<p>I was very fortunate to not only be accepted to SMU, but also to receive a very generous amount of money in scholarships. Unfortunately, the money I have received has not entirely been enough. I have heard that SMU scholarships come in at different times until May 1st, so for the last couple of months I have been hoping more scholarships would arrive. About two days ago, I received my Financial Aid Package, which was made up of the scholarship money I was given. I am guessing that this means that no more scholarships will come in.
I would very much like to attend SMU, but with its price tag, I do not know if that would be a good choice… I have been very fortunate to also have received full rides to LSU and to WSU. Although these colleges are not of the same caliber as SMU, the full rides make them seem as them more financially correct options. When I discussed this with my parents, I was told not to worry about money when making my decision. This was said before finding out that one of my sisters has decided to go to college (LSU) for one more year, which means that my parents will not only have to pay for my tuition, but also my sister’s (which is full tuition for LSU).
Now to my questions: Is it an option to ask to be considered for more scholarship money? Is it possible to be ask to be in a work study program? Or would this be considered rude?</p>
<p>I understand your dilemma. I was in a similar situation as of a month or so ago. I assume you didn’t get enough money from FAFSA? I think the best way for me to explain your options is to give you my own personal example.</p>
<p>I want to major in biology and eventually study medicine. So since I’m eventually going to have to go on to graduate school and spend a butt load of money then, I might as well save as much money to earn my undergraduate degree now. The medical school I attend is going to be more important than which undergraduate college I attend - so save now, spend later.</p>
<p>So my question to you is, do you plan on attending graduate school? Be it law, medicine, earning a doctorate, masters, etc? If you are, then the best course of action (in my opinion) would probably be attend the school that isn’t as expensive and save your money for the most important part of your education - grad school.</p>
<p>Of course, that doesn’t mean attend a really crappy school - I’m not telling you to do that. And LSU is a really good school - a Tier 1 actually and ranked 128 nationally (US news and world report: [Louisiana</a> State University–Baton Rouge - Best Colleges - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/baton-rouge-la/lsu-baton-rouge-2010]Louisiana”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/baton-rouge-la/lsu-baton-rouge-2010)) which is great. </p>
<p>However, if you plan on completing your bachelor’s and ending there, then you might want to consider SMU if that’s where you really want to go since it is slightly more prestigious and has a higher rank but still a Tier 1. </p>
<p>At SMU, they do have work study programs and student employment ([SMU:</a> Financial Aid - Student Employment](<a href=“http://smu.edu/Financial_Aid/StEmploy.asp]SMU:”>http://smu.edu/Financial_Aid/StEmploy.asp)). I don’t think it’s rude. If you need something, go get it - I doubt they just hand out employment to anyone. There’s nothing wrong with asking and you won’t be judged.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>