@JBSeattle why do you think Manhattan College is a better opportunity? Western is incredibly well respected locally, we know many successful graduates, both recent and my age.
It’s a great school in a beautiful location and lots of small class sizes as well. Not to mention nice on the wallet! It sounds like she is making a very smart and responsible choice.
@seabay I agree, it depends on the kid. For some the LAC and closer relationship with faculty will make a huge difference, for others they really don’t want a college the size of their high school.
We tried to find opportunities that offered a bit of both. A small college within a mid sized university that got my kid into his major classes immediately and out in the files for one and another that offered the kind of program he wanted with co op opportunities he wouldn’t have found elsewhere.
While we loved the idea of an LAC for both, we could not find any that offered what these two mid sized universities did.
@eandesmom
Manhattan really sets the students up career and internship wise. I also value the small school experience and LACs highly. Then again not sure that all of this is really worth the price difference.
I just am not sure if we went overboard on the financial part with her as I want her to make the decision.
She is undecided on many things so maybe Western is right for her. I just think Ohio Wesleyan checks off all the boxes but Delaware, Ohio may as well be Siberia or Damascus as far as she is concerned.
@JBSeattle These are tough choices for such young people, but a great exercise to go through. If she is really undecided, then the good financial choice is a very savvy move. There are so many opportunities that come up during the college years that they can’t even anticipate. So not worrying about paying for college will free her up to pursue them. I don’t know either of the schools well, but it sounds like she is doing her due diligence. As per the school size discussion we’ve been having on this board, she might have to go out of her comfort zone a little more at a bigger school in order to get internships/research etc, but she will be stronger for it.
Also, pushing her towards Ohio when she doesn’t want to go, could backfire badly.
@JBSeattle if she is undecided, Western is a great option. She can always transfer and there may be other LAC options that end up suiting her better that maybe weren’t on the radar initially. My UVM kid really considered transferring back to Western due to $$ worries on his end and questioning whether it was worth it. It was short lived and he is fine but be aware that could happen too.
Then again he was too lazy (or not concerned enough) to fill out transfer paperwork so there is that. I said I’d support it but he had to do the work.
@eandesmom
My daughter could be like that to. She thought about transferring from her private HS to public after 1 year but that had 0 to do with finances.
I like that she could graduate in 5 years from Manhattan with an MBA. But, she seems to see that as a benefit but unsure if it is what she really wants.
Will let her make these last few calls/visit Western (only 1 1/2 hour away by car) then make the decision.
Thanks for the input.
@Acersaccharum
Not forcing her to go anywhere. It is her choice but point taken.
Just asking…but is the hesitation behind not committing to WWU the idea that its just not that inspiring of a choice. I think most are agreeing that its the most sensible choice, but kids (and parents) want something to be excited about. I don’t mean to diminish some very serious deliberations that are taking place in our homes. Trust me, we’re struggling with it too. I know we’re down to WWU, WSU and a couple of NW LACs. They all have their pluses and minuses…especially for the kids that reside in this group.
@seabay
A little bit I suppose. I am giving her alot of financial motivation ($40k at the end). And, I think it would be awesome for her to have that as a head start on a house/condo etc. Plus if she wants to later live near Seattle then WWU would make sense.
I am not discouraging her regardless.
There are pros and cons to everything like you indicate.
What are the NW LACs your child is considering?
She was also not happy that she did not make Honors at WWU although it appears it was awfully tough.
@JBSeattle Seattle U and U Portland are strong contenders with UPS as a distinct, but not likely prospect. BTW, did you and yours consider any other in state options? What separated WWU from the regional pack for you?
@seabay
Initially my daughter refused to apply anywhere in state. She then very reluctantly applied to WWU. She did not want to go to college in Seattle/home and thinks Eastern WA is middle of nowhere. That pretty much left Western as a public option. She visited several other PAC NW schools like Portland, Lewis and Clark etc but did not want to apply.
I hear good things about UPS.
This is a duplicate posting from the main 2019 page…
So - we have one commitment! S2 has turned down the place at NYU/Tisch/Clive Davis in favor of the Pennoni Honors accelerated BS/MBA program at Drexel. We have a Dragon in the house!! Just need S1 to decide between his top three - and we’ll be done. I am close to a commitment myself - but maybe not the good kind. Lol
@Britmom5 Congrats on your sons decision!
Also posted to the big thread - S is headed to UMass Amherst next year.!
@Britmom5 Congrats! 1 down, 1 to go! I’m hoping we are finally close to a final decision for my D. 
(It’s been hard for her because she was so “sure” about Hampshire and nowhere else has felt quite as perfect.)
To those of you familiar with the PNW and especially University of Puget Sound, we have a family friend whose grades fall either in this range or maybe slightly above (3.5 max), but he also has a ACT score of 35. He is interested in applying to UPS next year but also will need very significant aid. Does anyone know whether this is even a possibility at UPS outside of their special Posse scholars program or special full ride scholarships.
Thanks @rfm512! I have a feeling that’s why S1 hasnt committed yet. UMass Amherst is still in the top three - but, it isn’t Hampshire. Obviously there would be overlaps - and it does have his major - and, now that Ken Burns is spearheading the fundraising - who knows? Just wasn’t the right timing for any of it. Best of luck to your daughter
S2 even has a roommate lined up! How’s that for decisiveness!
@Britmom5 That is decisive! Wow, I hadn’t heard the update about Ken Burns - that sounds promising! The timing was definitely about as bad as it could be for our kids, but it sounds like all our kids had a successful college admissions season despite the early challenges. What are the other remaining options for your S2?