Money vs. Research

RaoulDuke
Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:12:34 +0000

Hey all, I’ve narrowed my choices down to two colleges - The Ohio State University and Louisiana State University. These are motivated partially by financial concerns - my parents put a cap on what I can spend at 100,000, meaning that OSU is the only state school that’s in-budget (I’m out of state but with a scholarship). I received a tuition exemption from LSU, so I would need to spend 10,000 a year there as opposed to the 25000 I’d need to spend at OSU, completely expending my “fund” and having to take out loans for grad school. Basically I’m looking at a whole host of questions - if I go to LSU, it would be with the intent to transfer to a place like UofC or WUSTL; I’d like to go someplace that would be “worth it.” Chiefly - how difficult would it be to transfer from LSU (hopefully their honors college) to someplace like the aforementioned? If I attended OSU and transferred, are there transfer scholarships available for “high-class” schools like those to defer the cost? Essentially, I’d like some input from someone that has been in this situation, as well as general college-choosing tips from those who’ve had to choose between cost and a place they like. I do like OSU; the fact that they push undergraduate research as much as they do is a pull. Any sort of information would be appreciated, and I can elaborate on anything if anyone asks.

(stats- 33 ACT

2190 SAT - 800 CR, 660 M, 730 W

3.3 ACT

Illinois (North shore high school)

Decent EC’s - sports, music.)