May 2009 Archives

I have a few weeks to make a decision on which undergrad I am going to accept. I do not have as many choices as I had hoped, but I am glad that at least I do have choices. It boils down to Columbia University, University of California Davis, and University of California Santa Barbara. I am still waiting on University of Toronto but am growing disgruntled that they refuse to make a decision because I have one outstanding class (even though I have received straight A's in all other eight of my classes). So unless something happens, I think I am ruling them out. I also have the option of appealing the decision at Berkeley, but I am not confident it will change anything and I am not excited about having to wait another six weeks.

Check out my undergraduate voting page, choose your school, and leave me a comment on why you choose that one.

I called HBS admissions today to try and ascertain the best path I should take in the coming years to place me at a competitive advantage as an applicant. The gentlemen I spoke to was very friendly, however, could not offer me any specific advice. He answered a few of my program specific questions, mostly about the 2+2 Program, but other than that it was a very brief call.

He did, however, let me know that the "prestige" factor of one's undergraduate school is not viewed that highly in comparison to other criteria, such as leadership (this one is greatly important). In so many words he said that it is far more important to be actively involved in leadership and community activities then it is to pursue high test scores and grades. I found that rather interesting.

Right now I am struggling with whether or not I should drop $116,500 on my undergraduate education at Columbia or less then $40,000 at UC Davis (these amounts include tuition and living expenses). Looking at the numbers it seems Davis is the smart choice.