<p>I narrowed down the list of colleges I got accepted to… I am debating between Syracuse and Fordham(campus at Lincoln Center).
I’m from New York City and if I go to Fordham I will be a commuter student. Whereas in Syracuse I will be dorming and (possible enjoy the college life?) Got into the arts&sciences program for both schools since am not sure what I want to do yet. But I am leaning towards environmental studies, econ or math. I got into the Discovery Florence Program for Syracuse which will allow me to study in Florence the first semester of my freshman year. </p>
<p>Financial aid…
I got 53k out of 64k for Syracuse.
Still did not get my finaid package from Fordham but I got in through the HEOP program, so I assume it’s going to cover most of it?</p>
<p>I was waitlisted at Uchicago which was my top choice. 
What are the odds of getting off the waitlist? I expressed my interest for uchicago to my regional counselor, and I also got my teacher to write me a recommendation(an alumni of uchicago) to send to them. But I feel like I shouldn’t get my hopes up and I should just focus of choosing a school that I will be happy for the next 4 years…</p>
<p>Thank you guys! </p>
<p>@tk21769 I’ve read both the blog post and the thread before. But thank you!!! :)</p>
<p>I’m not sure about the waitlist, but I would think (not a college student yet, just based on what I’ve seen in other threads) that having a full college experience should be a top priority. Being a commuter just isn’t the same as living on/near the college, and will (hopefully) give you a sense of independence. Just my two cents. </p>
<p>@broncosboy thank you! I do want to give Syracuse a try to experience the campus life. If I don’t like it I guess I can always transfer back? or just suck it up lol.</p>
<p>Do not counting on Uchicago wait list go to Syracuse. When my DD applied for Chicago, she was one of the lucky 14 to get off the wait list for that year, out of 1000’s. And if you are looking for FA, I think you should kiss it goodbye.</p>
<p>@artloversplus I did figured I should just focus on choosing the right school for the next 4 years instead of holding on to my waitlist(which will probably turns out into a final rejection anyway). If you don’t mind answering, why Syracuse over Fordham? this is my dilemma now :(</p>
<p>may 1st is approaching! any suggestions guys?</p>
<p>I would go with Syracuse because 1° you’ll get to discover an amazing new country and a beautiful city, learn a little about a new language, and bond with other students in an incredible setting then 2° have a complete college experience, living on campus and experiencing life away from the city and your family.
Plus costs sound reasonable (can you and your parents afford Syracuse)?</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 Thank you! I am leaning more towards Syracuse because I do want the college experience and Florence is a beautiful city. The reason why I’m still debating is I’m not sure which school is better in the academic aspect ;</p>
<p>Both are very good. Ultimately, it’ll also depend on what YOU do while there - if you choose to waste away your days&nights partying and playing Call of Duty, or if you throw yourself into your classes, getting to know your professors, participating in clubs and activities, looking for opportunities, etc.</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 True. Being self disciplined is very important. I’m scared to I would only have associates rather than real friends from Fordham, because I will be commuting and most of the people dorm and have their own group of friends. I’ve seen commuter students at Fordham complained about not enjoying the college experience because it was hard to attend every single events that are happening in the residence hall.</p>
<p>I don’t think there’s a true downside to Syracuse, really. You get the academics and the experience, plus a tremendous study abroad opportunity. </p>
<p>You got $53k out of 64k for Syracuse? How much of that is loans? What (if any) are the restrictions on that offer, ie a minimum 3.0 GPA, and is it guaranteed for all four years? Also, when will you know the bottom line of your costs at Fordham? I wouldn’t presume anything until you see it in writing. Get your parent or counselor to help you call Monday.</p>
<p>Both are good schools though–and Florence is beautiful.</p>
<p>For 11K/year Syracuse is a bargain to have. I bet the Fordham FA package is no where near Syracuse. The two schools are comparable in academics and I have several friends/relatives from either school and they are all fine with job hunting.</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 Youa are right. I did some research on study abroad for both schools and it seems like Syracuse has a lot to offer! </p>
<p>@Picapole My bad! I actually got 57k out of 65k(the 65k includes other educational costs/transportation and etc. is the number Syracuse estimated). There is $7500 loans in the 57k I got. Which mean I will have to pay 8k out of my own pocket each year? </p>
<p>I am not sure about the restrictions on the offer, I guess I will have to call Syracuse again and ask them about it. I’m currently on spring break and my school counselor is no help(she only helps her favorites), I did the whole college application process by myself. My parents do not speak English so I just did all the research online and listened to a few of my older friends for advice. </p>
<p>@artloversplus I won’t be getting my Fordham FA package till the 28th which is a few days away from may 1st… I wonder what is taking so long for my FA to come out 
Also I don’t know if it will be worth it to wait till the 28th and decide last minute. </p>
<p>cyt311, you are doing an amazing job, coming this far virtually on your own. But I’d really love to see another trusted adult sit down and look at this offer with you. I’m worried you’re missing some critical information potentially.</p>
<p>Typically there will be a list of what all your expenses are at Syracuse and then a second list of all of the different sources of the money that will make up the $65,000. So that $,8000 could be all that your parents have to pay…but there could be a second Parent Plus Loan or other costs that may change your mind about whether it’s worth it to go to Syracuse or not. (ie how loaded down with debt will you be?)</p>
<p>I hesitate to have you put every single number on the internet though. Can you think of anyone to help you… Does your school have only one counselor? A favorite teacher or coach? A wise older cousin or family friend who recently went to college, perhaps is a young professional now? Does one of your school friends have a wise dad or mom who could look over the offer with you?</p>
<p>Definitely dig into this before April 28. I would also have someone call Fordham with you and push them to get an offer on the table sooner. That is astonishing they would wait that long. Also ask them if any financial paperwork is missing. Good luck to you! </p>