You continue to impress me with your thoughtfulness throughout this process. Because of that thoughtfulness, I don’t think there’s a bad choice you can make here. Right now it sounds like you’ve got four great options and that you will be able to thrive at any of them. Looking forward to hearing how this all plays out!
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More updates:
I got my FA package for Muhlenberg and they were incredibly generous. COA is only $9K or $14K without loans! I am adding them back into consideration. I am frustrated that I haven’t visited and I definitely would have if I had this info earlier.
Ithaca estimated COA: $24K
Sonoma State COA: $15K
Marist COA: $37K
Sarah Lawrence COA: $45K
UMaine COA: $19K
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Wow, congrats on a great package from Muhlenberg! It seems to really fit your criteria well, too.
Would you be able to visit if they extended the response deadline for you? I’ll bet that if you contacted admissions and explained that they only just made it affordable and you need more time to get there for a visit before you’d be able to commit, they would extend for you. You could commit to whatever your other front-runner is, in the meantime.
Muhlenberg’s price beats every other real contender by such a good margin, and the “vibe” and programming seem like they’d be as good as the other contenders or possibly even better. The cost of a trip out to see it would be a drop in the bucket compared to the cost difference relative to most of the others. What’s the net cost for Drew?
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That is a good idea. I’m in the spring musical at school the next 2 weeks but after that I might be able to squeeze in a trip if I find a cheap enough flight.
I still haven’t received a package from Drew. They extended their deadline to June 1st so I’m guessing they are behind. I will email them today. Do you think I should have my mom call on Monday (It’s easier for her to call from work than for me to call from school)?
Well, you could make the call yourself, before school, since it’s 3 hrs later there. But I understand that things are pretty crunched for you right now, and I imagine a call from your mom could probably achieve the same outcome.
A lot of financial-aid-related stuff is delayed because of the whole FAFSA mess, so there will be a lot of deadline-extensions. I don’t think this is a big ask, at all. (Just make sure you take AP test dates into account, if you plan a trip in May.)
Sorry if I missed it - all these on the East Coast - have you been to any? If so, which are favored? Have you seen U Maine as it’s also low in cost on your list.
The update on campus visits and front-runners is just a few posts up.
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I think it’s okay if your mom calls, but better if you do, as long as you are not pressed for time between classes. If the time zone difference works in your favor, probably best if you call.
ahh - no maine, sonoma state and agnes scott. thanks
well it’s great OP has choices - and given the desire to hear from drew, maybe a favorite…
Edited to say I was talking about Muhlenberg, not Drew. Fine for parents to call about financial aid issues.
Also it looks like muhlenberg has a program where you can shadow a student for a day. Is that of interest?
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Sounds like the front runners could be Drew and Muhlenberg, both sound really affordable and good fits. I hope they can extend their deadline due to the FA just getting to you and your hope you can visit sibce they’ve become serious contenders.
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Just to clarify, OP has visited Drew, but not Muhlenberg, I believe.
Yes, you’re right, I jumped the gun, not yet! Drew may remain THE front runner but Muhlenberg shares enough characteristics and is affordable enough that I figured, if not a front runner, it’s probably among the top contenders, right?
Fingers crossed 
@onipl can go and visit after the spring musical and compare it to the other front runners.
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Definitely ask mom to call on your behalf. I did it for my daughter explaining that she was in classes. They will understand.
What are your deadlines at other schools? Is it possible to push them?
Everyone understands FAFSA mess this year.
Explain that you didn’t get FA from every school yet and that you need to compare all packages to make sound decisions. They do not need to know any details or that you need to visit some schools now.
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I have committed to Drew! I am so grateful for all of your help and encouragement!
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Thank you for letting us know and congratulations! 
Ultimately what tilted your decision to Drew?
Drew ended up being one of my most affordable options at $15k per year. I loved the professors I met there. They were really accessible and engaging. I like the small, tight knit community and quiet campus. I love all of the trees! I love that the city is so close but I can return to my suburban campus bubble. It is super easy to travel there. It’s a direct flight and 20 minute Uber. I will be able to do everything that interests me no matter what I choose as my major. There is a focus on internship experiences and the NY semester programs are very interesting. Ultimately it just felt like the right blend of new and comfortable for me.
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Thank you for the detailed reply. It sounds like Drew is the perfect college for you!
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Congratulations, and wishing you a wonderful time in college!
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