<p>I just don’t think that Syracuse is all that. I live in an area where several kids go to Syracuse and their parents think it’s the bee’s knees. I’m sorry but I just don’t see it. If money is not a concern, fine, but there is no way that Syracuse is any better on an ROI basis than any NE state flagship, In fact, I’d pick Rutgers NB, Binghamton, Stony Brook, Penn State, Pitt, UConn over Syracuse without any agony. I’m just really puzzled at the view that Indiana is “beneath” Syracuse in any meaningful way. Also, Syracuse (the town) is not a cultural hotbed of excellence or diversity. I’m not saying Syracuse is not a good school in several respects, but there is no distinguishing feature there that makes it better than Indiana.</p>
<p>Something doesn’t ring true about jiminy’s parents’ financial situation. They sound like they have plenty of money if they moved from an affluent suburb to Manhattan and don’t seem to be scrimping or being frugal in any way. Based on what jiminy has said about her parents’ methods, my guess is that this story of them taking out loans is either entirely false, or else the loans are for a relatively small amount. I think jiminy will never know exactly how much her parents did or did not take out in loans, and her parents will never actually ask her to pay them back. They’ll just mention it every time they want to make the post-college jiminy feel guilty. And I think jiminy knows this on some level, or she’d be a lot more worried about how she was ever going to repay this debt.</p>
<p>I think it’s very common for kids to be in the dark about their parents’ finances (as well as how much the parents will need for retirement and what state their finances for that are). Many of us would not make the choices the OP is making, but she appears to have turned down most of the suggestions that she consider IU and Syracuse both unaffordable. She has also vetoed most of the other suggestions, including taking a gap year, going to a CC or in-state U or a U where she might get a full ride, so not much more can be suggested.</p>
<p>I understand you really like IU, but I think the first thing you need to do is visit. Many times schools aren’t like we picture them. Tell your parents that if they agree to a trip to Indiana, you’ll revisit Syracuse with an open mind, but only if they don’t expect you to pay back huge amounts of loans. It’s just not worth it, especially if it’s not your top choice.</p>
<p>With that being said, my husband is a Syracuse Alumnus who absolutely loved the school and feels he got a world class education. The city of Syracuse is obviously not Manhattan but there’s plenty to do on campus. You can sometimes fly to NY for $70, the train travels to NY directly and daily. There’s a direct bus service because many upstate schools have downstate students. If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I went to an upstate school but spent a lot of time on the Syracuse campus and I can ask my husband. I know you said your father went to SU, but maybe we could answer from a different perspective. We still live in the general area. </p>
<p>JC, do you know anyone happily attending IU whose parents might share their experience with yours? Or can you arrange a conversation with your parents and HS counselor? The alumni office at IU should be able to provide names of active alums in NY you could bring into the discussion. It might be that a respected adult might be a good ally.<br>
Lots of great students love IU and come out of there with strong credentials for good careers. Get some names of distinguished graduates to help make your case.
In the end, though, you may be faced with accepting your parents’ wishes or if you feel strongly enough, taking out loans and self-financing now. That’s a huge step, but one I wish I’d taken 40 years ago when my parents didn’t want me to go to college out of state. </p>
<p>Understand who’s money you are using first. Obviously, you as a teenager can’t afford the tuition for any of those schools. Your parents want you to go to a school where the name is well known for a reason: they want you to succeed. You think otherwise because you “like IU”. I suggest you visit some of the schools you really are considering and bring your parents along as well. Let everyone listen to the information sessions. The. Have a “meeting” with your parents to consider all the pros and cons of each school. I’m sure then a decision can be made.</p>
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<p>The problem is that the parents want to lend the money to the student to eventually pay back the whole price of the college later, and the parents’ choice of college (Syracuse) is more expensive than the student’s choice of college (Indiana) (although it may well be that both are too expensive). In effect, the parents are spending the student’s (future) money.</p>
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<p>You’re also assuming the parents are well-informed about what big names will help in the hiring process. </p>
<p>As someone who is from the NYC area and familiar with Syracuse’s perception in the tri-state, it has high loyalty among Orangemen. However, with the exception of a few key programs which the OP ISN’T planning on pursuing, it’s academic reputation even within the NE region is middling at best. </p>
<p>My impression is the OP’s parents aren’t aware of this factor and are basing their preference on their limited social circle and assumptions private U is always > public u. </p>
<p>Not necessarily…</p>
<p>Maybe try a ny state honors program - hunter and other cuny/suny schools give full ride to some students plus honors I think. My stats sucked compared to other students, and I still got a phone interview 2 years ago when applying - you got a chance!</p>
<p>If the OP is a senior, and it sounds like she is, then it is too late for her to start applying to (most) other schools. There are a few of course that still have openings, but other than taking a gap year, her current options are her options.</p>
<p>Jiminy joined CC on 3/20 and last checked in on 3/30 (4 days ago), so I think she’s made her decision and won’t be following most of the advice here. </p>
<p>“You may have heard the Navy has suspended The Blue Angels due to budget cuts.”</p>
<p>The Blue Angels are touring again, btw. It’s a great recruiting tool.</p>