I got into USC which has now become my top choice, but I received no financial aid and it comes out $72k. I have two other siblings also going to college next year, and I don’t understand why we didn’t get any financial aid having three kids in college at once. USD gave me lots of financial aid coming down to $23k, and I would be in the Honors Program there. I also got into UC Davis which is about 2 hours from home for me.
Yesterday, I found out I got waitlisted at Georgetown which was also right up there for me with USC.
I’m very grateful to be getting into these schools in the first place and to be considered for the waitlist for Georgetown.
Does anybody have advice in terms of the waitlist, lack of financial aid and what to do, and how to make a decision for these schools?
What was the parental price limit your parents previously told you?
If you and your parents have not done the financial planning yet, do it now so that you and they know what is affordable without compromising your parents’ retirement or your siblings’ college funding. Be aware that when they finish school, financial aid for you may get worse.
I can’t speak to the financial aid issue, as I am only a student, but in terms of the waitlist at Georgetown from what I have garnered through CC is that in most cases, a WL is a soft rejection. You should treat it at such (don’t hope to get off it) and deposit somewhere you have been accepted by May 1.
There are things you can do to better your chances of getting off the WL. Start by sending a Letter of Continued Interest. State that Georgetown is your #1 and you will attend if admitted (if that is true). Include any pertinent updates in this letter. Have your GC call on your behalf.
One cautionary note I will add is that sometimes by the time a school turns to the waitlist most of the financial aid has been allocated already (I have certainly heard anecdotes that schools may prefer to take full pay kids off the waitlist).
I am a triplet, so my parents are waiting to see what the other schools provide for my siblings but so far it hasn’t been much. My parents are going to call USC tomorrow and ask them a few questions. My dad said a USC education may have far more benefits that could pay off in the future, but I don’t want to put that pressure on my family $72k a year.
Well, your Dad needs to know that he will be paying for it for many years, if you and your family take on that kind of debt. It will pay off in the future because you will get to spend more quality time at home after graduation.
The USC alumni will help you with jobs, but they aint gonna pay your $2K a month loans. You won’t be able to get out of debt for a number of years. Get ready to ride Mom and Dad’s couch.