liek0806

yeah moi, that sounded weird how they'd be willing to pay for you to travel out and visit, yet wouldn't shell out any merit money. you should definitely ask. keep us updated. or even ask if they can bring their cost down just to meet the price it would cost you to attend berkeley. that way it will turn into a decision of which school you likes best, and no longer an issue if it will be wrong to go with the logical(cheap) school.

moi26

I think the problem is that I didn't apply for financial aid (I wouldn't qualify), and they don't give merit aid. I'll still ask, maybe there's some sort of scholarship, or they'll just find some money for me magically! That would be great, as you said, because my decision wouldn't have to factor in the financial aspect. The one thing that would still be logical about Berkeley is the reputation, but I would definitely be willing to give that up. I'll try giving them a call on Monday, thanks for the idea!

liek0806

you can technically still submit your fafsa. all schools will accept it at any time, it just means there wont be as many funds available by that time.

moi26

hmm, I'm not sure that a FAFSA would help me, because I won't qualify for financial aid... I'll ask them, though, thanks!

moi26

so here's the latest news:

- Wesleyan can't bring the cost down any because they don't give out any merit aid. They did offer to have the president call my parents, though!

- Berkeley doesn't officially give credit for the French Bac, but I will just have to negotiate my credits with each department. I've contacted a few UCB students that went to my high school to get an idea of how and how many credits they were able to get. I should be hearing back from them in the next few days. Also, I've asked to sit in on one of their classes, but I think most of them have finals, so I'm not sure that will be possible.

katliamom

thanks for the update, moi -- and of course let us know what you ultimately decide

moi26

thanks! I'm leaning more and more towards Berkeley. I'm trying to figure out what I will do with my fall semester. For example, I was wondering if I could take classes at Berkeley in the fall if I live at home. If not, I'm going to be looking at travel/volunteering/internship opportunities...

DunninLA

moi - here is the reply from my neighbor, the Jr. at Berkeley, in answer to my question about whether spring admittance makes it difficult to fit in:

"I would say it does make it harder. As a spring admit myself, people are just not as friendly as they are in the first two weeks in August, when they don't know anybody. However, given that, I still created an excellent fit for myself, so though it takes a little more effort, it's totally doable.

An easy way to guarantee yourself to fit in somewhere is to join a team, club, or group such as model united nations team, or a fraternity or sorority. Through campus organizations, it becomes easy to meet many individuals and find your place.

Hope this helps. Keep in mind that Berkeley is an awesome place, has any type of individual you are looking for, and is Berkeley."

moi26

hey dunninLA, thanks so much for the info! interesting thoughts, good to know! I'm still hoping to be allowed to take classes while living at home for the first semester, which would make it easier to make friends, learn my way around, etc. I'll let you know if/when I hear back...