Ok, so as I am a senior, college is right around the corner. I am basically considering 3 schools right now. The first college I am considering is about two hours away from home, making it far enough to give me space from my family but still close enough to come back and see them. College 2 and 3 are both located about 1500 miles away in Salt Lake City utah. Although the distance is a considerable distance from home, both colleges have 30 minute access to the best skiing on the planet, which is a major plus for me. The negative of colleges 2 and 3 is that I would also be 1500 miles away from my current gf of nearly 4 years who is attending a college very close to college 1. Now here is where it gets even more confusing. College 1, which is currently my favored choice, has offered me a scholarship package that would make the cost of attending about $15,000 per year (that includes room and board). I won't hear back from college 2 until first week of april about scholarships and their current package would make it about $18,000 a year to attend. College 3 is the least favorite of the three and is much bigger, however, they have just offered me a full tuition scholarship. Because of the scholarship, it will only cost $6,500 to cover room and board. My current plan is to wait on college 2's scholarships and then go to college 1 and ask if they will match or make an offer to counter the best scholarship I will have by then, whether it is from college 2 or 3. Oh and here is the other kicker to make it even a littl more confusing. Because I allready have so much college credit racked up I will likely be able to graduate in 2.5-3 years max, which will reduce college cost. Also, I have about $80,000 in inheritance. I know that reducing costs is very important, but at the same time it isn't exactly THE MOST IMPORTANT as all of the colleges tuition is relatively affordable for me. What do you guys think. My brain is about to explode!
College Decisions?
March 23rd, 2008 at 01:00 am
March 23rd, 2008 at 02:09 am 1206238147
March 23rd, 2008 at 03:36 am 1206243410
atarting out in life with student loans or much debt is a bad idea. best of luck with your decision.
March 23rd, 2008 at 06:30 am 1206253837
Hang in there! You're doing good!
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:26 pm 1206275175
I was offered a full-tuition scholarship to a large university in my home state, about an hour from home. I also had a scholarship from a program I had completed in high school that covered all my other expenses, even giving me a check back every semester as extra. Now, as the years continued and tuition increased, I had very little extra back, but at least tuition was covered. Looking back, I am so glad I decided to attend this university, because there are so many other expenses that go along with college!
For me, I was completely independent, so I had to pay for rent, utilities, books, meals, towing bills (it happens alot on that campus lol), and any emergency medical expenses, etc. If you'll notice my blog, that's where I racked up most of my credit card balance. I worked 30 hours a week while taking 18 hours of classes, but it still wasn't enough to cover everything.
So if they offer what you want to major in, and you feel like the name of the institute itself will read well on a resume, I would go with them! Happy Easter, and good luck!
March 23rd, 2008 at 01:08 pm 1206277736
Good luck but take the full ride it will be well worth it in the end
March 23rd, 2008 at 01:33 pm 1206279209
I wouldn't base my decisions to attend a school based on proximity to friends or family. The fact that they're all offering scholarships to one degree or another is great, but choose the school that you believe can do the best in helping you launch your career after graduation.
March 23rd, 2008 at 02:55 pm 1206284107
Likewise, if it is the best school, close to your family, and your gf, sounds like the best bet to me.
The school you go to in year 1 is not the school you are locked into for your entire college career. Likewise, the story I am used to hearing is that going far away to college was too much. I think it is safer to stick close to home. You certainly have the means.
As far as being an actuary (my SIL is one) it doesn't strike me that the school you go to really matters. As long as it has a strong math program.
My perspective. But only you will know what is best for YOU. Good Luck!!!
March 23rd, 2008 at 03:25 pm 1206285925
March 28th, 2008 at 10:11 pm 1206742266
April 21st, 2008 at 07:33 pm 1208806425
Do NOT base your choice on the closest ski resort. You will regret it.
May 20th, 2008 at 12:29 am 1211243379
Go to the place that will make you happy. If being near gf, family, and familiar surroundings is important, do it. I know of too many people who went to schools for the wrong reasons (like how much scholarship $$).
That said, pick the best school you can, within the parameter of making you happy. You might take a philosophy class and decide that is your dream, or you might decide to be a nurse or major in music. Don't close any doors now. College is the time to explore. You are obviously very mature, but don't be in too big a hurry to grow up. Enjoy this time, and remember the saying about "do what you love and the money will follow." I made a mistake of choosing a job in which I could be very successful (engineering--I'm a girl!), but that I didn't love. Wasted time.
Be happy. And good luck!