It's difficult to make a wrong choice given factors like this.There are a few variables still left but we just got several good news that pretty much sealed the deal in favor of UF. (It finally tilted the wife's preference.)I am following what is happening?
1. Last week, she got accepted to UF (which was expected).
2. Yesterday, I took my daughter to UF to meet with professors/advisor/several club leaders and see the dorm. One computer engineering professor even told DD to work in his robotics lab starting this Fall. Every student we met was so positive. All the juniors/seniors had internship/jobs secured. I can picture my daughter will grow and succeed in that peer environment.
3. Finally, a few hours ago, she received the merit scholarship email from UF. The total package with the already eligible scholarships is full tuition + $20k/yr stipend. This UF merit scholarship was unexpected, as she hasn't received any school merit scholarship from other schools yet. This recognition from UF tipped the scale.
I really appreciate all the diverse opinions this community provided. They were instrumental in convincing my wife and me. Of course, the final decision will be made by the daughter and I believe all 3 are on the same page for the 1st time in years.
It helps to be (merit scholarship) part of an "elite" within any group - the status often imbues the student with extra drive and focus (there's a huge amount of research that has shown this*).
I imagine she will have a great 4 years there - intellectually but also emotionally. What a great start in life.
* mostly in education contexts. But also something like Israel. The elite units of the IDF get the best 19 year olds (fighter pilots,Special Forces, paratroops, marines, intelligence & electronic warfare etc) who then go on to get the best jobs after university (the big 3 consultancies, investment banks etc).
Statistics: Posted by Valuethinker — Thu Feb 29, 2024 3:08 am — Replies 335 — Views 24157