<p>Well, I’m not sure that my financial aid is going to supplement my family’s funds enough to attend Dartmouth. My parents are amazingly frugal, so we have a lot of money saved up. Instead of just abandoning Dartmouth altogether, though, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to go to Dartmouth for at least one year, since there’s no graduate program and it’s nearly impossible to transfer in later (and I wouldn’t want to, anyway). We have more than enough money to do so for that time period. I wouldn’t have to worry about blowing cash at Dartmouth, since our huge Wisconsin taxes make tuition at UW-Madison a breeze.</p>
<p>So, would it be a good idea to go to Dartmouth for my freshman year, knowing full-well that I’ll miss a year with my friends at UW and that I won’t be able to get the top Dartmouth professors in any high level political science or theology courses, but gaining both memories and connections for later on in life in the process?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t give up hope so easily. Ask for a reevaluation of your financial aid. When I was in the application process, I asked for a reevaluation and received several thousand dollars more in grants. </p>
<p>It’s sad that the college financial aid process penalizes people for saving money, but it’s true. </p>
<p>As someone who decided not to go to the People’s Republic of Madison, however, I can honestly say I have never looked back and I feel that I have many opportunities here that I would never have there.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine doing that. You grow with your class and forge bonds that get stronger as time goes on. Usually your freshman year friends are lasting and people you bond strongly with. You’d be missing that at UW and you would probably lose the Dartmouth bonds if you left so early. </p>
<p>I also think it would just be incredibly painful to have to leave a place you will love.</p>
<p>Ghaleon, there is always a way. The benefits of D long term are worth taking loans. Forty grand sounds like a ton now but it won’t be when you’re a Wall Street i-banker making $90K at the age of 23. CaAn Wisconsin do that for you??? Don’t CLOSE DOORS by being penny wise and dollar foolish! You were handed a brass ring here.</p>