Grinnell vs Macalester vs Coe

happymomof1
Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:18:21 +0000

You need to find out very specifically whether or not your CC, CIS, and AP credits can count toward your degree if you go to Macalester or Grinnell. Pick up the phone and call them and ask. Have them send you an email that details which credits will count, and which won’t. That way you will have it in writing.

Let each of the coaches (and the financial aid offices) know that you have a better offer on the table, and that even though you truly prefer their institution, in the end money will probably talk. Ask if they could possibly “reconsider” your aid package.

Then, go sit down with your parents. Look at the numbers. Is that scholarship at Coe renewable, and under what terms? Do you have to maintain a certain GPA? How much can your family pay for out of pocket each year, and how much will you have to pay for in federal student loans, private loans, parent loans, money earned from your summer and/or school year jobs?

If you choose Coe, what can the difference in cost mean for you? A semester abroad? An unpaid summer internship? Graduating a semester or a year sooner may not be the biggest advantage of choosing a less expensive college.

Lastly, what about your sport? Would you still like these three colleges if an injury sidelines you permanently? Is part of your scholarship dependent on playing that sport?

You do have a lot to think about! These all are great colleges. You can be very happy at any of them.

Wishing you all the best.