<p>@mamaroneck, I know it’s located in the “not-so-nice” part of Galesburg, but I don’t really mind that- I don’t live in the nicest of neighborhood as it is! The town has a lot of history, it used to be a major railroad hub; you can imagine its not facing a very promising future in that particular avenue anymore…</p>
<p>How’d the decision go, if you don’t mind my asking? Where are you headed this fall?</p>
<p>I have until Saturday to decide; i’m 90% sure on Sewanee! I have some doubts- its more expensive, weaker in International Relations, and I still feel like I might be out of place- but there is just something that draws me to it! I really like Knox, a whole lot, but Sewanee’s charm has held me enthralled 
What year did you graduate , Djstroud? What was your major? </p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for taking the time to give me advice. Ill be sure to post my final decision!</p>
<p>I was actually an international politics major! And my professors included a negotiator of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and my advisor was a former minister of state for Liberia! </p>
<p>Our international program is great and you realy don’t need to worry about that.</p>
<p>As for me, I graduated in 2007 (elected to the bd of trustees this year), and have been working in politics since then and have been pretty surprised by how many other Sewanee folks are out here. </p>
<p>Glad you’re leaning towards Sewanee! Hope to see you there this fall! Again, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at djstroud(a)gmail.com. </p>
<p>Thanks, and good luck!</p>
<p>YSR!</p>
<p>I just sent my deposit to Sewanee! </p>
<p>I explained my financial situation to the financial Aid office, and they promptly raised my award 1500 in grants and 1000 in perkins loans </p>
<p>Thank you all for your assistance in helping me decide this! I’m sure it will be a great experience. </p>
<p>@Djstroud, I’m going to email you right now with some questions!</p>
<p>Congrats!! Enjoy all the preparations and every little bit you save now will make it much more affordable/less stressful during the actual school year. Make sure to put Ding! from Southwest on your computer to look for cheap airfare. And the earlier you pick your classes with book lists the earlier you can start looking for books on ebay, craigs list, half.com, amazon (used books market), b & n used books…and other students on campus wanting to sell as well.</p>
<p>Same thing with financial aid, they are there to help. The earlier you file next year the better your package. Be mindful of early deadlines for summer programs and summer internships. Keep in mind that you will probably need at least one letter of rec for any summer programs, and then later for grad schools. Being a smaller school you will be able to develop those relationships early.</p>
<p>Have fun, this is the start of a wonderful journey, keep your perspective and be your own best advocate.</p>
<p>Congrats again!</p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>AttilaTheFun…so impressive. Sewanee really values you and for good reason! </p>
<p>College is a level playing field where who has a lot of cash means less and less and who has great character really shines. (And I don’t mean to imply those things are exclusive…plenty of kids from homes with money have fantastic parents who are doing great things in this world and are deep thinkers…not my point.) What I mean is that college is a place where personal qualities come forward for all and make or break the way the four years are used.</p>
<p>What I mean is for you to not let having less cash chill your enthusiasm for your new college opportunities at all. Instead, be the best version of who you are and who you can become and you will be surprised at how all will fall into place and how much people will appreciate you for who you are. </p>
<p>You will meet a lot of people that you will come to love and respect greatly soon. Congratulations and have a wonderful four years in your new college home.</p>
<p>Congrats on going to Sewanee!! I hope you enjoy your time there a much as I did! Please feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions or need any help! </p>
<p>YSR & EQB!!</p>