didican

I need help here. I was accepted to CUA with a very nice merit award, the admissions officer called me personally to say how pleased he was that I had applied and everyone there has been SO nice! But CUA was my second choice school. I was waitlisted by the University of Delaware, which was my first choice school because they offer a major in Art Conservation.

I received a package today saying that I had been accepted to UD - but with no merit award - and actually the letter kind of sounded like they were doing me a favor. I really like UD, but I feel like it would be almost disloyal for me to accept their offer after CUA has been so good to me.

Art Conservation is my goal, but I figured that I would major in Art History at CUA and then apply for admission to a college in Europe for a Masters in Conservation.

I don't know what to do - help please!

ahoo2u

I wouldn't load myself up with loans for the next four years if I were considering Grad school. So if no merit means loans - think VERY carefully, about the money part...probably our economy is only going to get worse.

Wouln't worry about the 'disloyal' feeling....thousands of kids turn down schools for lesser reasons. But be aware, the majority of students change majors after they get exposed to a few courses and professors that influence them.

In your major, compare the study abroad programs, you may want Europe sooner than 4 years from now...to test your career choice or look at grad programs ahead of time.

You might also consider internships, call or e-mail someone at CUA dept or search their web site to get an idea if student have had internships in your field. One internship in your field may outweight the diffence in the courses.

Washington DC is a really nice cultural life-style for 4 years

UD - you'll be staying on campus, foot-ball , school spirit kind of place, which is important too.

didican

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I have decided on UD, and am pleased with the decision. It was very hard for me to E-mail the admissions officer at CUA to explain after everyone there has been so gracious and generous to me.

In the end, however, UD is in my best interest. I fully intend to pay forward the kindness done to me. Perhaps someday I will have the opportunity to restore a priceless work in the Basilica - and when I do it will be my finest.

didican

You know....I just want to add that even though I won't be in DC for college- I sure am glad that UD is close by because the thought of being away from the Lunder Conservation Center, the National Archives, and the National Gallery of Art - is just more than I can stand!

They are all right on the drive home for the week end - how lucky is that!

kmaqMom

Didican~
Your posts on this topic have been mature and heartfelt. As difficult as it was for you, I'm sure the people at Catholic saw and appreciated this as well. I read your post on the UD board and your excitement fairly jumped off the screen...it's obvious that's where you belong. Best of luck to you.

didican

kmaqMom -

Wow. Thank you so much for the kind words. It really matters to me that you actually took the time to respond. Thank you.