<p>Hey guys, so I want to to go Alabama for college, but my parents say I can only use that as a backup plan and I have to go to CLU, the school they want me to go to if I get in. But even if I do get in Im still leaning toward Bama. How do I convince them to let me go?</p>
<p>Who is paying?</p>
<p>If you are in line for one of the big merit-based scholarships to 'Bama, and you can afford to go there without one penny of help from your parents, then go ahead. However, if they are the ones shelling out the money, in the end they are going to be the ones to decide. Sit down with them and find out how much they are ready and willing to pay for your education, and under what specific terms. That way you will know if there is room for negotiation or not.</p>
<p>Why do they prefer CLU?</p>
<p>Thanks, they are willing to pay, but the thing is Alabama is 18 grand cheaper than CLU so money is not an issue. You are right if they play they choose, but any ideas on friendly negotiation tactics would be great. Also, a partial scholarship is not out of the question.</p>
<p>In state and smaller. However, I don’t have a problem with a big school, but they think its not ideal. Also, they say I have never been so I wouldn’t know if I like it, but visiting it would solve that problem</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s fair to bump mom and dad to the sideline if the OP is receiving a full pay merit scholarship. Yes, he should get to choose his school, but there are ways to do this. </p>
<p>OP, what are your parents reasons for wanting you to choose CLU? Are most of those things available to you at Bama? Is it possible for you to visit Bama with your parents? Are there any alumni chapters in your area that might have some recruiting functions. They can be very persuasive for parents as well when other Bama parents talk about how well their kids are doing. You’re going to need to appeal to them in a mature way and assure them that you are taking their considerations as important factors as well. It may be a long process to get to a compromise. It’s only October. Give it a bit of time. Bama’s an excellent school. They may just need time to get used to the idea. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m a slow typer and crossed posts. Are you eligible for the Honors College? This gives you smaller experience in a larger school. Also head to the Bama forum. There are parents from all over that will help you network. It’s possible some are in your area and will let you know of local events, etc.</p>
<p>thanks blueiguana! The main reasons for them is size and location. But Bama has everything else CLU has and more. So story goes that I brought up bama and they said no way. but I convinced them to take me to a Bama function and the no went to a maybe. I just gotta get it to a yes</p>
<p>thanks will do. no not honors college, but I have a nice chance to get some out of state fees waived. But I will check the Bama forums</p>
<p>Tell us why you want to go to 'Bama. And is CLU Cal Lutheran?</p>
<p>yeah Cal Lutheran. Well I have many reasons, but I love the football, not only to watch but to create a possible marketing internship. (thats my intended major) Also, I have lived in Cali my whole life and want to try something different, and college is the perfect time for that. Also, I really like the southern hospitality and the people there. Plus Bama has my classes and major. Also i would like to play for their rugby team. Also, if this helps i have good grades and have never gotten into an ounce of trouble. Thanks</p>
<p>those were just a few of many reasons.</p>
<p>I had a long post written out, but it got eaten. 
</p>
<p>I like the way you’ve taken baby steps; you’ve already gone from a no to a maybe. :D</p>
<p>Because 'Bama is $18K cheaper, ask them to invest a few hundred dollars into an overnight visit for all of you. Sometimes, it’s the unknown that worries parents. Maybe, once they get there and they see how happy you are and what a great place it is (I assume, never been there) then they’ll be less resistant to you going. Have you visited already? If I’m a parent I would be wary of letting my kid go some place they just imagine they’ll like without having set foot on campus. Ds is at a faraway LAC that he liked on his initial visit, but when he went for a second look I went with him, and it was the best money I ever spent because I fell in love with the place and knew he’d be happy there. Now, when he talks about walking into town or going to the rec center, etc., I can see it all in my mind. It’s comforting. Think they’d go for a visit?</p>
<p>Great thanks. Yeah, I bet I could get em to do that. Yeah makes sense that they would feel more comfortable after a visit</p>