Hi - We’re trying to decide between Hofstra and McDaniel (in Westminster MD) and Manhattan College. Our son wants to study exercise science and really prefers Hofstra because of its size (larger), location (near NYC), the Exercise program, and the learning support program (he has learning disabilities). McDaniel seems nice and supportive – and also has a support program – but he doesn’t like how small it is or that it’s not near NYC (where we’re from). Hofstra is much more expensive for us after the grants/scholarships – about $20k+ a year. Also, to keep his scholarship at hofstra, he has to keep a 3.0, which could be challenging for a student with learning needs – at least at first. At McDaniel, which is much more generous, he only needs a 2.0. Manhattan is sort of in the running – it is close, slightly less expensive, and only requires a 2.0 to keep the scholarship, but lacks a support program. Any advice on how to weight???
Looks like you have some great choices. As you are down to three schools it might be helpful for you to take a deeper dive into each of the specific programs.
How many students are in the program at each school?
What internship opportunities are available?
Compare the curriculum for each program, do they have an accelerated masters program?
Does your son want to have easy access to the city? Getting into Manhattan is a lot easier from MC than Hofstra.
Would he need external support at Manahattan?
Did you attend any accepted student days?
Dig a little deeper into the Scholarship requirements? Is there a probation period? What support services do they provide?
The one thing to remember is there is no wrong choice.
Will your son use the support programs? Many schools have them but the students refuse to use them, to ask for accommodations.
McDaniel is remote to a kid who grew up in the city. He could get to Baltimore, DC, or even Harrisburg, but it isn’t easy.
My daughter had a 3.0 requirement for one scholarship, 2.8 for her big one. She knew she’d have to transfer if she lost that big scholarship, but it was never a problem. Sometimes the requirement is not a bad thing as it inspires the student to do better.
Are you sure Manhattan lacks support?
Then McDaniel- $20K a year is a lot - and you’re not in a high paid major.
Oh, I see he wants to be near NYC. One might ask then - how you found the school?
I always say it’s good to get out of your comfort zone. If it’s not his comfort zone to be far away, then I get it.
But at the same time, $80K is a lot of money - and as he’ll learn later in life there are tradeoffs.
Countless kids end up at a school they don’t desire but go for monetary purposes and end up loving it. And countless kids go to their dream school - and hate it.
Good luck in whatever you choose - but i would double check Manhattan College - in regards to support services.