Need Help Deciding on a School

kb2013
Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:07:55 +0000

So, I know it’s late in the game, but I’ve narrowed my college list down to four:

UMass Amherst (in state)
University of Vermont
University of Wisconsin - Madison
University of Washington

I would choose either UW Madison or UW Seattle in a heartbeat. I love those schools, and I absolutely love the academic rigor and atmosphere of both schools, but being out of state, they can be quite pricey and don’t give the best financial aid ever (mostly loans).

UW Madison, in its net price calculator, showed that I am -eligible- for some grant aid.
UW Seattle offered me loans. However, I live in Mass. and work part time for a big drug store chain as a cashier. I called one of the stores near campus today and discussed transferring there with a manager and she’s looking into it, so that’s a big, big possible plus because I either borrow less or start repaying loans while in school?

I also got into UMass Amherst and UVM. UMass Amherst is in state and offered me a good chunk of aid. UVM is out-of-state, but they gave me a TON of financial aid (merit scholarship plus some wicked awesome out of state grant thing they apparently give!)

UMass Amherst is a great school. Granted, It’s been my dream to go further away to school, but I suppose after the initial disappointment of staying local(ish) I would be okay. And I know a few people who go there, so that’s a plus. And western Mass is really nice!

I’ve slowly become really, really fond of UVM. Beautiful campus, nice city, and the academics seem really good. I could see myself being very happy at UVM, and it being a cheaper option would really be okay with me.

My mom and dad don’t seem that worried financially though. I’ve run it by them and they seem to think I should go to the dream school. Perhaps I’m being paranoid, like my dad says I am, but I can’t help but think that maybe they’re actually worried financially and just aren’t telling me because they want what’s best for me, and I guess it doesn’t hurt that my sister didn’t want to go to college. But I mean, sure I’d be a little bummed about staying in New England, but I’m sure I’d be fine at UMass Amherst or UVM.

As parents, what do you guys think?

I’m sorry this is so long and rambly. Thanks for your time!