lizbobiz

I applied as a transfer student knowing that I probably wouldn't receive any aid if accepted, and unfortunately my assumptions were correct! My parents had told me they would help pay, but they never really gave it much thought as to how they would pay until after I got accepted. They're considering taking out loans that will amount to 150k plus interest. They are really supportive, but is it really worth it? I really want to study film, and I'm not even sure how good the program is at Bryn Mawr. Are there a lot of women who are interested in film studies or plan on working in the film industry? That's a problem I face at my current school. I basically get paid to attend the university of florida, but I really don't want to go back for social and academic reasons. What would you do in my current situation? Is happiness worth so much money?

brillar

Would your aid increase next year? Also consider that BMC has been hinting about going loan-free next year, but I'm not sure if that would affect you if you aren't getting any aid at all. Is it more because you're a transfer, or would you not actually qualify for need based aid?

I'm not sure, I don't know how unhappy you are in FL... Personally, I just wouldn't be able to do it because currently my mom wouldn't even be able to pay interest on the loans you're describing, and I'm planning on being a teacher so it would be super-difficult for me to pay that much money back later... If you think you can do it, try going for it, especially if your aid will increase next year.

That's a tough decision, good luck.

b@r!um

The film studies program is small. It offers only a minor and there is no film studies department; all courses are offered through other departments like English, German or Itlian. Typical courses include:

Women and Cinema: Social Agency and Cultural Representation
Identification in the Cinema
Topics in Film Studies: Queer Cinema
Shakespeare on Film
History of Cinema, 1895-1945
German Cinema

You could take opportunity of Swarthmore's Film and Media Studies department, but building your schedule around Swat classes can be tricky. (There is only one van going to Swat every 60-90 minutes, and it is not always coordinated ideally with the time slots for classes.)

I really hate discouraging people from coming to Bryn Mawr because it is such a great place and I love it, but am not sure if it is worth $150K+ of debt.