<p>Any suggestions about how to get incoming 2013 student to see the light? Harvard['s financial aid is way better than the alternative school (Yale), which offered 15% less. “But everyone was so friendly and happy at Yale!” <em>sigh</em> It is unfortunate that the student can’t take a gap year, to develop a better understanding after (say) working for a while, out in the real world, but, alas, it’s not possible.</p>
<p>^ We’re down to a money issue too. Harvard offered the best package. S is at the pre-frosh program now. I hope everyone is “friendly and happy” at Harvard and this tilts the balance. In my view, with all other things being equal, money is the deciding factor. But I would rather he make the decision.</p>
<p>EngProfMom, you should contact Yale’s financial aid office if you haven’t already. In situations like these, schools are often willing to match what a competitor has offered.</p>
<p>Ronsard-m’aimait… Your Daughter will get the names of her roommates before she leaves for Harvard and should discuss that she will be alone on move in day. Generally the roommates are so excited to contact each other and discuss who will bring what etc. I am sure that one of her roommates parents would be willing to pitch in. Also the Key Club is there to help carry stuff etc. When my daughter moved in My husband and I took several kids out to Target, Staples etc. and helped everyone put stuff together once back in the room. Later that evening we (all roommates and parents left) ended up all going out to dinner, two of the girls parents had left and of course we included them and bought their dinners as well. </p>
<p>Financial Aide at Harvard is stellar. The differerence between our Harvard and MIT offer is 23,000 and I am coming to the conclusion that in the end it just doesn’t make sense to spend the extra dollars when you are comparing two great schools unless your child has his heart set on one or the other. I do agree that you should call Yale and ask them why the discrepancy if you child’s heart is set on Yale. Would also love to hear feed back from Prefrosh from any parents as my son was not able to go.</p>
<p>EngProgMom you wrote:
“It is unfortunate that the student can’t take a gap year, to develop a better understanding after (say) working for a while, out in the real world, but, alas, it’s not possible.”</p>
<p>What does that mean? Are you really worried about her ultimate welfare if she chooses Yale?</p>
<p>^ Read EngProf Mom’s entire post. She is talking about finances and encouraging her daughter to understand earning money. Havard is offering much more aid. She is not insulting Yale.</p>
<p>Thanks curious77. I did read it, but I guess I misunderstood. Sorry about that EngProgMom!</p>
<p>^ that’s okay - DD just got back from Harvard pre-Frosh. She had a wonderful time and tells me that she loved visiting classes today!</p>
<p>Ok son pressed the button this morning and he’s going to Harvard!! We are happy that he finally made his decision and that he is excited about it and our checkbook is relieved that he chose Harvard. Of course freshman D is over the moon that her brother will be joining her. Good luck to all you out there still making your decisions and thanks to all of your for your advice and support!!!</p>
<p>Congratulations EAO1227!</p>
<p>EngProgMom - My D1 had a class-visiting experience during her Pre-frosh that got her pretty pumped up. She was in a class that was discussing migrant labor and they’d read a book by a well-known Chinese author who lives in Hong Kong. Someone in the class had a question about what the professor thought the author had meant in a chapter. The prof wasn’t sure but said, “You know, I think I have him on speed dial - let’s see if they’re still awake in Hong Kong.” He called, the author answered, and his cell phone was passed around the room while the students chatted with the author.</p>
<p>Congratulations! Remember to book your hotel for Freshmen Parents Weekend: October 23-24, 2009 !</p>
<p>that sounds like a great experience for your dtr gadad! nice</p>
<p>What Fauve says is a good idea. Bear in mind though that last year, the Parents Association set their date for Freshman Parents Weekend before the fall football schedule was released, then had to change the date to make it line up with a home game. As of today, there is still no 2009 football schedule published, so keep checking back on the Parents Association site to see if the FPW dates are the same.</p>
<p>good point! ^^^</p>
<p>Thanks Gadad, you are right I remember this from last year! Can’t believe this year is almost over!</p>
<p>Yale may compare the package this year with Harvard if you ask them to but my concern was what about the remaining three years? Yale did give us a better package when we asked them to compare but nothing close to Harvard.
D also had the impression that Yale was the happier place. She ended up choosing H and has no regrets.</p>
<p>Good advice Gadad! And by the way, are you on the Crimson payroll ? They should indeed be rewarding your extensive, articulate, dedicated support of all things Harvard! ;)</p>
<p>My kid called home about that Harvard dentistry school is closed as they have found a person with the virus. However, rest of Harvard University remained open.</p>
<p>You can read the latest Harvard update on the H1N1 Link on the first page at harvard dot edu. They have also called off classes at Harvard Medical School since those students work closely with the Dentistry students. (Total of 9 Dentistry students suspected of being ill now.)</p>