kids already crime slavery the death penalty the abundance of guns drugs high school college the social role an employee can play if employeed etc USA is like AD&D to me ! sure if someone says move into a big villa a present to you in the US i wont say no but really like most countries few people will escape normal society being a torture machine - so I go outdoors to be alone !

they have : ski internat ! already hitler knew so well that kids need someone to look after them , need something to do !

What are your guy's feelings about Montanta State vs. CU Boulder? Im thinking about going into enviromental science and/or ceramics...

Depends on where you want to live/work. Anywhere outside of Montana Idaho, Eastern Washington, Oregon I would choose CU. Has a much more national reputation