Hello, hello dearest eight people!
I thought I should clear up and articulate my situation in a less jokey way and answer some questions:
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First, I’ve pretty confidently narrowed my decision down to UIUC and Pomona.
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Second, my information is given on the ‘chance me’ linked kindly above, with a few exceptions, mainly that my family’s financial situation has drastically changed since that time, and I’ve been having to navigate appeals. The appeals have not developed, but my family income is now around 30k-60k. The costs (with FAFSA submitted with old info) for Pomona are looking around 70k and UIUC around 40k. Pomona would have been manageable before developments, but I’m in a bit of a weird spot now, and will be depending on the financial aid appeal + the amount my parents have saved + scholarships + possibly small loans. That said, Pomona is still on the tougher end of doable according to my parents.
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Third, my intended areas of study have not changed.
Addressing other questions:
- Post-graduation goals:
- Likely graduate studies, though I’m not entirely decided on whether I’ll pursue physics or English. I hope to figure out for sure in my time at college.
- Career goal (similar but separate):
- I believe I would like to remain in academia, and while unlikely, the dream job is professorship in the major I choose to pursue.
- Geography:
- A minor factor, but I don’t entirely love California. Mainly the weather, but I would probably accept having to wear shorts if I would be wearing them to a 10 person class taught by a renowned professor. One of the few times I would tolerate shorts. My goodness do I despise shorts.
Please let me know if I can answer any more questions!